Two million kids play little league baseball every year. In contrast, there are only 750 players in Major League Baseball. The chance of becoming a MLB player is very slim. Cal Ripken Jr defeated the odds. Cal Ripken Jr.’s childhood, professional baseball career, and lasting legacy make him one of the greatest shortstops in history.
On August 24, 1960 Cal Ripken Jr was born in the small town of Havre de Grace, Maryland. His father, Cal Ripken Sr. was unable to make it to his birth because he was managing for a minor league baseball team in Kansas City. His dad, a former minor league player, was a promising young baseball prospect until he had a career ending shoulder injury. After Cal Ripken Sr. short playing career with the Baltimore Orioles
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Cal Ripken Jr’s childhood consisted of alot of baseball and trips to the ballpark with his Dad. During this time he began to observe and get interest in the game of baseball. His Dad’s job working in baseball had a large impact on him. At a young age it was apparent that Cal would be a baseball player. Cal Ripken Jr loved sports and played soccer and baseball but he excelled in baseball. At that point he knew he would be pursuing a professional career in baseball, hoping someday to play for his dad on the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken began his career in high school at Aberdeen High School playing second base. As a sophomore he made the switch to shortstop. He went on to excel at that position through the rest of his high school career while also becoming a pro talent lever pitcher. Due to his good grades and baseball talent it was easy for him to get a college scholarship. He also received a scholarship offer to play soccer at West Point but decided to turn that down. He was later drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1978 amateur draft. With a signing bonus of 20k he was sent to the Bluefield Orioles. After a few years of the minors he finally got his chance to play in the major leagues during spring training. …show more content…
On May 30 he became a permanent starter. On July 1, Cal was moved to the position of shortstop. He loved this position and would thrive at it. People doubted the move due to his size (6’4 225 pounds), despite the doubt the Orioles had a successful season. In Cals rookie year he finished with 28 home runs with 93 RBIs. This was good enough for Cal to be named 1982 American League Rookie of the year. Unfortunately, the team just missed the playoffs. Cals next year with the team they won the American East Pennant by 6 games. Through the season Cal lead the league with 221 hits while also hitting .317 with 27 home runs. These stellar number were enough to win the American League MVP. In the playoffs the Orioles went on to win the 1983 World Series. The next few seasons Cal was getting used to being a MLB everyday starting shortstop. Due to his size and strength his home run totals were a lot more than the average shortstop. Cal’s strengths were his power numbers at bat but he also had an amazing ability to field the ball and knowing the right place to stand at shortstop. Prior to the 1987 season Cal