Hello Forum Readers:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cal-Ripken-Jr-Ga...QQcmdZViewItem

Below is a link to a current ebay auction featuring what is reported to be a 1983 Ripken game worn Orange Alternate jersey that is tagged 83 set 1 from the looks of it. It is a Wilson size 46 jersey. The pants also in the auction are Sand Knit and are tagged 86 according to what I can make out from the auction. I have asked the seller for some additional info. such as close-ups of the jersey tagging and internal wash tag. I have also asked for photos of the back of the jersey. I have asked as well why the seller is selling an 83 Orange Alt top with an 86 road grey pair of pants. The photo included in the auction does not really help anything because the pants are home white in the photo and the batting glove in the auction does not match the pair that Ripken is wearing in the photo.

What I am looking for is verification that Wilson was the manufacturer of the Orange alternates in 1983. I am pretty sure that they were. I am also looking to find out if anyone has any info on what size Ripken wore in 1983. I am familiar with the 1985 Sand knit road grey in which Ripken wore a size 44. I believe he wore a size 44 also in his Rookie jersey's in 81-82. I know that these were a different manufacturer assuming that the Wilson Alt Orange is the correct manufacturer so that could explain the size difference.

Additionally, does anyone have any idea how frequently the Orange Alt tops were worn by the Orioles during the 1983 season or in general during that time period. I am trying to locate that info. as well.

The photos are not the best but from what can be seen it does not look like the jersey saw heavy wear which would most likely be consistent with the Alternate jerseys.

I am fairly certain that the tagging on the 1986 road pants is correct in terms of manufacturer and year tagging etc. but if anyone can shed light on that please feel free.

Basically, if this would turn out to be what it is reported to be, then an 83 Ripken would be a very nice find.

Any feedback would be most helpful. I will attempt to get additional photos as I can as well.

Thanks