Cal Ripken, Jr.

Baseball's Iron Man

Cal Ripken Jr. broke several professional baseball records during his 21 seasons, but none is as sacred as his consecutive-games-played record. Shattering Lou Gehrig’s streak of 2,131 games by more than 500, Ripken displayed perseverance, endurance, and an everyday work ethic that endeared him to fans—and some argue, even saved baseball at its darkest moment. He is the author of 2004's Play Baseball the Ripken Way, 2006's Parenting Young Athletes the Ripken Way: Ensuring the Best Experience for Your Kids in Any Sport, and The Power of Perseverance, which is due out in 2007.

TALKING POINTS: Cal Ripken Jr. is the personification of leadership, commitment, and excellence. In a warm and witty presentation filled with stories from his illustrious career, he shows how these keys to success apply to the business world as well as they do to the baseball field. He recounts lessons learned in both victory and defeat, and insights given to him by family members and Hall of Fame competitors alike. One of the most popular athletes of our generation, Cal Ripken's example inspires audience members of all ages to achieve their own brand of success.

Cal Ripken Jr.'s Speech Topic(s)

• The Keys to Perseverance: A one-of-a-kind athlete and role model, Ripken speaks to audiences about leadership, loyalty, patience, and perseverance—qualities that lead to success in baseball and in business.