The (Second) Iron Horse

October 18, 2001

Well, Cal Ripken finished his career over the weekend. And all I'll say about it is this: I'm glad he went oh-for-the night. Not because of any hostility toward Cal or the Orioles, but because it points out a simple truth. The other team didn't give him anything.

Nobody took a little too long to throw the ball to first, no pitcher threw a meatball across the heart of the plate. They played it like it was another ballgame. And I think that shows some respect for Cal -- you don't give a man who's made a career for playing hurt and never giving in a pity-play in his last game.

October 17, 2001October 19, 2001