Three days after he was enshrined in Cooperstown, former Orioles star Cal Ripken was told by Hall of Fame officials that he is allowed to leave the property and does not have to report to the Hall every day to stand by his plaque.
“We appreciate Cal’s workman-like philosophy towards the game of baseball and life,” said Hall of Fame director Bill Horsely. “And while we enjoy having him around here, it’s becoming a bit of a headache. Several patrons have already walked into the public restroom to find Cal standing there naked washing himself with paper towels.”
But Ripken says he made his way to Cooperstown by showing up every day and he plans to honor that dedication as a member of the Hall of Fame.
“When people come here, they will expect to see Cal Ripken, just like when they went to Camden Yards or Memorial Stadium during my career,” said Ripken. “If they happen to come only to see me asleep or on the crapper, so be it. At least I showed up. I didn’t go 4-for-4 every day on the field either.”