Cal Ripken Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr. was born on August 24, 1960 in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Cal Ripken Jr. began his storied 21-year Major League Baseball career in 1981. The "Iron Man" set a record by playing in 2,632 consecutive games from 1982 to 1998, earning two MVP Awards and a World Series championship along the way. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, he oversaw a family baseball business and foundation. His dad soon ended his professional baseball playing career and became a minor league manager. His family would join him for summertime stints in such cities as Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Elmira, New York.
Having been exposed to baseball at an early age, Ripken became a star shortstop and pitcher at Aberdeen High School. After
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As Ripken continued to play every game of every season, attention turned to the record streak of 2,130 consecutive games played by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. Ripken surpassed that number on September 6, 1995. He even hit a home run to finish off the day. Once the game became official, Cal Jr. ran a lap around the field as the Baltimore fans gave him a grand standing ovation (Cal Ripken Jr, n.d).
His Leadership Style
Cal Ripken Jr. had an amazing leadership style. He loved to speak to many different teams of all ages. He loved being able to talk about the Word of God to many athletes everywhere. He loved sharing his enthusiasm and love for the game with them. He showed his leadership in many things that he did. Leaders are role models, and Cal Ripken Jr. is an example to all his fans of what it means to be a leader and a servant (Williams, P. 2015).
Character
His streak ended at a great 2,632 games in 1998 and the amazing "Iron Man" started missing games to injuries due to his age. However, he still had more memorable moments, like when he got his career hit No. 3,000 early in the 2000 season. Also, when Cal Jr. played in his 19th All-Star Game in 2001, he slammed a third-inning home run and he won the All-Star Game MVP