- Best baseball player in history - Cal Ripken Jr.
- Cal Ripken Jr. going by a well-deserved alias as the “iron man” a title he earned undoubtedly for his outstanding work with a bat. Even, with bragging rights of exceptional context Carl was a down to earth person with an attitude to match his persona. He was a surprisingly humble man with a domineer that stood out from the rest. His strong ties to his fans and the image he portrayed acted as a plus to the game more so even contributing to the business side of the game. He played for the Orioles; a team that created its own landmark by maintaining an upward run without relents through the sixties to the eighties. The oriels consisted of strong players’ each with a considerable input to the team's success though it was well evident that Ripken got the last laugh. His love for the game knew no bounds that even after his retirement in 2001 he took his passion back home building a stadium in honor of his father (Seidel xiii).
- It was 1960 at the month of august 24 when the rolling stone that was Calvin Edward Ripken first touched ground (Doeden 5) with the pleasure going to the Havre de grace, Maryland. It was evident that, from just a toddler, Carl had already fixated his life progression to match that of his father. With Cal, Sr., his father laying out a detailed print for junior to trample on his life as a baseball player was more ordained than perceived. His father played for Baltimore Orioles in the minor league. A true enthusiast of the game cal accompanied his father on his tours while playing for his team learning more on the game and the ethics surrounding it. At the minor age of three, he had already fixated his eye on the major league without exceptions. He was exceptionally keen when watching live games and always questioned other players at the end of various games. At the tip, of his career Cal Sr. hit a dead end when a foul tip got his right shoulder ending his career indefinitely despite his persistence to the contrary(Doeden 7). One of baseball best players according to him Jim palmer went on to objectify his love for the game terming it as distinct (Doeden 7). His father undeterred by his incapacitation decided to become a coach for the little league. This gave Cal Jr. the plat form he so well deserved by default of his fathers new position. At the age, of 12 by became the batboy for his fathers’ team. Not wasting the opportunity, he quickly enhanced his ingenuity in the game catching stray balls when the hitters were carrying out their usual batting practices. Trending on his fathers footsteps, he went on to take the position of a catcher though he eventually switched to an outfield position and later pitching. His long line of victories started when he led his little team league to the state championship. He later joined high school lengthening the streak with championship victories at both his senior year and junior year. Even with a flock of titles to his name, he did not let his newly found fortune get the better of him. A perfectionist by default, and not one to beat his own drum he was always the first on practice and the last to leave the field. When his father joined orioles coaching staff, Cal was in 10th grade. It played a vital role to the fruition of his career as he met leading coaches who got impressed by his playing skills (Doeden 10). His Life as a baseball in Orioles began when he became part of their draft picks after completion of high school. Things were now looking up, as he was now a major league player just as he had planned. Some of his memorable matches included the 30th may 1982 match against Toronto blue jays. The Orioles took a loss on their part but put Cal’s name on the forefront. The year had marked the beginning of Ripken’s legacy with a mean streak that lasted 16 years from a whopping 2632 games (Bennett 273). His trail of victories went on to break Lou Gehrig’s record of 2130 games (Bennett 273) downing him the coveted title of iron man. When it rains it pours was but a formality for the new king of the game.
- Carl Ripken junior was able to attend all the baseball games during his carrier as a player. The reason for him to be able to accomplish this challenging task was that he had high ambitions of becoming the best player. He also tried to imitate his mentors in the game who had put much energy in making sure that they succeed in becoming the best baseball players. He emerged to be one of the most successful baseball players for being able to engage in the game for 21 years. History considers him the best baseball player for being an all star in this game for 19 times. He was the World Series champion in the year 1983. He also managed to win the Gold Glove Award in two concurrent years that is in 1991 and 1992. He managed to win the Silver Slugger Award for a period of 8 years. In the year 1983 and 1991, he was the winner of the AL MVP award. In 1982, he managed to win the AL Rookie of the year award. Both in the year 1991 and 2001, he was able to win the MLB All-Star Game MVP. In the year 1992, he was able to win two awards that include the Roberto Clemente and Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. Back in the year 1991, he emerged the winner of Home Run Derby award. All this achievements made him to be the best baseball player.
- He is currently the Baltimore franchise records title holder with a string of exceptional performances in home runs, total bases, runs, at bats to name but a few. His love for the game is beyond passion bordering more on an obsession in a figurative manner with consideration to his 162 simultaneous games. He even went on to say that, a pessimistic attitude was optimistic by his standards (Bennett 273). Ripken was more than a player he was a role model and a man worth the respect accorded to him. He reaffirmed his belief in the power of principled ethics as a factor to success by the testament of his life.
- Work cited
- Bennett, William J. The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood. Nashville, Tenn: Thomas Nelson, 2011. Print.
- Doeden, Matt. Cal Ripken, Jr. Minneapolis, MN: Twenty-First Century Books, 2009. Print.
- Seidel, Jeff. Baseball's Iron Man: Cal Ripkin Jr., a Tribute. Champaign, IL: Sports Pub, 2007. Print.
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