Even nearly six years after taking his final at-bat, Cal Ripken Jr. remains the face of the Orioles. He?s been depicted on several commemorative bobbleheads, his picture graces the front and back ofthe team?s 2007 media guide, and he remains one of the area?s most beloved citizens.
But he?s nowhere to be found physically at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The only current link between the Orioles and arguably the most popular player in franchise history is the Ripken-owned Aberdeen IronBirds, the short-season Class-A affiliate of the Orioles.
Ripken said the right opportunity to rejoin the Orioles at the major league level has not materialized since he retired following the 2001 season, including when the team reportedly considered him instead of Andy MacPhail as its president of baseball operations.
“I?m enjoying what I?m doing right now,” said Ripken, referring to his minor league and youth baseball ventures.
The Orioles? relationship with Ripken is a stark contrast from how other franchises treat their Hall of Famers. Minnesota?s Kirby Puckett and Kansas City?s George Brett were embraced following their playing days, as each moved into front office positions.
Former Orioles greats Mike Flanagan and Jim Palmer ? both of whom played with Ripken ? have remained active with the franchise.
Flanagan served as a team broadcaster and pitching coach before moving into the front office in 2002, and Palmer has broadcast games for the team for 15 years.
However, Ripken said his lack of involvement with the Orioles has nothing to do with a poor relationship with team owner Peter Angelos.
“[Angelos] sits in an advisory role for me,” Ripken said. “I talk to him a good bit, and his wisdom is very helpful.”
Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Ripken should not concern himself with joining the Orioles front office or managing but instead should aim his goals even higher.
“I would wait until Bud Selig leaves and step up and be [Major League Baseball] commissioner. That?s how good [Ripken] is,” saidGuillen, a former shortstop who played in Baltimore during the 1998 season.
“When the commissioner steps down, I think Cal would be a great guy to have. He knows the rules of the game, a lot of people like him, and he should have a shot.”
