Any night that honors Cal Ripken wouldn't be complete without a lap around the warning track at Camden Yards. This time he did it in style, and without exerting too much energy.
On the eight-year anniversary of breaking Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games, Ripken rode in a convertible after his induction into the Orioles Hall of Fame.
The crowd stood and cheered, and Ripken touched as many hands as possible after hopping out of the car when it stopped along the right-field line. The scene was reminiscent of 1995, when teammates pushed Ripken out of the dugout before he jogged around the field during an ovation that lasted 22 minutes.
Ripken became the 40th member of the team's Hall of Fame, and in four years, he's almost certain to enter the one in Cooperstown, N.Y. Last night provided a little more practice.
More composed than during Friday's luncheon speech, when he choked back tears, Ripken only paused a few times while listing the most influential people during a 21-year career that ended in October 2001.
Ripken started with Earl Weaver, his first manager, who allowed him to play third base after the Orioles drafted him as a pitcher/infielder in 1978, and later moved him to shortstop.
"Most everybody who scouted me wanted me to be a pitcher," Ripken said. "Earl and my dad [Cal Ripken Sr.] sat in consultation with [general manager] Hank Peters and a number of other guys and they gave me the opportunity to see if I could be an everyday player."
As a rookie in 1982, Ripken homered on Opening Day and went 3-for-5, but he quickly fell into a 7-for-63 slump.
"Earl kept putting me in the lineup every single day and would tell me things were going to be all right," Ripken said. "Sometimes he told me in a yell, but for the most part he was there and he supported me. I often wonder what would have happened if I came to the big leagues at a different time, under a different manager, one who didn't have the guts and the patience that Earl had."
Ripken also thanked his family "for putting up with me," and made special mention of his father, who died four years ago.
"Words cannot properly express what he meant to all of us," Ripken said, "and how much we all wish he was here tonight."
Ripken's brother, Bill, helped him slip into the green jacket worn by the Orioles Hall of Fame members.
"Anyone can stand up here and introduce Cal," Bill Ripken said, "but there's only one who can claim to be his former teammate and brother."
The ceremony began with former public relations director Bob Brown receiving the Herbert E. Armstrong Award for non-uniformed personnel who made a significant contribution to the organization. Brown spent 35 years in the Orioles' front office, including stints as traveling secretary and publications director.
"He was the first one at the park every day," said Brooks Rob- inson, who introduced Brown, "and the last one to leave."
Brown described working for the Orioles as "a dream come true." Ripken, given the chance to play for his hometown team while becoming a national icon, understood the feeling.
Reminded of what Robinson told fans during his farewell speech after retiring, Ripken said, "I had a great 21 years with all of you. I only wish I had 21 more that I could give you."
Orioles today
Opponent: Seattle Mariners
Site: Camden Yards
Time: 1:35 p.m.
TV/Radio: No TV/WBAL (1090 AM)
Starters: Mariners' Freddy Garcia (11-13, 5.11) vs. Orioles' Pat Hentgen (5-7, 4.22)
