Marc,
I'm sorry to hear about your experience trying to get Ripken's autograph.
Cal Ripken was certainly one of the most tireless signers that I ever recall seeing.
I have seen him sign for kids and adults alike at the stadium while he was an active player, especially late in his career.
Nolan Ryan was also amazing! On the road he would frequently sign outside the hotel. He would come out at exactly the same time and sign one autograph for everyone in a line that was usually
really long. While he was looking down while signing he would make note of the shoes that a fan was wearing. Once he started seeing the same pair of shoes, he would stop and it was off to the stadium. The only time I saw him threaten to leave early was when some autograph seekers started shoving in the line.
In the last 30+ years, I can't think of too many HOF stars that were as accommodating as these two guys were, IMHO.
