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unusual facts about Cal Ripken, Sr.



2001 MBNA Cal Ripken, Jr. 400

Baseball great Cal Ripken, Jr. served as the grand marshal, and had the race named for him as he was to play in his final game on the evening of the race.

Cal Ripken, Sr.

Next year, he was promoted to the Wilson Tobs of the Class B Carolina League, where in 118 games he batted .216 with 85 hits and four home runs.

In 1987, Ripken became the first — and only — father to manage two sons simultaneously in the majors.

After the Orioles lost six consecutive games to begin the 1988 season, Ripken was fired; the move deeply hurt and alienated his superstar son, but he worked through it and would remain with the team for 13 more seasons.

Cal Ripken's Real Baseball

Former Major League Baseball player Darrell Evans served as the game's spokesperson/ambassador prior to Cal Ripken's endorsement of the game.

Floyd Rayford

When Cal Ripken, Jr. began his streak of 2,632 consecutive games played in 1982, Rayford was the player who Ripken replaced in the lineup.

George Pinkney

Both records have since been surpassed, with the innings played mark having stood for 95 years until it was broken by Cal Ripken, Jr.

National Sports Collectors Convention

In addition to approximately 600 dealer booths which buy, sell and trade sports memorabilia, the National is host to over 60 celebrity autograph guests during its week-long run including names such as Cal Ripken, Jr., Bob Gibson, and John Havlicek.

Ripken Stadium

The stadium is part of Cal Ripken, Jr.'s Aberdeen Complex in his hometown of Aberdeen, Maryland, located just off Interstate 95 at Maryland Route 22.

Skills competitions

The Home Run Derby was first held in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was won by Cal Ripken, Jr. Today, the Derby usually sells out the all-star stadium and millions watch the event live on ESPN.

Superior Tours

On July 28, 2007, a fleet of 11 Superior buses transported 550 people to Cooperstown to see the induction ceremony of Cal Ripken, Jr. into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and was among several Baltimore-area bus companies that offered this service.


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