The end of an era has arrived. While Cal Ripken Jr.'s decision to retire from the Baltimore Orioles at the end of this season does not come as a complete shock, it still took the baseball world by surprise on Tuesday.
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Last Go-around/ Key Dates
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at Chicago--White Sox--June 29-July 1 |
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at Atlanta--July 12-14
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at Florida--July 15-17 |
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at Texas--July 24-26 |
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at Anaheim--July 22-29 |
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at Kansas City--Aug. 6-9 |
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at Tampa Bay--Aug. 21-23 |
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at Oakland--Sept. 3-5 |
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at Seattle--Sept. 7-9 |
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home for Yankees--Sept. 24-27 |
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at Boston--Sept. 21-23 |
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at Yankees--last regular season series in Ripken's career--Sept. 28-30 |
Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Alex Rodriguez are just some of today's stars that shared their thoughts on the retirement of one of baseball's all-time greats. Here's a sample of what they had to say:
"He was a pioneer in many ways. The most underrated thing about him was his defense. The year he went out and made three errors and led the league in double plays, that was awesome. He'll be remembered more for his home runs, RBI and games played, but his defense was something."
--Rangers SS Alex Rodriguez in The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
"Every time we see a legend leave the game like Cal, it's a great example. It's a great example for a guy to follow. For him to make this decision, especially the way he loves the game, is something that for him is very painful right now."
--Cubs OF Sammy Sosa
"There are certain people who, when they ask you to do something, you mark it on your calendar. He would be one of them. I hope this is the way he wants to go out. Certain players, you let them go out the way they want to."
--Reds OF Ken Griffey Jr.
"One thing people have to understand is that the second half of an athlete's life is a lot longer than the first half. There are times when you have to move on. You can't stay and play sports your whole life. There never will be another Cal."
---Cardinals 1B Mark McGwire
"He was the one player I enjoyed playing with and learned more from than just about any player. Just the way he approached the game, especially during times he was under stress with the streak; the way he handled that and prepared for each game even with all the ups and downs you go through. You watch a player like that and you can't help but admire him."
--Rangers 1B and former teammate Rafael Palmeiro
"I wish they (the Orioles) were coming through here (Shea Stadium). He is an absolute credit to the sport and to his organization, and any kind of tour or acknowledgment by baseball is well-deserved."
--Mets manager Bobby Valentine in Newsday
"The one thing I noticed missing this year is that little
boy. There's always been a little boy in Cal. This year he's not
having much fun. ... That's the part I miss in Cal this year."
--Orioles bullpen coach Elrod Hendricks, who has been
with the Orioles throughout Ripken's entire career.
"I was the starting shortstop for the Angels in both those games. To be there when a record like that was being broken was something I'll never forget."
--Tigers 2B Damion Easley, who was playing against Ripken in the games he broke and tied Lou Gehrig's streak, in The Detroit Free Press
Some of these quotes can be attributed to
The Baltimore Sun
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