tHE 2 SOON TO BE HALL-OF-FAMERS, CAL RIPKEN JR. AND TONY GWYNN....?

Question

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT THEM AND THEIR CAREERS? ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS YOU REMEMBER FROM THEM.

Answer 1

Wow - 8 people have answered and every one of them has used words like "classy" and "credit to the game". I'd have to agree with all of them. The fact they both stayed with one organization for their entire careers, were team players, and neither one of them had anything scandalous writtten about them speaks volumes to the types of men they are. My favorite memory of Ripken has to be his vistory lap at Camden Yards the night he reached 2131. I have a video of it that I watch from time to time, and I still get chills to see the love and respect not only from his teammates and fans, but the opposing players as well. As for a memory of Gwynn, it actually was something that took place off the ballfield. My memory isn't real clear of exactly what show it was, but it was a special on ESPN that had Gwynn and Ted Williams talking about hitting. I think it was an hour long show, and I remembered Ted asking Gwynn questions. What I remember the most is that Gwynn answered all the questions Williams asked him correctly, and you could actually see the joy on his face from learning about the game from one of the all time greats. Very refreshing to see a player from my time have such a tremendous amount of respect for a player from the past and his accomplishments.
I hope all of the folks out here that keep arguing about what a great man Barry Bonds is and how much Pete Rose deserves to be in the HOF will take a look at these 2 men as true examples of what being a true Hall of Famer REALLY is.

Answer 2

I don't know a lot about Gwynn but Cal Ripken is a great ball player, classy man and such a gentleman. I am so happy for him to be getting in the hall of fame.

Answer 3

Two of the classiest individuals you can ever meet. The game in which Ripken set the consecutive games played record is one of the great moments in sports history...the outpouring of affection by Cal and the fans is something that transcends the achievement on the field.

For Gwynn, it is how he had ''Teddy Ballgame" eyes in the batter's box and fundamentally demonstrated how to place the ball, not swing from the heals or guess on what to do. In his early years he was a pretty nice outfielder, which tends to get overlooked.

Answer 4

Being from San Diego, I have a lot of fond memories of Gwynn ... not only was he one of the best hitters of all time, he's an all around classy guy. Ripken was a very good player who had a lot of class as well. Both were absolutely deserving of being first ballot hall of famers.

Answer 5

Very likable men, excellent athletes and assets to the sport of baseball.

I've met both at Candlestick Park and the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum in person and are genuine as the come! Always smiling, appreciative of all fans and willing to accommodate the fan's requests for photos and autographs.

Onfield, they were just amazing because it's difficult to keep averages over .325 throughout their careers and their defense was spectacular!

Congratulations to Cal and Tony!

Answer 6

I remember that Cal used to take some time and sign autographs FOR FREE during batting practice. You could tell he loved to play the game and understood the responsibility that went with the job - by paying attention and being cordial to the fans.

Answer 7

Both played their entire careers at only 1 team. They were, and still are, class acts.

If all players acted the way these 2 do, there would be no problems in the MLB today.

Answer 8

Two of the classiest ballplayers ever. Played their entire careers with one team, played the game the right way.

Answer 9

Fans from Baltimore and Maryland and all over are holding their breath for Rip's speech to end with "and I gladly accept the offer to coach the Orioles."

Answer 10

i dont know much about Tony but Cal played the most games in the row