Everybody's Hero - Cal Ripken Jr.
To a kid growing up in Toronto, those players running around the bases at Maple Leaf Stadium looked like gods.
My Dad took my brother and me to some of the games.
If it was snowing outside Mike and I looked forward to going to Maple Leaf Gardens on Sunday to watch the Marlies or St. Mikes. But if the sun was shining, it was down to the lakefront to watch a ballgame. When Dad couldn't take us we'd head down to Kew Beach and watch fastball instead. Life was good for a kid in Toronto that loved to watch sports.
For sportsfans in Baltimore, Maryland there was Memorial Stadium and later Camden Yards.
To young kids and adults alike, Cal Ripken Jr. was the one they came to watch. And Ripken did not let them down - this ironman of baseball appeared in 2,632 consecutive games.
Ripken is being rewarded now by his adoring fans as he is inducted into
Baseball's Hall of Fame.
Years ago my wife and I were in Baltimore and we took in two games at Memorial Stadium. As I sat in the bleachers behind first base, I had thoughts of my youth growing up in a world less complicated than today.
Thanks Cal.
