Cal Ripken
Cal Ripken
Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken Jr., nicknamed "The Iron Man", is an American former baseball shortstop and third baseman who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseballfor the Baltimore Orioles. One of his position's most offensively productive players, Ripken compiled 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, and 1,695 runs batted in during his career, and he won two Gold Glove Awards for his defense. He was a 19-time All-Star and was twice named American LeagueMost Valuable Player. Ripken is best known for...
believe common compete connection courageous desire game great heart highest humbled linked love name names passion played spoken stand strongest team true truly
Tonight, I stand here, overwhelmed, as my name is linked with the great and courageous Lou Gehrig, ... I'm truly humbled to have our names spoken in the same breath. Some may think our strongest connection is because we played many consecutive games. Yet I believe in my heart that our true link is a common motivation-a love of the game of baseball, a passion for our team and a desire to compete on the very highest level.
amazed approach became everywhere games people relate school shape streak whether
Everywhere you go around the country, people relate to the consecutive games streak in one shape or form, whether it's school or how they approach their job. I'm still pretty amazed that it became a symbol. I didn't think it was that big a deal.
energy field game run
They said we'll never get this game going if you don't run around the field, ... I said I didn't have the energy to make it. They said, 'Then walk.'
against brought compete face favorite field game great joy loss people played puck remember saying smile
This is a great loss for baseball. Puck was one of my favorite people to compete against on the field and to be around off the field. I will always remember how Kirby played the game with joy and how he brought a smile to your face just by saying hello.
hands games focus
My approach to every game was to try to erase the games that were before and try to focus on the game at hand.
baseball kids games
I love baseball. The game allowed me the influence to impact kids in a positive way. This gives me a chance to talk to some social issues.
fall responsibility games
I don't love the idea of the responsibility falling on the manager. That just adds to their in-game responsibility.
stars team games
The last thing you want to do is go down in the history of All-Star game competition as the only injury (his nose was broken by Roberto Hernandez) sustained during the team picture.
responsibility games teammate
I always thought being a gamer and someone who had a sense of responsibility to the game and to my teammates was the honorable thing.
baseball love-you games
Whether your name is (Lou) Gehrig or (Cal) Ripken, (Joe) DiMaggio or (Jackie) Robinson, or that of some youngster who picks up his bat or puts on his glove, you are challenged by the game of baseball to do your very best day in and day out. That's all I've ever tried to do.
games trying today
Get in the game. Do the best you can. Try to make a contribution. Learn from today. Apply it to tomorrow.
criticism game learn listen might people player understand
You learn as a player not to listen to the criticism. Many of the people who put out that criticism might not be as accomplished, might not understand the game as well from the inside-out.
dad emotional might touch wish
It was an emotional night, an extraordinary moment, ... I wish Dad was there to touch and feel the stadium, but I think he might be with me now more than ever.
couple found interest last teaching
Baseball's in my blood... I've found out the last couple of years I've got a big interest in teaching baseball.