Being an athlete is not easy. First of all, it is required to have an appropriate physical condition and an aptitude for sports. Secondly, a strong physical strength and mentality are important to build an outstanding career as an athlete. Finally, thoroughly taking care of oneself is the most important condition to be a legendary player. I prefer a player who achieves good records steadily rather than a player who shows outstanding work for a short time. That’s why I like Cal Ripken Jr.
From May 30, 1982 through September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. has shown up every game and he broke Louis Gehrig’s record, which was not broken for 56 years.
He has made more than 20 home-runs in 10 years. In 1991, he won the second MVP with a .323 hitting average and the second place number of hits, the fourth place of Runs Batted In, and the third place number of home-runs.
Finally, he played 2632 games continuously. It means he was never injured, he never slumped, and he never got in an accident. Obviously, he had some hard time. For instance, in 1993 June, his knee got injured while he was involved in a fight with the Seattle Mariners. He bandaged his knee and practiced how to play in this condition before he played a game. He played that game all until nine innings. If he didn’t have such a strong mental power, he would not be able to accomplish such a great record. He was a lucky guy and he was the Iron Man. Fans love his sincerity, fans love his humble attitude. This is the idle of baseball player what I think.
He has made more than 20 home-runs in 10 years. In 1991, he won the second MVP with a .323 hitting average and the second place number of hits, the fourth place of Runs Batted In, and the third place number of home-runs.
Finally, he played 2632 games continuously. It means he was never injured, he never slumped, and he never got in an accident. Obviously, he had some hard time. For instance, in 1993 June, his knee got injured while he was involved in a fight with the Seattle Mariners. He bandaged his knee and practiced how to play in this condition before he played a game. He played that game all until nine innings. If he didn’t have such a strong mental power, he would not be able to accomplish such a great record. He was a lucky guy and he was the Iron Man. Fans love his sincerity, fans love his humble attitude. This is the idle of baseball player what I think.
He was inducted into hall of fame with Tony Gwynn. I believe that he is eligible for being in hall of fame. His play is not as attractive as Ichiro. He is not as powerful as Barry Bonds. However, I love him, because of his attitude. Fans desire another Cal Ripken Jr.
3 comments:
Cal's record always bothered me because he should have taken days off. I admire him for wanting to play all the time, being professional, nice to fans, etc but he was a very average player for several of those years (specifically 1992, 95, and 97).
By the way, if your rebuttal is going to be "but he was an all-star all those years," please spare me. Cal was always getting voted in.
So, when you're an average player, you should take days off? If the guy wants to play, and he gives them the best chance to win, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't play. Sure, he may have been dealing with injuries sometimes, and played sparingly just to continue the streak, but that's the coach respecting him and returning the favor for all that he's done for the franchise.
Cal played all of those game because he had a passion for the game that far surpasses any other current player in the MLB. More players should hold themselves to such a standard.
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