Cal Ripken Jr. is a legend for Baltimore Orioles fans.
Not only is he the owner of one of baseball’s unbreakable records, which is the 2,632 consecutive games played, but he also won two MVPs, the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1982, and a World Series in 1983 with the team.
As an authorized voice on the Orioles and as a minority owner of the team, Ripken discussed the team decision to call up uber-prospect Jackson Holliday to the big leagues.
He revealed his happiness about watching the kid start his MLB career, and he also was content to announce that the infielder will be wearing No. 7, which is an important number to the Ripken family.
“Our family is thrilled that @J_Holliday7 will be wearing dad’s #7 … Excited to watch him play!” Ripken tweeted.
Our family is thrilled that @J_Holliday7 will be wearing dad’s #7 … Excited to watch him play!
— Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) April 10, 2024
No. 7 is very respected in Baltimore.
The last player to wear it was Cal’s brother, Billy.
That happened in 1988, so yes: it has been some time since someone on the O’s has worn it.
Bill followed in his father Cal’s footsteps: the veteran manager/coach spent 36 years with the organization and wore No. 7.
It’s hard to think of a better player to use the number again than MLB’s top prospect.
Holliday is going to be the face of the team for years to come.
He has it all: a beautiful swing, power, speed, defense, arm, intangibles, work ethic, and baseball pedigree.
He was a star at every minor league level he played in, and had a spring training to remember.
He has true MVP potential at peak, and the baseball universe is excited to watch him play.
NEXT:
Video Shows Life-Changing Moment For Jackson Holliday