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Cal Ripken, Jr. biography

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Basebally player Cal Ripken, Jr. played 21 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles. By the time he retired in 2001, he set a new record by playing in 2,632 consecutive games.

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Cal Ripken, Jr., was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland on August 24, 1960. He joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1981 and was named Rookie of the Year in 1982. He stayed with the Orioles for his full 21-year MLB career. Ripken retired in 2001 and set a record for the most consecutive games played -- 2,632 total. He co-owns the Ripken Baseball Group with his brother Bill Ripken.

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Former professional baseball player, author, businessman, public speaker. Born on August 24, 1960, in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Known as the “Iron Man,” Cal Ripken, Jr., set a new baseball record for the most consecutive major league games played—a total of 2,632—beating Lou Gehrig’s previous record of 2,130 games. He showed his talent for the game early on and became a strong high school player. 

Reaching the major leagues in 1981, Ripken joined the Baltimore Orioles and was named the American League Rookie of the Year for his first full season the next year. He spent his entire 21-year career with the Orioles, playing shortstop and third base and winning many honors along the way for his accomplishments on the field. Ripken was named the American League's Most Valuable Player twice—once in 1983 and again in 1991. A strong hitter, he often hit more than 20 home runs per season and had a career total of 431. After 21 seasons with Orioles, Ripken retired from major league baseball in 2001. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.

Since retiring from the sport, Ripken has devoted his time to business endeavors and philanthropic work. He has written several books, including The Ripken Way: A Manual for Baseball and Life (1999) and Parenting Young Athletes the Ripken Way: Ensuring the Best Experience for Your Kids in Any Sport (2006). Ripken also serves as president and CEO of Ripken Baseball Group, which owns two minor league baseball teams and runs youth camps and clinics among other ventures. His brother, Bill Ripken, also a former major league baseball player, is a co-owner and executive vice president of the company.

The Ripken brothers played together professionally for a few years and were even coached by their father, Cal Ripken, Sr., for a season. They later established the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation in his honor. The organization runs baseball and softball programs for underprivileged children.

 

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