Last time, we looked at a legend in basketball. A man who did things on the court the right way, and more importantly, did and does things now off the court the right way. Our first look was at "The Admiral" David Robinson. Now we look at a legend in baseball, Cal Ripken Jr.

Of course, we all know about the streak.  Well, maybe not all of us.  10 years ago, my mom was in a conference in Baltimore and one of the perks was getting free tickets to an Orioles game.  She does not follow sports and nothing surprised her at the game, well, except for one thing. 

She could not believe the ovations Ripken got everytime he made a fielding play or when he stepped up to the plate.  The ladies she was at the game with did not have a clue as to why this guy was being worshipped either.  So they decided to ask a couple fans beside them.  Luckily, these fans were Orioles season ticket holders who gave them a 4 inning tutorial on what Ripken meant to the Orioles.  They learned about the streak, the Ripken way, how Cal helped save baseball after the strike and anything else they wanted to know.  Talking to my mom later, she goes " Oh, that's the guy they made that fuss about when he broke that record, right? He seems like a really nice guy, they really love him in Baltimore."

It stretches past Baltimore though.  "The Ironman" is one of the most respected athletes ever.  Playing 2,632 consecutive games will cement your legacy.  What helped everyone love Cal was the way he didn't draw attention to himself, the fact he just went about his business without needing to draw extra attention to himself.  One of my favorite sporting memories to this day is watching Ripken having to be pushed out onto the field to accomadate the affection being poured out to him when he broke the streak against the California Angels.  He didn't crave the spotlight, but understood why people appreciated the way he conducted himself.

On the field, the awards and numbers are staggering:

• 1982 American League Rookie of the Year
• 1983 American League M.V.P.
• 1983 World Series Champion
• M.L.B. career record in:
• Consecutive games played-2,632
• All team games played-15 straight from 1983-1997
• Homeruns for a shortstop-345
• Started 17 straight All Star games
• Started an A.L. record 19 games
• Led All Star voting 4 times
• All Star M.V.P. in 1999 and 2001
• M.L.B. record for double plays by a shortstop with 1,565
• 2 time A.L. Gold Glove Winner-1991, 1992
• Ended career with a .276 average, 431 homeruns and 3,189 hits

To no one's surprise, as soon as Cal was eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame, he got 98.53% of the vote.  Cal was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this past summer and helped draw the biggest crowd ever to see any induction with over 75,000 fans.

As much success as Cal had on the field, he is respected just as much for what he has done off the field.  He is part owner of two minor league baseball teams.  His contributions to Lou Gehrig's disease are well documented.  The Cal Ripken Sr. foundation was founded by brother Billy and Cal Jr. to give less fortunate children across the country an opportunity to attend baseball camps around the country and better learn the game of baseball.  Ripken Baseball operates for profit-camps and designs ballfields for youth, college and professional teams. 

It's no wonder that when I wear a Ripken jersey my mom bought for me when she was in Baltimore, I get nods of approval and smiles.  And I live in Michigan, where people love the Tigers.  Everyone loves Cal though.  How can you not?

I'd like to thank and salute Cal Ripken Jr. for being one of the good guys in sports.

( All stats and info courtesy of the Washington Post and the Sporting News)