A Model of Restraint: Orioles’ Cal Ripken Jr.
Among players who epitomize on-field restraint, Baltimore’s Cal Ripken Jr. enjoys one of the finest reputations. With his father coaching and managing in the minors when he was growing up, Ripken was always a student of the game. He demonstrates a distinct work ethic and a mannerly behavior while in uniform.
“It’s part from parents and from my own experiences,” he said. “I was always around the game. I watched every move every player made and I emulated them. Now I’m in a position to be emulated. Whether you like it or not, you have influence of sorts. You’re going to influence people and young kids. So I just try to have a positive influence, to be aware of what I’m doing.”
Of course it can happen that a player can “lose it,” an extreme example being the Chicago Cubs’ Andre Dawson when he threw 14 bats from the dugout onto the field after a dispute with a plate umpire. “If you have success at this level, emotions can run high,” Ripken said. “You’re a very competitive person to begin with. There are times when you do lose control. There have been times when I have, and I’m not proud of it.”
As he developed in the minors, Ripken quickly realized how many people could see how he carried himself as a player. How he acted became a crucial part of being a baseball player. Now 31, he has long behaved as he’s played -- with an uncanny steadiness day in and day out.
More to Read
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.