Cooperstown, N.Y. – Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn took their places in baseball’s shrine Sunday, saluted for their Hall of Fame careers and their character off the field.
Commissioner Bud Selig and a record crowd came to cheer them and all that was good about the game.
“This day shouldn’t be all about us,” Ripken said. “Today is about celebrating the best that baseball has been and the best it can be. This is a symbol it’s alive, popular.
“Whether you like it or not, as big-leaguers, we are role models. The only question is, will it be positive or will it be negative?”
Gwynn offered the same sentiment.
“I think the fans felt comfortable enough in us, they could trust us and how we played the game, especially in this era of negativity,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any question about that.”
Boosted by busloads from Maryland, an estimated 75,000 fans turned the vast field facing the podium into a sea of black, orange and brown.
Ripken spent his entire career in Baltimore, making his mark by playing 2,632 consecutive games and breaking Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130. Among the 53 Hall of Famers on stage behind Ripken were former Orioles Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Eddie Murray and Jim Palmer.
Gwynn finished with 3,141 hits and won eight National League batting titles in a 20-year career with the San Diego Padres.
Ripken will always be known for his streak even though he had 3,184 hits – including 431 home runs – was a two-time American League MVP and a 19-time all-star.
“I always looked at it as just showing up for work every day,” he said. “As I look out on this audience, I see thousands of people who do the same: teachers, police officers, mothers, fathers, business people and many others.
“You all may not receive the accolades that I have throughout my career, but I would like to take the time to salute all of you for showing up, working hard and making the world a better place.”
