Cal Ripken Jr. And The Hobby

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

His autographed cards do well but he wasn't really an exciting player. Other than his streak-breaking game I can't think of any Cal Ripken Jr highlights or other major moments of his career.

At least he had the streak. There are many greats you would be hard pressed to name great moments. The only thing I remember Gwynn doing was grounding out against Maddux in the 9th. Tris Speaker highlights, anyone? Jimmie Foxx's greatest hits?

[packs]

I think Tony Gwynn is a bad comparison. He had instantly recognizable qualities, like his laugh and the smile on his face all the time. I'll also never forget him because he had to do battle with the greatest team in history, the 1998 Yankees in the World Series. I watched that series like I watched all Yankees games that year and I do remember the home run Gwynn hit in game 1 with a tied game. It was his only postseason home run.

But I guess that's a personal memory more than an around the game moment. Everyone did see it though. It was the World Series.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

I think Tony Gwynn is a bad comparison. He had instantly recognizable qualities, like his laugh and the smile on his face all the time. I'll also never forget him because he had to do battle with the greatest team in history, the 1998 Yankees in the World Series. I watched that series like I watched all Yankees games that year and I do remember the home run Gwynn hit in game 1 with a tied game. It was his only postseason home run.

But I guess that's a personal memory more than an around the game moment. Everyone did see it though. It was the World Series.

OK one fairly dramatic homer. Ripken's streak game arguably was one of the most exciting moments in all of baseball history. And the game before was pretty exciting too not to mention the whole leadup to it.

[packs]

It was personality too though. I can still hear Gwynn’s voice. Everybody loved that guy. I don’t remember anything about Cal Ripken except he was bald and a few years ago his mother was bizarrely kidnapped.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

It was personality too though. I can still hear Gwynn’s voice. Everybody loved that guy. I don’t remember anything about Cal Ripken except he was bald and a few years ago his mother was bizarrely kidnapped.

He was the All American boy who would stay at the park for hours signing autographs. Hugely popular in Baltimore.

Both played for only one team. They made the Hall together. Lots of comparisons.

[packs]

Not that popular apparently. Aaron Judge’s isn’t only popular in New York. He’s a phenomenon. And Gwynn is probably going to be the most recognizable Padres player for the entirety of their franchise, in addition to having the NL batting title named after him. He’s an immortal in ways Ripken won’t be.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

Not that popular apparently. Aaron Judge’s isn’t only popular in New York. He’s a phenomenon. And Gwynn is probably going to be the most recognizable Padres player for the entirety of their franchise, in addition to having the NL batting title named after him. He’s an immortal in ways Ripken won’t be.

IMO you are underestimating Cal, I bet his cards all things equal sell for more than Gwynn's. Breaking Gehrig's record was HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE. Did Gwynn get a chapter in George F. Will's book? Maybe he did, but I only remember the one on Cal.

[G1911]

My hot take of the day is that Tony Gwynn is a closer comparison to Cal Ripken Jr. than Tony Fernandez.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Jimmie Foxx's greatest hits?

Wasn't it Foxx that broke a seat pretty far back in Yankee Stadiums upper deck?