Cal Sr.: Still Growing the Game

That's Cal, Jr., back on 33rd Street in Baltimore, at what was once -- and will be again -- home plate.  But the day was really about Cal, Sr. and his legacy of making the game accessible to all and developing skills through hard work and practice.

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is devoted to just those principles, and the State of Maryland is greatly enriched by the facilities and programs it has produced.  This was very evident to Team Terry when we visited his namesake stadium in Aberdeen last summer, but it manifests itself throughout the state in other, growing ways.

Just this week, Cal Jr. and Billy Ripken were part of a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the old Memorial Stadium, where they both played for the Orioles and their dad.  The Cal, Sr. Foundation, through a partnership with the Y of Central Maryland and contributions from the state, city, and private donors, is building a $1.5 million youth development park on the spot where the Orioles and Colts once played.   The project will have synthetic turf, dugouts and a home plate exactly where it used to be.

This part is first step in a plan to bring baseball facilities into the inner city where so few exist anymore, having been lost to development.  It's part of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation's "Swing For the Future" campaign, which gives at-risk youth safe places to play and learn.  The new field at Memorial Stadium will be ready in about four months. The Ripken Foundation plans to build five in Baltimore, including one in Park Heights and another in Patterson Park.

Cal, Sr.'s influence is felt in other ways and places in Maryland this time of year, with his eponymous wooden bat league in full swing.  This collegiate circuit offers summer training to varsity athletes, and the opportunity to stay on top of their game after their regular season ends. 

The Ripken league plays all over the state.  Last year, their All Star Game was held at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf .  Season champions were the Bethesda Big Train -- seen here at Shirley Povich Field in Cabin John playing against Youse's Orioles.

The Ripken league experience is appreciated as much for its comradery as it is for honing skills and offering top notch competition.  Since 2005, it has been a favorite with players as well as the communities where the games have become affordable family activities.  For updates on the collegiate wooden bat league, go here:

The Ripken Way is still with us, still contributing to game of baseball and all those who love it.