Ripken reveals thoughts
As the Rangers have laborously begun another season at The Ballpark, baseball’s ironman, Cal Ripken, shared his thoughts on a few players and the state of baseball. Ripken, who holds the Major League Baseball record for most consecutive games played, retired in 2001.
Daily Campus: Do you miss the game since your retirement?
Cal Ripken: No. It’s weird for me to say. I thought for sure that after I left, I would go through some sort of withdrawal. But right now, I can tell you that I am glad about the decision I made. There is just something about getting it out of your system. You know, I played almost 100 percent of the games, and right now, I can say that I’m happy with the decision I made. I do miss the guys though.
DC: What did it mean when Alex Rodriquez surprised you by giving you his starting spot at the start of your final All-Star Game?
Ripken: I personally do not like surprises. That is what I was dealing with at first. I just didn’t feel prepared. I wasn’t able to take ground balls. Looking back on it, it was a real nice and genuine thing to do. Once I got out there, I looked at Roger Clemens and yelled at him to strike out the side. After a couple of minutes of playing, I was ready for them to knock one right at me.
DC: What do you think of A-Rod?
Ripken: He is so much more talented than I ever was. I look forward to seeing where he ends up. I have really enjoyed watching him play and getting to know him. It really means a lot to me that he looks up to me and respects me. It makes me feel good that I made a contribution to the game. When I look back at playing shortstop, I think that I helped open doors for other shortstops. Before I played, the games best players were not playing shortstop and now they are.
DC: What do you think about the state of baseball today?
Ripken: That is a really hard question. I am always someone that looks at the positive side. The game is all over the place. It is always on TV. Kids are always wanting to play baseball. With all these other things that go on in today’s society, it seems as though baseball is getting even more attention. If you focus on what goes on between the white lines, life would be much easier.
DC: What was the greatest piece of advice you ever received from your father, and what was it like playing for him?
Ripken: You have to look at the principles you value. My dad really gave me so much. Kids always ask me what it takes. I always just tell them in order to be good at anything, you have to work at it. I get credit for having great work ethic and that came from my parents. You see the results from hard work ethic. You need to understand it yourself.
DC: How does Rafael Palmeiro stack up in baseball history?
Ripken: He has his own personality and style. He doesn’t bring a lot of attention to himself. He should be recognized for his career. I played behind and watched him from the on-deck circle for five years. I really enjoyed watching him hit. I knew that if we could get the bat in his hands, we had a great chance. I’ve seen a lot of great hitters, but he is the best I have ever seen.
