Cal Ripken, Jr. Chats with RITM: 1978, 1979 & 1980 Reviews Posted

ripkenintheminors · February 15, 2009 4:28AM

February 15, 2009

In the winter of 2006, Freed-Hardeman University (Henderson, TN) was gracious enough to offer press credentials to ripkenintheminors.com for their annual benefit dinner featuring Cal Ripken, Jr. The event was chronicled in an entry on the PSA Message Board (LINK).

Although the media session was short, RITM did have the great pleasure of speaking with Cal about the site and inquired about the possibility of one day being able to ask him a few questions about his minor league days. The timing was not the best considering the fact that Cal had an upcoming appointment with the Hall of Fame. It would not be long afterwards that Cal would be announced as a goodwill ambassador for the United States.

Those who follow Cal understand that he isn’t known for taking days off. With that being said, timing becomes everything. This past January, RITM was introduced to John Maroon, President of Maroon PR, who handles all public interview requests regarding Cal Ripken, Jr. and Ripken Baseball. This introduction was arranged by Glenn Valis of Ripken Baseball. Due to the scheduling restraints John offered the opportunity to correspond with Cal through the e-mail. Taking Cal’s schedule in consideration, a four part question was forwarded to Cal through Maroon PR:

"What was your favorite memory and biggest challenge/obstacle at each of your minor league stops?"

On February 14, Cal’s four part response was forwarded to RITM! Cal’s recollections about his stops in Bluefield, Miami, Charlotte and Rochester will posted over the next week at RITM. In addition, details about an upcoming interview will be posted.

RITM thanks Cal Ripken, Jr., for his willingness to take a few moments to offer his recollections on his minor league days from 1978-1981. In addition, thank you to Glenn Valis of Ripken Baseball and John Maroon of Maroon PR for their help in making this happen.

Ironmanfan · February 15, 2009 10:47PM

Great addition to the site Chris! Looking forward to seeing what Cal had to say..........

tennesseebanker · February 15, 2009 11:58PM

Congrats Chris ! Great addition to the site. Look forward to reading it.

MBMiller25 · February 16, 2009 12:39AM

WOW, That is just fantastic, thanks for sharing and congrats.

ripkenintheminors · February 16, 2009 1:46AM

Thanks for the feedback. This is certainly an exciting situation and I'm still not sure if it's actually sunk in yet. I started posting here around the time the site was being built. While the work was in progress I wanted to get the word out as early as possible about how easy it can be to get ripped off on his counterfeit stuff. I've been so fortunate to have a lot of help. There have been so many people willing to share their items or offer the information they have to help others. I never imagined the site would become what it has and there's still work to do. Of course I thank all of you for your support.

I'm going to post his response over the next 4 days. Might as well stretch it out over a few days and enjoy it. I'll try my best to post it on the following schedule:

Tuesday: Bluefield Orioles (1978)
Wednesday: Miami Orioles/Charlotte O's (1979)
Thursday: Charlotte O's (1980)
Friday: Rochester Red Wings (1981)

ripkenintheminors · February 17, 2009 2:03AM

Here you go folks. Here's what Cal had to say about his first experience of professional baseball in Bluefield, West Virginia, in 1978.

When I went to Bluefield I really struggled. Bob Bonner was a draft pick out of college and he was amazing at shortstop. The way he made plays was so fluid and easy that I became very intimidated and thought that with this guy in the system I will never play. I made a bunch of errors that first year and really questioned my ability to play professionally. It was a tough season but I learned a lot about myself.

stown · February 17, 2009 2:36AM

Very cool and thanks for sharing.

slantycouch · February 17, 2009 3:06AM

Very cool - congrats!

Ironmanfan · February 17, 2009 3:37AM

Thats cool Chris...although I suspect that the playing field in Bluefield wasn't the best in '78, Cal did make like 32-35 errors that season!....compare that to him only making three in an entire MLB season 12 years later!

ripkenintheminors · February 17, 2009 11:44AM

<< <i>Thats cool Chris...although I suspect that the playing field in Bluefield wasn't the best in '78, Cal did make like 32-35 errors that season!....compare that to him only making three in an entire MLB season 12 years later! >>

I just learned something!

Ironmanfan · February 17, 2009 12:33PM

<< <i>

<< <i>Thats cool Chris...although I suspect that the playing field in Bluefield wasn't the best in '78, Cal did make like 32-35 errors that season!....compare that to him only making three in an entire MLB season 12 years later! >>

I just learned something! >>

I looked it up and he commited 32 errors in 63 games although to be fair he also did lead all Appalachian League shortstops in putouts (92), tied for first in double plays (31) and was second in assists (204) that season as well.

ripkenintheminors · February 18, 2009 8:46AM

Here's Cal's review from 1979:

I started in Miami and hit my first professional home run there which felt great. Overall I started to feel more comfortable and sure of myself and I made the Florida State League All-Star team. I finished the season at Charlotte and knew that I would be starting the next season there.

Someone can help me on this one but I'm wanting to say that Cal's HR came in a game where there was either a storm or power outage that had him concerned if it would hold up as it was apparently not an official game at that point.

ripkenintheminors · February 19, 2009 12:28PM

In 1980, Cal played with the AA Charlotte O's in Charlotte, NC. Cal and the O's would win the Southern League Championship. Here's what Cal had to say about the 1980 season:

This was the season that made me believe for the first time that I could play in the big leagues. I had a full season in Charlotte and I really loved that town. I returned there recently for a fundraiser and it was great to be back. I had a wonderful season there and a lot of great memories.

Ironmanfan · February 19, 2009 12:58PM

Hi Chris...I was actually in Charlotte for the first time last week and saw Cal at the charity event he mentioned. I did also have the opportunity to drive through what once was Crockett Park, and although there are no signs as to what stood on those grounds at one time, the entire area is now a housing project.

ripkenintheminors · February 20, 2009 5:30AM

Did you take any pictures of the housing development? I've seen a picture but it didn't have the highest resolution.

Here's the final entry from Cal and it takes us back to 1981. Cal would spend time with the AAA Rochester Red Wings in Rochester New York before getting the call to the majors. Thank you to everyone for allowing me to share this.

I only played in Rochester until early August when I was called up but I enjoyed my time at Silver Stadium. Rochester is another city where I felt a great connection with the fans and to this day I get a wonderful reception when I go there from time to time. Don't forget the 33-inning game...that is a story in itself.

Cal Ripken, Jr. Chats with RITM: 1978, 1979 &amp; 1980 Reviews Posted

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Cal Ripken, Jr. Chats with RITM: 1978, 1979 & 1980 Reviews Posted