[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 19749-19750]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING CAL RIPKEN, JR.

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, today I honor and congratulate Cal 
Ripken, Jr., on his induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Throughout 
his storied 21-year career, Cal has been the epitome of an ``Iron 
Man,'' both on and off the field.
  I watched Cal go from being unknown to being the best known baseball 
player from Baltimore since Babe Ruth. I was there on the last day at 
Memorial Stadium and the first day at Camden Yards, and I will watch 
him when he is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29.
  For we Orioles fans, it was never if we would be celebrating such an 
amazing feat but when we would be celebrating it. All baseball fans 
know about ``The Streak.'' We fans remember the victory lap he took 
around Camden Yards. And the countdown--where the numbers were 
displayed not just at the Camden Warehouse or in the Baltimore Sun but 
also at my office in Hart Senate Office building: 2,632 consecutive 
games, 431 home runs, 19 All-Star game starts, 2 American League Golden 
Glove awards, 8 Silver Slugger Awards, 2 American League MVPs, and on 
and on.

[[Page 19750]]

  But the most important thing we remember, which the numbers cannot 
fully reflect, is the strong, dependable presence of Cal--night after 
night, day after day--through broken bones, through the wide range of 
emotions and pressures he experienced as a major leaguer, as a father, 
and as an active citizen in our community. Every game there he was--at 
third base and shortstop, smiling, and doing his job. And doing it 
well.
  I remember that fateful night when Cal broke Lou Gehrig's long-
standing consecutive game record. To see that banner drop from 2130 to 
2131, and to hear the admiration and jubilation from the crowd in 
Baltimore, was something I will always remember. The sustained cheers 
were neverending as Cal, urged by Rafael Palmeiro, took a lap around 
the field. It was a proud night for the Ripken family, for the Orioles, 
and for Maryland. It was such a magical night. Families from all over 
came with their kids to celebrate the ``Iron Man'' and his achievement. 
The evening had as much dignity as the player himself.
  Cal's accomplishments transcend well beyond the baseball field. His 
character and demeanor is reflected in the success he experiences every 
day off the field. He shows up and gives maximum effort in every aspect 
of life. He puts his family above all, he is a consummate community 
activist and is committed to living and teaching the ``Ripken Way.''
  The ``Ripken Way'' is simple, really, but its wisdom is enough to 
build great players and bind generations together. It states: ``Keep it 
Simple, Explain the Why, Celebrate the Individual, and Make it Fun.'' 
This style emphasizes clarity and simplicity, while also stressing 
empathy and interest.
  I have certainly used the ``Ripken Way'' in my life and I believe 
many Marylanders and Americans also use it. In Maryland, I can tell you 
the ``Ripken Way'' is not just on our ballfields. It is in our 
factories. It is in our homes. It is in the bread we serve our 
families. It is in our hospitals in Baltimore, where Cal has 
contributed so much to children in need of hope and a smile. And it is 
in our hearts today as we salute Cal Ripken, Jr., and this wonderful 
honor he is receiving.
  Cal applies the ``Ripken Way'' both on and off the ballfield, 
particularly in his philanthropic work at the Cal Ripken Sr. 
Foundation. The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation was established in 2001 in 
memory of Cal's father. To this day, Cal carries the torch and legacy 
of his father. It is a legacy that has shaped Cal's life and a legacy 
that has shaped the entire Orioles' organization.
  By emphasizing work ethic, playing by the rules, putting the team 
first, and showing up every day, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation serves 
disadvantaged youth across the country. The foundation has even built a 
beautiful state-of-the-art stadium in Aberdeen, MD, where kids can 
play. Cal has put much of his own money into the foundation and the 
stadium's construction, while also working to secure private donations.
  Cal may be a local boy, but he is no ordinary man. There is no 
question that Cal has earned his way into the Hall of Fame, the respect 
of the world, and the admiration of generations to come.
  Baltimore may have lost the powerhouse company Bethlehem Steel, but 
it will always be home to ``Iron Man'' Cal Ripken, Jr. I congratulate 
Cal on his stellar career, his strong work ethic, his commitment to 
family and community, and for the well-deserved, wonderful honor of 
being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  While he has already achieved so much, I can't help but think that 
the best is yet to come.

                          ____________________