It was never about the 3,000 hits, nor was it about the 400 home runs.
It was never about the 19 All-Star appearances.
Nor was it ever about The Streak: his all-time, all-world record of 2,632 consecutive games played.
For Cal Ripken Jr., it was never about the numbers. It was about an undying love for the game, an unwavering dedication to himself, his family, his organization and his city. It was about unselfishness. It was about respect.
Most of all, it was about passion.
Being a native Baltimorean, I was lucky enough to witness more than my share of the legendary Oriole playing the sport he so loved. He never ceased to amaze me with his exploits on the field. He is certainly a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer in my eyes. But it was outside those white lines where Ripken truly made his mark.
We always knew exactly where to look for Ripken before the game during batting practice: standing next to the fence, pen in hand, signing dozens upon dozens of items. He signed for little, curly-haired kids like myself; he signed for old men who had seen ballplayers come and go, then come back again. He signed bats, balls, cards, hats, ticket stubs, pictures. He signed at home and on the road.
He signed with a genuine smile on his face. He signed willingly and enthusiastically. He signed just the way he played, with a passion.
And after all these years, the amazing thing is: Ripken still signs autographs -- before every game!
Ripken's legacy is secure. Many fans will remember him for his great talent or for how he revolutionized the game, a big man playing a little man's position. He paved the way for Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. He has hit more home runs than any shortstop in history. "C'mon Ripken, hit it in the bullpen," we used to say at Baltimore's old Memorial Stadium, where the bullpens sat beside the left field bleachers.
But those were never the reasons why Cal Ripken Jr. was so special.
It certainly won't be the same without that familiar No. 8 on the field for the Orioles. But there is still a chance to catch a last glimpse of our hero before he retires at the end of this season. The Ripken-led Orioles are in Atlanta for the final time this weekend. I have a feeling that our hero will be out there during batting practice once again, signing autographs for the masses.
He'll have that smile on his face, like there is no better place to be than on a baseball field.
You know what? Ripken's smile is contagious. I can't think of another place I would rather be this weekend, either.
» Jacob Pomrenke is a Baltimore native and was born the year that Cal Ripken Jr. began his consecutive games streak.
» More submissions
Copyright © 2001 by Jacob Pomrenke. Posted February 8, 2005.
BALLPLAYERS | TEAMS | CHRONOLOGY | TODAY | BOOKS | NEWSLETTER | ERRATA | FAQ
