MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE CAL RIPKEN, JR. HITS CHICAGO

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS—-Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Cal Ripken, Jr. recently hit town to do some good work on behalf of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for the kids of the Union League Boys & Girls Club.

During a private reception hosted by businessman Eugene Freedman at the Union League Club, Ripken presented a $25K grant to the Club whose mission is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

It was also announced that in honor of Ripken’s visit to Chicago, Mr. Freedman donated $100K to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to support the work of the organization, and agreed to become an honorary member of its national board of directors.

Founded in 2001 to honor the exceptional career and baseball teachings of Cal Ripken, Sr., the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses baseball and softball taught “The Ripken Way” to develop character and give disadvantaged youth opportunities to succeed.

In addition to his work with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Ripken uses his experiences growing up with his father and his 21-year Hall of Fame baseball career to enhance the lives of children through his writings. While in the Chicago area, Ripken also promoted his first children’s book, The Longest Season (Philomel Books), at several venues.

The Longest Season uses the illustrations of Ron Mazellan and the Baltimore Orioles record setting 0-21 start to the 1988 season as a metaphor to teach children how lessons are learned by going through difficult times.

To learn more about the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, please visit http://www.ripkenfoundation.org.