Forever an Oriole: Legendary Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. Donates $10 Million to Baltimore Orioles Athletics for New

Baltimore, MD – In a move that will have a lasting impact on the Baltimore Orioles organization, legendary shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. has donated $10 million to the team’s athletics department for the construction of new training facilities.

The donation, which was announced at a press conference earlier today, is the largest in Orioles history and will be used to build state-of-the-art training facilities at the team’s spring training complex in Sarasota, Florida.

“We are thrilled and grateful for Cal’s generosity,” said Orioles Executive Vice President John Angelos. “His donation will have a lasting impact on our organization and will help us to continue to develop and train the best young players in baseball.”

The new training facilities, which are expected to be completed by the start of the 2025 season, will feature cutting-edge technology and equipment, including advanced pitching and hitting simulators, a state-of-the-art weight room, and a rehabilitation center.

“Cal’s donation is a game-changer for our organization,” said Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde. “The new training facilities will give our players the best possible resources to develop their skills and compete at the highest level.”

Ripken, who played his entire 21-year career with the Orioles, is widely regarded as one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history. He was a 19-time All-Star, won two Gold Glove awards, and was named the American League MVP in 1983.

Ripken’s donation is the latest example of his commitment to the Orioles organization and the city of Baltimore. He has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives over the years, including the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, which he founded in 2001 to support youth baseball programs and promote healthy lifestyles.

“Cal’s generosity and commitment to the Orioles organization are inspiring,” said Orioles Hall of Famer Eddie Murray. “He is a true legend of the game, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Orioles players and fans.”

The Orioles organization has plans to recognize Ripken’s donation in a special ceremony during the 2025 season. Details of the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

In related news, the Orioles also announced plans to rename the team’s spring training complex in Sarasota, Florida, after Cal Ripken Jr. The complex, which has been the team’s spring training home since 2010, will be officially renamed the Cal Ripken Jr. Training Center at a ceremony next spring.

THE CAL RIPKEN JR. TRAINING CENTER: A NEW ERA FOR ORIOLES BASEBALL

The renaming of the Orioles’ spring training complex after Cal Ripken Jr. is a fitting tribute to the legendary shortstop’s contributions to the organization. The complex, which features six practice fields, a 7,500-seat stadium, and state-of-the-art training facilities, will serve as the Orioles’ primary spring training site for years to come.

“Cal Ripken Jr. is a beloved figure in Orioles history, and we are honored to rename our spring training complex after him,” said Orioles Executive Vice President John Angelos. “The Cal Ripken Jr. Training Center will serve as a symbol of our organization’s commitment to excellence and our dedication to developing the next generation of Orioles players.”

The Cal Ripken Jr. Training Center will feature a number of amenities and upgrades, including a new clubhouse, expanded training facilities, and improved parking and accessibility. The complex will also feature a number of tributes to Ripken’s career, including a statue, a plaque, and a display case featuring memorabilia from his playing days.

“I am humbled and grateful to have the Orioles’ spring training complex named after me,” said Ripken. “I am proud to have played my entire career with the Orioles, and I am excited to see the next generation of players develop their skills at this world-class facility.”

The Cal Ripken Jr. Training Center is expected to be completed by the start of the 2025 season. The Orioles will hold a dedication ceremony to officially open the complex, which will feature appearances by Ripken, Orioles players and coaches, and other special guests.

In addition to the renaming of the spring training complex, the Orioles also announced plans to establish the Cal Ripken Jr. Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial assistance to young baseball players from the Baltimore area who are pursuing higher education. The fund will be established with an initial donation of $100,000 from the Orioles organization.

“Cal Ripken Jr. is a true legend of the game, and we are honored to establish a scholarship fund in his name,” said Orioles Executive Vice President John Angelos. “The Cal Ripken Jr. Scholarship Fund will provide opportunities for young baseball players from the Baltimore area to pursue their dreams of playing baseball at the collegiate level.”

The Cal Ripken Jr. Scholarship Fund will be administered by the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation, which provides support to a variety of charitable organizations and initiatives in the Baltimore area.