It’s a rare occasion when a baseball player gets to pick his manager. Every player however could probably put together an all-time fantasy team in his head rather quickly if you asked him to. Recently, National’s outfielder Jayson Werth said if he could pick the next manager in D.C., he would pick Cal Ripken Jr.
Werth was drafted by the Orioles so it wasn’t too much of a surprise that he would put the Iron Man atop his list on candidates to replace Davey Johnson. So what would playing for a legend like Ripken be like? Well his resume is impressive to say the least.
The former shortstop and third baseman of the Baltimore Orioles played his first game at the age of 20 in 1981 and holds the record for playing in 2,632 consecutive games in 1998 — kind of makes you regret playing hookie that one day doesn’t it? I think we can agree it’ll be difficult to make an excuse to him as your manager to “sit this one out.”
In addition to his 20-year game streak, Ripken is a 19 time All-Star, two time Gold Glove winner, eight time Silver Slugger award winner, two time AL MVP, the 1991 Home Run Derby winner — the list goes on and on. Needless to say, Cal probably has high standards.
Ripken tallied 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, and 1,695 RBI’s in his career which ended October of 2001. He is said to be one of the best shortstops and third basemen in baseball history. How can you argue that?
Ripken was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, a first ballot inductee of course.
The best news about Werth’s comments about seeing Ripken as a manager is that the Iron Man didn’t turn down the suggestion. Although it would be difficult to see him in any colors besides orange and black, his presence on the field will always be welcomed.
Guest post to BSR by Jessica Kleinschmidt. Follow Jessica on Twitter @JessMLB.
He’d be a lousy one.
Pepper Jack say Brother Cal being a Ho pimping himself out. Pepper Jack say this typical Cal, wanting others to come to him cause he too good to ask for job. Take it from Pepper Jack, Cal think it above him to even interview for jobs and that they should be given to him.
Pepper Jack a man of many quotes and comments. Catch the Jack regularly on the BSR.
Cal would be the most selfish manager in history. He would try to figure a way to manage, coach, pitch, catch and field at the same time. He would figure a way to make himself bigger than the team. Brady anderson would be unretired, hitting 50 jacks and swigging on Winstrol, keeping his hair curly with the aid of The Clear….alledgedly…! Ripken, manager…ha ha ha. I would rather Billy manage.
9inchnails, Pepper wants know, you in da business? You got be if the number in your name is right. Pepper says if you ain’t a participant in the entertainment business that Pepper can give you a tryout. There are openings in both versions so give the “Jackman” a holla.
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A dolla will make you folla any dude willing to holla. Word!
I am in da bizness, you need a pimp?