[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1820]]
                        HONORING CAL RIPKEN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of H. Res. 247 
sponsored by Representative Ehrlich that recongnizes the outstanding 
contributions Cal Ripken, Jr. has made both on and off the baseball 
field. He is an American icon symbolizing integrity, team spirit, and 
discipline, and has exemplified true leadership throughout his twenty-
one season baseball career.
  Since 1978, Mr. Ripkin has been honored with several prestigious 
awards including Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Golden 
Glove, Lou Gehrig Award, and Most Valuable Oriole. Baseball's 
``Ironman'' has broken several significant American and personal 
records such as ending a 2632 consecutive games-played winning streak 
in 1998, scoring his 400th home run in 1999, and hitting his 3000th 
career hit in 2000. These moments will never be forgotten.
  His greatest contribution has been the ability to take this success 
off the diamond and outside the walls of Memorial Stadium and Camden 
Yards by contributing significant time and energy towards various 
charitable organizations within the greater Baltimore area. Along with 
his wife, Kelly, he established the Kelly and Cal Ripken, Jr. 
Foundation which supports adult and family literacy, youth 
recreational, and health-related programs. They have also been greatly 
involved in the Baltimore Reads Ripken Learning Center and other 
organizations within the area.
  I was fortunate enough to be able to attend opening day in Baltimore 
this season, and saw firsthand the all star abilities of this great 
baseball player. Cal Ripken is a winner in every sense of the word and 
his contribution to our national pastime will live in the minds of fans 
forever. He deserves the nation's recognition today. He is truly a 
living legend.

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