Cal Ripken Jr. biography, married, ex wife, kelly ripken, stats, experience, twitter, fangraphs, net worth

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<h2>Early Life and Background</h2>
<p><a href="/biography/cal-ripken-jr">Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr.</a>, known as Cal Ripken Jr., was born on August 24, 1960, in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He is the <a href="/biography/cal-ripken-jr">son</a> of Violet and <a href="/biography/cal-ripken-jr">Cal Ripken Sr.</a>, and of German and English ancestry. Ripken grew up in Aberdeen, Maryland, and attended Aberdeen High School, where he began his legendary baseball journey. His outstanding talent was evident early on, and in 1978, he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round of the MLB Draft.</p>

<h2>Major League Debut and Rise to Stardom</h2>
<p>Ripken made his Major League Baseball debut in 1981 with the Baltimore Orioles in a game against the Kansas City Royals. He recorded his first major league hit against the Chicago White Sox, with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Lamp">pitcher</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Lamp">Dennis Lamp</a> on the mound. His rookie season was impressive, earning him the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1982.</p>

<p>In 1983, Ripken signed a four-year contract with the Orioles worth $1 million per year. That same year marked his first appearance in the playoffs, during which he played a pivotal role in helping the Orioles win the AL East and, eventually, the World Series.</p>

<h2>Career Milestones and Accolades</h2>
<p>Ripken continued to build his legacy with the Orioles. In 1989, during a game against the Boston Red Sox, he delivered a game-winning hit that added to his growing reputation. Two years later in 1991, he had what many consider his career-best season, earning both the Gold Glove Award and being named MVP of the All-Star Game.</p>

<p>During the early 1990s, the Orioles encountered several contract negotiations, and in 1992, Ripken was at the center of discussions aimed at securing his future with the team. He remained a steady presence despite the off-field uncertainties.</p>
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<h2>Later Career and Position Change</h2>
<p>In 1994, Ripken hit his 300th career home run against the Milwaukee Brewers, with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Higuera">pitcher</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Higuera">Teddy Higuera</a> on the mound. Demonstrating his versatility in 1996, he transitioned from shortstop to third base to accommodate <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manny_Alexander">teammate</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manny_Alexander">Manny Alexander</a>. That season, Ripken made 163 game appearances, continuing his streak of reliability and endurance.</p>

<p>After 21 successful seasons, Ripken retired at the conclusion of the 2001 MLB season. His final game took place in October of that year, marking the end of a remarkable era in professional baseball.</p>

<h2>Charity Work and Post-Retirement Involvement</h2>
<p>Following his retirement, Ripken became actively involved in philanthropic efforts. He co-founded “Athletes for Hope,” a charitable organization aimed at encouraging professional athletes to support charitable causes. In 2007, Ripken expressed interest in purchasing the Baltimore Orioles from then-owner <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Angelos">Peter Angelos</a>, though the acquisition did not materialize. Later, he served as an advisor to the team, continuing his long-standing association with the franchise.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Baseball Statistics</h2>
<p>Ripken's legacy in baseball is profound. According to his profile on FanGraphs, he amassed 431 home runs and 3,184 hits over his 21-season career. His performance and endurance, exemplified by his record-setting consecutive games played streak, make him one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball history.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Publications</h2>
<p>Ripken married Kelly Geer in 1987, and the couple had two children, Rachel and Ryan. His son Ryan followed in his footsteps and also pursued a career in baseball. The couple divorced after a period of separation, which was publicly confirmed prior to the finalization of their divorce.</p>

<p>Ripken has an estimated net worth of approximately $75 million. While his current salary is not publicly disclosed, he remains a presence in the public eye through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. In collaboration with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Bryan">Mike Bryan</a>, he authored the book <em>The Only Way I Know</em>, which offers insights into his life and professional career on and off the field.</p>

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