Ripken’s induction emotion-filled

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (Map, News) - Before a record crowd of 75,000 fans at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, the Iron Man showed a soft spot.

The Aberdeen native and Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., known for his durability, consistency and preparation on the playing field, delivered a 16-minute induction speech, showing emotion as he revealed the true love of his life - family.

“Our children, Rachel Marie and Ryan Calvin, not only gave me a whole new understanding to life, but they continue to give me pride,” Ripken said, pausing to collect his thoughts while fighting back tears, “as they continue to grow and meet life’s challenges. I’m so proud to stand here today and tell them how much I love and care for them.”

Ripken then mentioned his wife, Kelly, who he called, “the love of my life.” Ripken struggled to stay composed while addressing his wife.

“She didn’t know anything about baseball or me when we met,” Ripken said. “But she has learned and stood by me and supported me throughout our years

Ripken gave his 14-year-old son, Ryan, a white rose to present to Kelly.

Though San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn was also inducted into the Hall of Fame, there was little doubt Ripken was the headliner. The crowd of 75,000 was the largest in induction ceremony history, surpassing the record of 50,000 in 1999.

The Baltimore-dominated crowd erupted whenever Ripken was mentioned in the introduction, but also recognized five particular former Orioles with boisterous ovations.

Jim Palmer, Earl Weaver, Frank Robinson and Brooks Robinson were cheered upon their introduction, but Eddie Murray drew the loudest recognition of all, accompanied by chants of “Ed-die! Ed-die!”

Ripken repeatedly obliged the Orioles’ faithful, but his most anticipated “thank you” was delivered to the man he was named after, the late Cal Ripken Sr.

“Imagine how lucky I am to call the man whose memory I revere to this very day by so many important names — teacher, coach, manager and especially, Dad,” an emotional Ripken said of his father, who died in 1999.

Ripken thanked his mother, Vi, sister, Elly, and brothers, Fred and Bill.

He refused to refer to the end of his playing career as “retirement.” He remains active in baseball through his company, Ripken Baseball, which oversees the sport at the professional and grassroots level.

He hopes his induction will open another door to help baseball and society.

“As I experience another new beginning with this induction, I hope that all of us can reflect on how fortunate we are,” Ripken said. “And we can see our lives as new beginnings that allow us to leave this world a bit better than when we came.”

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