MLB: Ripken seeks 'right situation' for baseball return
DAVID GINSBURG
AP Sports Writer
BALTIMORE — Cal Ripken Jr. is moving closer to a return to baseball, and acknowledged Monday that he has discussed the topic with the Baltimore Orioles on several occasions.
But the Hall of Famer, nicknamed "The Iron Man" for playing in a record 2,632 straight games, is just considering it at this time.
"With my son Ryan approaching the end of high school in a couple of years I have been thinking more seriously about a return to the big league game," Ripken said in statement. "I am more excited now to explore all opportunities and find the right situation that could lead me to the next phase of my life."
Ripken issued the statement following a report by FOX Sports that Orioles owner Peter Angelos didn't want Ripken on board because he was fearful Ripken would get all the credit for the team's success.
Ripken said the report was "just not true."
The Orioles have suffered through 12 straight losing seasons since reaching the playoffs in 1997. Although having Ripken on board wouldn't guarantee a turnaround, it would certainly create a stir in a town where he revered.
Ripken said he's talked with Angelos and Andy MacPhail, the club president of baseball operations, about where he might fit on the company ladder.
"I have met with Andy and Peter on a number of occasions to discuss many subjects," Ripken said. "Ultimately our discussions have turned to baseball, the Orioles and me. I have enjoyed those talks very much, and yes the subject has been broached about me potentially joining the organization. I look forward to those talks continuing."
Before winning Sunday, the Orioles had a nine-game losing streak and were off to a 1-11 start. Ripken attributed the report of him being spurned by Angeles to the team's poor play.
"In my baseball experience, rumors and stories seem to break when things aren't going well," Ripken said.