Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. Say Baseball is Alive and Well
July 30, 2007 | Filed under News, Sports News
Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr told a massive crowd, the biggest ever to attend a Hall of Fame Induction, that the sport of baseball is alive and well.
Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr also said that it was everyone’s responsibility to invest in the future of the game.
Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr especially said that players need to set and example to the next generation of baseball players and MLB fans.
More than 75,000 fans were at the ceremony, an all time record.
Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. are both pound members of the 3000 hit club.
Do you argee with Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr?
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Let me preface my question with a declaration of outright support, respect and admiration for the man and the ball player who is Cal Ripken Jr. A fiercer competitor or a more worthy Hall of Fame-er there never was! Outstanding Iron Man statistics; incredible!
BUT, how can Cal Ripken’s consecutive game streak be compared apples to apples with Lou Gehrig’s? While comparing Ripken’s season to season record with Gehrig’s, some glaring discrepancies come into focus. Gehrig’s stats show 154 game seasons year in and year out during his streak. Ripken’s record reflects some seasons considerably shorter than what could be considered full. Gehrig’s feat by default required more of an un-abated effort.
The fact that he played in shortened seasons, in my mind, eliminated the possibility of breaking the streak. It was a moot point after the strike was begun. The games evaporated, he didn’t play the full seasons, risking the opportunties to miss a game. In addition, the longer spans between seasons was also a break Gehrig never got.
Ripken’s super human effort, through no fault or deficit within his control, does not surpass what Gehrig accomplished. Those are the cold hard facts as I see them until someone can explain it to me different. If it’s a pass just say so.