Just a week from being enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn?s images are seemingly everywhere.
But before each player?s bronze bust is unveiled in Cooperstown, Gwynn received an honor Thursday that Ripken didn?t: His picture on a Wheaties box commemorating his induction to baseball?s most prestigious shrine.
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It?s the second time that Gwynn will appear on the prestigious box cover after he and six other All-Star outfielders graced the front in 1997.
But what about one for Cal? A spokesman for Cal Ripken said the Iron Man was not contacted about appearing on the Wheaties box for a third time.
“It?s like your first sports illustrated cover,” said John Maroon, president of Maroon PR, which counts Ripken Baseball as a client.
“I guess in the sports lexicon, those are landmark moments. He certainly appreciated it.”
Ripken appeared on Wheaties boxes in 1995, when he set the record with his 2,131st consecutive game played, and in 2001, upon his retirement.
Calls to Wheaties? parent company General Mills were not returned.
Gwynn, who played his entire career with the San Diego Padres, was on a special-edition package revealed Thursday at PETCO Park in San Diego.
The collectors piece is part of the “Fit To Win Challenge,” which aims to help customers lose weight and gain energy.
RIPKEN ON QVC: Ripken will celebrate his impending induction with a special QVC live broadcast from Aberdeen July 23 from 9-11 p.m. Ripken will introduce a new line of autographed Hall of Fame memorabilia from IronClad Authentics.
Among the signature items included are: a team-signed 1983 Ripken Jersey, a bat signed by each member of the 1983 team that won the World Series in and a Ripken Hall of Fame autographed ball.
