Cal Ripken Jr

Cal Ripken Jr is my hero. He was a major league baseball player from Baltimore, Maryland, USA, but you are going to find out that he is much more than just that. He is a great role model to me. In my opinion, the lives of kids from inner cities would just not be the same without all of his efforts. I hope that Cal is a great role model to you!

Cal is in the Baseball Hall of Fame and was a great baseball player. He started in 1981 and ended his career in 2001. He was good at shortstop and third base. He was considered by many to be the best shortstop ever to play. After he retired it was a time to give back. So he and his family started the "Cal Sr.'s Yard." It is a youth-sized replica of Oriole Park. Cal Sr.'s Yard is a place where kids can play baseball from P.A.L. centers, inner-city schools, and distressed communities. He got some kids from inner cities and taught them how to play baseball. It also keeps their mind off bad homes and getting into trouble.

Cal wants to solve a lot of problems that inner city youth face. Right now 700,000 kids play worldwide in Cal Ripken baseball. Inner city youth are faced with problems such as school drop out, drugs, crimes, guns, arson, random violence, and even family problems. They are exposed to crimes and haunting images. Cal keeps their mind on baseball, not bad stuff. In inner cities the baseball diamonds are a problem themselves. They have lots of trash and it becomes a place to buy drugs. It is unsafe for the kids to even go near the baseball field!

He is trying to solve these problem with his dad, brother and team. He supplies them with gear and a big smile. He has lots of experience. After he retired he put others before himself. He started the foundation called Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. It took lot's of dedication to start the foundation. That was a risk Cal took. Their goal is to let kids choose a healthy lifestyle and make smart choices in their life. They want them to learn lifelong lessons like perseverance, commitment, nutritional habits, and giving back to their community. Giving to the community makes them successful and helps them contribute to society.

Imagine every day making someone's day. It would feel great but it needs hard work put into it. It would be hard to find someone else for the job! He is a GREAT role model to me. I would like to make a difference by helping the less fortunate too. I hope you liked the story of Cal Ripken Jr.

Hopefully Cal Ripken Jr. is your hero too!