Ripken 'really jazzed' to be part of Orioles' ownership group

BALTIMORE -- When Cal Ripken Jr. arrived at Camden Yards on Thursday morning, the Baseball Hall of Famer experienced some new emotions.

It was Opening Day in Baltimore, an unofficial holiday quite familiar to Ripken, who was born in Havre de Grace, Md., was the son of a former Orioles manager and then spent his 21-year MLB career playing for the O's. He’s a legend around here.

And now, he’s also part of the team’s ownership group led by David Rubenstein.

“I always had that feeling right around Opening Day that things were starting, baseball is coming back. But this is slightly different,” Ripken said following Rubenstein’s introductory press conference on the sixth floor of the warehouse. “It feels really good to be back in a formal capacity.”

With Ripken seated in the front row, Maryland governor Wes Moore spoke glowingly about Rubenstein, whose purchase of the control stake of the Orioles was finalized Wednesday. Rubenstein took a turn to talk, sharing his enthusiasm about leading the organization and being in Baltimore, where he was born.

But Rubenstein wasn’t going to let the press conference end without Ripken getting a microphone in his hand, as he invited the all-time great up to the podium.

“He has a better feel for baseball than probably anybody that I know,” Rubenstein said.

To Rubenstein, it was a no-brainer for Ripken to be included in the ownership group. He’s a baseball hero to many, who has also become well-versed in business. And, most importantly, he’s a lifelong Oriole.

“I’ve loved the Orioles since I was about five years old,” Ripken said.

The sale of the control stake of the team from the Angelos family to Rubenstein’s group came together quickly over the past year. An agreement was put into place Jan. 31, when Ripken’s involvement was also announced.

Rubenstein and Ripken had conversations about a potential ownership group prior to that, and when the time came, Ripken was “thankful” to be invited to be part of it. He felt the timing was right for him to officially return to the organization.

Ripken has still been a frequent visitor to Camden Yards in recent years. The 63-year-old was seated behind home plate when the Orioles clinched their 2023 American League East title with a win over the Red Sox last Sept. 28.

Moving forward, Ripken plans to be at the ballpark “a whole lot more.” He’s also willing to contribute to the franchise in any way, whether that’s on a business front, as a front-office advisor or as a mentor to young players.

“I know a little bit about baseball, where I can be a sounding board for [general manager] Mike [Elias],” Ripken said. “But Mike and company have really done a fantastic job of restoring baseball. They’ve loaded the farm system, got a lot of talent at the big league level. There’s nothing that needs to be fixed, as far as I’m concerned.

“But if I can help in some small way, I’m glad to be available as a resource.”

The doors to the Orioles’ clubhouse will always be open to Ripken.

“He’s been amazing to us. Now, he’s even more,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “All of us love baseball history and all of us love idols, and you hang onto those types of people. Cal is iconic. To have that iconic person that the city of Baltimore just absolutely loves -- and definitely should -- to have him around more means the world to our guys.”

Before Ripken left the warehouse and prepared to watch the Orioles’ Opening Day contest vs. the Angels, he was posed with one final question: Does he feel becoming an ownership partner “completes his legacy” in baseball?

He’s a two-time AL MVP, a 19-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glover and an eight-time Silver Slugger. He caught the final out of the 1983 World Series, capping the Orioles’ third (and most recent) championship victory. His streak of 2,632 consecutive games played will likely never be broken, and the night he passed Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 will forever be one of the most memorable in baseball history.

Ripken has also always been humble, though, and he’ll remain that way in his new role.

“Completes my legacy? Again, I kind of look at life as a lot of learning experiences, and there’s a lot of value in the last 20 years, learning business,” Ripken said. “I felt like I came to the table late. But having that experience there puts you in a better position to contribute to what’s happening now. The timing feels good, a lot of excitement. A lot of people are congratulating me, and that always makes you feel good. It’s exciting, and I’m really jazzed about it.”