Cal Ripken, Jr., Secretary Rice & Karen Hughes Interview

[gabecollett]

not reality

[gabecollett]

There is no way you will find someone in Paxistan who wants to be Cal Ripxen

come on, Youtube, I lived in Paxistan

let me post some stuff up

[MichelleHasbrouck]

I love the idea of reaching Arab/Muslim children with sports, art, education. Would love to talk to karen hughes more about our school in a muslim country. I'm in the same city- how can we get in touch?

[drive4five]

This is a bunch of garbage, and baseball does not help the american troops or the fake war on terrorism!

Cal, Betta run. LOL

[jonathanbaskin]

America faces immense communications issues in the world, and the State Dept has dubbed Cal Ripken a special diplomatic envoy? It sure seems like they're pursuing some outdated approach to 'image' when the corporate world, not to mention the 'world' world, is more interested in actions these days. Nobody is going to better understand anybody else because of a game of pickup baseball. I've written a bit about this at DIM BULB, at dimbulb (dot) typepad (dot)com, if you'd like to check it out.

[DeapJaz]

Just don't miss a chance a throwing out a new spin do they? Past getting dizzy already!

Throw the bums OUT!!

[powerbookg]

RIGHT ON, CAL!! Glad to see a smart sports figure doing good for the world!! Keep it up. :-)

[cobwebhead]

Cal -- Be careful. The last athlete this administration used for political purposes was Pat Tillman. Please stay safe!

[sgs98980]

CAL you are better then selling yourself out for the government. You should not be with a bunch of old governmental people pretending to care. Just play baseball dont sell yourself out to Rice.

[johhny3rubs]

Who are these four old men anyway?

[hwyten]

cal has already drank the kool-aid. he's now an agent of the gov't. propagandist, plus i couldn't stand the guy on how he went about breaking gerhig's record, now more of his character is reveiled. hey rice, if amer. is not it's gov't, somebody forgot to tell bush,cheney and you.

[FuzzyOkie]

"America is not it's Government?" Correction! America is no longer because of it's Government. Bush: "What is this that keeps me from having my way?" America: it's the Constitution Sir. It's something you were sworn in to protect and up hold Sir. Bush: "Constitution Air Pollution, looks like just an old piece of paper to me? Hell, I'm on a roll out with the old and in with the NEW W.O" God help us and it wouldn't hurt if you were a team player too Cal?

[garion333]

talk talk talk talk talk

Why Cal? Oh, why?

[bil56]

I happened to live in Maryland while he was playing then. I also played with him and other kids when he was a kid in Aberdeen,Md. I'm an army brat and three years older than he. His brother Billy was on the Oriole team along with his dad senior. All three were on the Oriole team at the same time...I think another record! :).

[schattenjedi]

Wow, Americans really have no clue about the rest of the world, do they? For example that only a handful of countries outside of the US have any kind of interest in baseball. The people of the world are going to really be able to identify with Cal Ripken...after first learning what on earth baseball is. O.O All in all a D- effort by the US.

[Lairor]

I can guarantee you that out of 156 million Pakistanis, at least one of them likes baseball. But besides that, as they were saying sports are universal, you can admire an athlete regardless of what sport they play.

[dante040]

hey schattenjedi you dumbass, japan,china,cuba,venezuala,dom­inican rebublic,italy,panama,korea,th­ailand, all competed in the world baseball classic, and protested baseball being removed from the olypics, you damn U.S haters are so conceited that you turn a blind eye to the truth

[uofmnboy19]

THE majority of Latin America thinks that baseball is a joke. Only three latin countries in play the game. And dante040....US haters have a right to hate us.

[poprevolution]

how can anyone say anything bad about cal ripken? i agree with s7rugg1e, those were amazing days of my youth as well... what a class act.

[zebop]

Cal! Don't drink the Kool Aid!

[chappy2888]

So would who he is doing for make a real difference if it was Bush or the next moron 'WE' put in office? I mean come on, its the idea what he is doing that counts, right?

[chappy2888]

Not to mention the fact that his Streak helped save Baseball after a strike almost killed it.

