Used actually isn't the right word-abused is more like it. OAL (Budry) ball with the special Ripken 8 stamping is dirty and ugly from its time on the diamond with Major League Baseball's most faithful employee. Sweet spot verifying signature is from Orioles hurler Scott Erickson, who has noted the game count and date on the ball as well. No worries about this record-there's no chance it will ever be topped.