The Ripken family legacy is living on in Baltimore.
The Orioles announced on Friday that they have signed infielder Ryan Ripken, the son of team legend Cal Ripken Jr., to a minor-league contract. He will be reporting to extended spring training in Sarasota next week.
The younger Ripken, 23, was originally selected by the Orioles in the 20th round of the 2012 MLB Draft but opted to attend college instead. He was later chosen by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round of the 2014 MLB Draft and has three seasons of Single-A ball under his belt, batting .205/.248/.277 with three home runs and 48 RBIs in 145 total appearances.
Of course, Ripken’s father was probably the greatest player in Orioles history, playing all 21 seasons of his career with them, making 19 All-Star teams, winning two AL MVPs, helping bring a World Series to Baltimore in 1983, and setting the MLB record with 2,632 straight games played. Ripken Jr. has kept a low profile in recent years (sans hovering over an occasional managerial opening), so now Ryan will have an opportunity to carry the family torch.
Image via VSN TV on YouTube
