Cal Ripken Sr.

Architect of 'The Oriole Way' and father of two major league sons.

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Calvin Edwin Ripken (December 17, 1935 – March 25, 1999) was an American professional baseball player, scout, coach and manager who spent 36 years in the Baltimore Orioles organization. He played in the Orioles' farm system beginning in 1957, and later served as coach and manager of the parent club, on which his sons Cal Jr. and Billy played.

Quick Facts

Position: Manager; Coach
Bats: Right
Born: 17 December 1935
Birthplace: Aberdeen, Maryland, U.S.
Died: 25 March 1999
Debut league: MLB Managing
Debut date: June 13
Debut year: 1985

Lore & Background

Born near Aberdeen, Maryland, which he called home throughout his life, Ripken joined the Baltimore Orioles in 1957 as a minor league player. He spent the next 36 years in the organization, mainly as a coach, with only 68 games as manager in 1985 and a full 161-game season in 1988. As a manager in the minor leagues for 13 years, Ripken won 964 games, and later compiled a 68–101 record managing the Orioles. Several of his students, including Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray, and most prominently his son Cal Jr., went on to Hall of Fame careers. He was credited for helping sculpt his team's tradition of excellence known as 'The Oriole Way'.

Reader's Guide

Ripken's managing record with the Orioles was 68–101, comprising 68 games in 1987 and 101 games in 1988. He managed his son Cal Jr. for the first time on June 14, 1985, in a single game. He was named manager after the 1986 season and managed through the 1988 season.

Did You Know?

Ripken managed 68 games in 1985 and 161 games in 1988 for the Orioles, totaling 229 games.
The decision to end Cal Jr.'s consecutive innings streak on September 14, 1987, was made by manager Cal Ripken Sr., who pulled Cal Jr. from a game.