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Washington, DC -- On the eve of the anniversary of Ripken breaking Lou Gehrig's historic record, legislation introduced by Congressman John P. Sarbanes (MD-03) to rename a section of I-395 in Baltimore as "Cal Ripken Way" passed the House today. The proposed section is between the junction with I-95 and Conway Street as it passes in front of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Every member of the Maryland delegation in the House of Representatives had cosponsored the bill as well as both the Democratic, Mike Doyle (PA-14), and Republican, Joe Barton (TX-06), coaches of the Congressional Baseball Team. Below is Congressman Sarbanes' House floor statement:
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3218. This legislation honors Cal Ripken, Jr. on his induction into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame by renaming Interstate 395 in Baltimore, which runs into the city and ends near Oriole Park at Camden Yards, as "Cal Ripken Way." It is fitting that we would pass this measure today, on the eve of the 12th anniversary of Cal setting the consecutive games record.
Cal's stellar career no doubt made him worthy of induction into the Hall of Fame. In fact, he was elected to the Hall with the highest vote total ever, the highest vote percentage for any position player, and the third highest vote percentage in history. But the numbers don't even begin to explain what he means to our national pastime. Too often, our sports stars are famous for all the wrong reasons. But time and again, Cal Ripken Jr. has been a source of pride for baseball.
Cal was a spectacular player but not a flashy one. He played fundamental baseball, always doing the little things and setting the example for how a professional should perfect his trade. And he showed up every day. From the heights of the World Series Championship in 1983 to the depths of the 21 game losing streak that began the 1988 season, Cal was there every day. After the cancellation of the 1994 World Series, many fans mark September 6, 1995, the night Ripken played in his 2,131st game, as the night that America came back to baseball.
Ripken's commitment to working hard and playing by the rules became known as "The Ripken Way." He inspired the people of Baltimore every season with his quiet and unassuming dedication to his work and continues to do so in retirement through numerous charitable works and his youth baseball foundation.
In fact, I believe that Cal has inspired Americans all over the country. I think Tony Kornheiser captured this well in a column that appeared in the Washington Post on September 7, 1995. He wrote "when I look at this record I think I hear the rhythms of America. This celebration of Cal is the fanfare for the common man. Going to work every day, . . . – building a career, providing for our family like our fathers did before us is something we can all relate to."
Madam Speaker, if we pass this legislation, when travelers come to visit Baltimore, or pass by on their way to another destination, they will not only be reminded of a terrific ballplayer whose name has become synonymous with the Orioles, but also a model American and the promise of doing things the "Ripken Way." I hope my colleagues agree that this is a fitting tribute to one of the best-loved and most enduring figures in the history of baseball.
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