Net Worth Ranker
What Is Cal Ripken Jr.’s Net Worth?
Cal Ripken Jr., the celebrated retired American professional baseball player, boasts a substantial net worth of $70 million. This financial standing is primarily a result of his illustrious 21-season career with the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles, where he played as a shortstop and third baseman. Beyond his baseball earnings, Ripken’s net worth is augmented by endorsements, business ventures, and investments.
Cal Ripken Jr.’s Baseball Career Earnings
During his remarkable career, Cal Ripken Jr. accumulated a total of $70.7 million in salary. His peak single-season salary reached $6.85 million in 1997. Remarkably, he consistently earned around this figure from 1993 until his retirement in 2001. Adjusting for inflation, that is the equivalent of approximately $11.5 million per year in today’s currency.
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Born on August 24, 1960, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Cal Ripken Jr. is the son of Cal Ripken Sr., a respected coach within the Baltimore Orioles organization, and Violet Ripken. Growing up immersed in the world of baseball, Ripken’s early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future success. He attended Aberdeen High School, where he and his brother Billy both showcased their baseball talents. In the 1978 Major League Baseball draft, Cal was selected in the second round by the Baltimore Orioles, marking the official commencement of his professional baseball journey. His first assignment was with the Bluefield Orioles in the rookie Appalachian League. The following year, he advanced to the Single-A Miami Orioles of the Florida State League. That summer, Ripken hit his first professional home run and was subsequently named an All-Star at season’s end. In 1980, Ripken played with the Charlotte Orioles, hitting 25 home runs and earning another All-Star title. He followed this by joining the Rochester Red Wings, with which he played the longest professional baseball game in history at 33 innings and over eight hours.
Major League Debut and Rise to Stardom
Ripken’s major league debut occurred in August 1981, when he served as a pinch runner for Ken Singleton in the 12th inning. Initially positioned as a third baseman in 1982, Cal was soon permanently transitioned to the shortstop position. That year, he showcased his power by hitting 28 home runs and was duly recognized with the American League Rookie of the Year Award. 1983 proved to be an even more momentous year for Ripken. He earned the first of his impressive 19 All-Star titles and set Orioles records for RBIs by a shortstop and hits by any player. Additionally, he led the major leagues in both hits and doubles, and led the American League with 121 runs scored. Subsequently, he was named the AL Most Valuable Player, becoming the first MLB player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP Awards in consecutive seasons. The Orioles clinched the AL East title in 1983 and triumphed over the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.
Continued Success and Record-Breaking Achievements
In 1984, Ripken earned another All-Star Game selection, further solidifying his status as a top player in the league. Despite missing out on a Gold Glove, he set an American League record with 583 assists, highlighting his defensive prowess. A significant milestone in his career occurred in 1986; despite a challenging season for the Orioles, Cal managed to record a 17-game hitting streak, demonstrating his consistency and determination. The 1987 season marked a special occasion as Ripken played alongside his brother and fellow Oriole, Billy, in the same game. In August 1989, Cal and Billy combined for seven hits in a game against the Boston Red Sox, establishing an AL record for hits by brothers, underscoring their impact on the team’s success.
The 1990s: Milestones and Accolades
Although Ripken’s offensive output dipped slightly in 1990, he achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the record for most consecutive errorless chances by a shortstop, achieving an impressive streak of 95 straight games. One of his best career years came in 1991, when he showcased his versatility by hitting 46 doubles, stealing a career-best six bases, and hitting five triples while recording the lowest strikeout rate of his career. During this exceptional season, he was named an All-Star, won the Home Run Derby, and received his first All-Star Game MVP Award, underscoring his all-around excellence. He also secured his second AL MVP Award and his first Gold Glove Award, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s premier players. In 1995, Ripken etched his name in baseball history by breaking Lou Gehrig’s record for most consecutive games played, a feat that had been considered unbreakable. He voluntarily ended his 17-year streak at 2,632 games before the final home game of the 1998 season, demonstrating his respect for the game and his personal values. In 1996, Cal achieved his highest batting average of his career, hitting .340, showcasing his enduring skill and dedication. He also had the best single game of his career when he tied a club record with 13 total bases against the Atlanta Braves.
Final Years and Retirement
In early 2000, Ripken reached another significant milestone by joining the 3,000-hit club in a game against the Minnesota Twins. The following year, he announced his decision to retire at the end of the season, bringing an end to his illustrious career. In his final year, he was honored with the All-Star Game MVP award and received the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the sport. His 2001 All-Star Game jersey, signed and inscribed “Game Used Jersey 2001 All-Star Game MVP,” sold at auction for $72,000, highlighting the value placed on items from his career.
Charitable Work and Business Ventures
Throughout his career, Ripken has been actively involved in numerous charitable endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. In 1984, he distributed Orioles tickets to underprivileged children in Harford County and made donations to the Hartford Center, reflecting his early efforts to support local causes. He has also contributed to research on Lou Gehrig’s disease and played a role in establishing the Cal Ripken/Lou Gehrig Fund for Neuromuscular Research at Johns Hopkins University, demonstrating his dedication to medical research and supporting those affected by the disease. In collaboration with his brother Billy, he launched the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to provide opportunities for underprivileged children to attend national baseball camps. In 2007, Ripken joined a group of athletes in founding Athletes for Hope, an organization that encourages professional athletes to engage in charitable causes, underscoring his commitment to using his platform for positive social impact. On the business front, Ripken has invested in several minor league baseball teams over the years, including the Aberdeen IronBirds, the Augusta GreenJackets, and the Charlotte Stone Crabs, reflecting his passion for the sport and his entrepreneurial spirit. The Aberdeen IronBirds, in particular, have a strong connection to Ripken, being based in his hometown.
Real Estate Investments
For an extended period, Cal resided in a custom-built mansion in Reisterstown, Maryland, spanning an impressive 22,000 square feet and situated on 24 acres of land. In September 2016, he initially listed the property for $12.5 million. However, after several price reductions, he eventually sold it for $3.465 million in 2018. The buyer was fellow baseball player Adam Jones. Cal built the home from scratch in 1985 and then performed a major renovation in the 1990s. It not only comes with the expected full-size baseball diamond (designed by Ripken himself), but also an 11-seat in-home theater with a box office, a kitchen that can hold up to 100 guests, a sizable indoor basketball court and an outdoor heated pool (complete with pool house). Redesigns in 1991 and 1995 saw the additions of the gym and basketball court, as well as a batting cage, training room, and locker room at the request of Ripken himself. In May 2020, Ripken acquired a waterfront home in Annapolis, Maryland, for $3.9 million, demonstrating his continued investment in real estate. The specific address and further details of this property are not publicly available.
