Hi Howard and Nate --

Here is the info you are looking for based on a review of Ripken's H & B factory records:

Howard -- The first documnted order of Model S188 bats sent to Cal Ripken Jr for his professional use occurred on 2/23/90 which consisted of 18 bats, no finish (blonde) 35 inches in length and 33 ounces in weight. Two subsequent orders in June, 1990 totaling 24 bats were sent to him that also had no finish (blonde) and measured 35 inches and weighed 32 ounces. There were also two orders of S188 that had a black finish which do not match your bat -- 12 of these were cupped, and 12 were not. Both of those orders also measured 34 1/2 inches and weighed 31 or 32 ounces. No further orders of Model S188 are documented in Ripken's factory records until 1999 when 3 orders of no finish (blonde) bats totaling 46 bats were shipped to him, all 35 inches and 33 ounces. There is no documentation that any Ripken Model S188 bats were ever sent to any promotional company or other miscellaneous destination during his career -- all were sent to Ripken for his professional use.

Nate -- Regarding a blond 1985 Model P72 Ripken bat, documentation exists that only one order matching that description was sent to Ripken for his professional use in 1985, totaling 18 bats that were 35 inches in length and weighed 33 ounces. Other Model P72 bats sent to Ripken in 1985 for professional use had a Walker finish (black with a white handle). Unfortunately , a significant number of Model P72 Ripken bats (Flame Tempered) were distributed in 1985 for promotioal purposes, including some that were 35 inches / 33 ounces. Thus, for P72 Ripken bats in 1985 (actually in all labeling periods) you must go beyond the model and dimensions and look for specific Ripken game use characteristics and the provenance of the specific bat, due to the many promotional bats made throughout his career, often in dimensions that matched his professional model bats.

Good luck in future collecting.

Mike