Until recently, Cal Ripken held the record for the most homers by an Oriole shortstop. Let’s do a Ripken card!
Cal Ripken’s 1984 season was his third full year in the majors. There is no doubt however; he had already made his mark. His 1983 season was practically untouchable as shortstops go and opened up a new era for middle infielders who weren’t relegated as just good gloves.
Cal Ripken’s 1984 campaign was pretty formidable though. Batting .304, he collected 195 hits and 71 extra-base hits. That included 27 home runs. That helped him to a .510 slugging percentage. His 71 walks propelled his OBP to a .374 mark.
Of course, Cal Jr. played all 162 games. He started every one and was in the #3 spot in the lineup for Baltimore for each one.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 Totals | 162 | 162 | 716 | 641 | 103 | 195 | 37 | 7 | 27 | 86 | 2 | 71 | 89 | .304 | .374 | .510 |
Ripken’s Readout
Ripken’s 1984 card shows him to be a SS-9. Not bad at all. But it gets even better.
Ripken has power numbers befitting of a #3 hitter. He has numbers 1-4-5-6. I’m guessing his seven triples helped him get the 11-4.
He also has the hit numbers worthy of the third spot. APBA knighted him with a 44-7 plus a 55-7.
With 71 walks in 1984, Cal was due some 14s. APBA awarded him four of them. He only received three 13s. While he does receive two 31s, he may not be a good candidate to hit and run with. His power numbers will receive reduced value.
In 1984, the APBA card makers did a bit of musical chairs with the result numbers. The 12 was on 12 and the 25 (which is normally on 12) was moved to 52. I can assume that the conventional 27 (which is normally on 52) was moved to 23.
Looking at Don Mattingly’s 1984 card confirms this.
Overall, this a very strong card for its era and for Ripken’s position. Check out Cal’s 1991 card which I featured six years ago.
Thanks to Kevin Burghardt!