[chappy2888]

To all those out there who are ignorant as to Cal's accomplishments, here is list:\ 1982 AL Rookie of the year 1983 AL MVP - Led Team to World Championship Two time Gold Glove award Winner at SS ('91, '92) 8 time Silver Slugger Award Winner AL MVP 1991 Two Time All-Star Game MVP 19 All Star Appearances in 20 year Career Most Consecutive games played 2,632 MLB All-Century Team member member of the 3000 hit, .977 Career Fielding %, Career .370 Bating avg in playoffs

[jackmenot]

Playing 2,632 games straight and still putting up good numbers like Ripken did is just amazing.

[elfyboy]

What a trio! One is famous for showing up for work everyday (yawn), another thinks Saddam had WMD's (ha ha ha) and one used to be propaganda minister to the worst public official in American history (and that's no joke!) Our tax dollars at work.

[UndrDogSSBM]

Cal Ripken had the best eye of the bat I've ever seen. He never had to dive for a ball because he was always there before it got through the gaps. Great Fielder, AMAZING stats at the plate too. Anyone who says anything otherwise about Cal Ripken Jr. should just be discredited.

[bloodymonkeywanker]

I'm a Democrat, and I concede that this is a smart move for the Bush administration. Ripkin is likeable. This is also good for him, because he could run as a Republican for Senator or perhaps President someday. All Democrats have right now for likeability is Obama, and Hillary will crush him under her stilletos before the Democratic convention. President Giuliani?!? Perish the thought.

[o0xst]

filthy, filthy animals hughes and rice with a decent guy cal ripken...what a sick, sick 6+ yrs its been

[s7rugg1e]

Where is Billy?

[jjimmycarterc]

people who say ripken couldn't play well obviously think baseball involves touchdowns and powerplays

and to that person that said no young people know jordan, I'm 17 and I have been watching and admiring jordan for as long as I can remember. it's just the dumbasses that make the whole lot of us look retarded

[Bomber125]

wombat, stay off the internets.

[bartolemeo]

Why in the WORLD would Cal get involved with these people?

[mmm413]

I just went blind and deaf.

[AnakinSkywalkerII]

I'm and Marylander too, Cal Ripken is a joke. He never played baseball that well, he only played 2000 some games straight, he's like the kid who never missed a day of school.

[wombatmoose]

How old are you? Apparently you are not old enough to have seen Cal his entire baseball career. Do yourself a favor and do some research before you make a fool of yourself!

[dancestar417]

I agree with wombatmoose. You apparently don't know your stuff Anakin. I would like to see you play 2131 games straight, without wimping out or getting injured. Have you ever missed a day of school or work? From how you talk, you probably have, so quit judging others who actually do their jobs!

[zebop]

I'm from Maryland too--and you've got to be kidding. Are you really from MD, I find that hard to believe.

[dancestar417]

Born and raised in western maryland, and damn well proud of it. I tend to you know, support the home team, don't know why it is so hard for you to believe. I went to many of Cal's games and always had a blast, he deserves the upmost respect.

[kidfromthapark]

Cal=human giant.  love me some Cal

[abnsnyper]

Ripken who? Garbage. Absolute garbage. Try Jordan.

[biggrex]

Ripken was so consistent he missed about two games in twenty years, not to mention his playing ability.

[kidfromthapark]

1. your an idiot

2. Cal is a household name recognized by everyone as a leader, winner, excellent role model and he spends his time and money doing that exactly.

3.I'm 29 and I love jordan don't get me wrong but ask anyone under the age of 15 and jordan is a shoe.

4. ask that same kid who cal is and get my point. Cal= now,today,still a role model  Jordan= then,yesteryear,shoe sales man

[gengrant3]

three great americans

[Baoluopaul67]

Ha What a joke. poor ol Cal... in his drie to more than a 'pitcher of leather' he got sucked into a Bush political stunt to charm the world with sports diplomacy. Poor idiot.

[OttoMaddock]

Condi is right - it's amazing that someone of Cal Ripkin's stature would work for that disgraceful administration.

[dancestar417]

I can't believe that there are so many negative comments. I don't care what ppl think of the current govt. but to dis Cal is completely crazy. He is one of the most hardworking, humble, and honest sports figures out there. So what's so wrong with him being an envoy. He is a great person who LEADS BY EXAMPLE.

[Ender1zero1]

you really don't understand? Anyone who works with or supports this admin in anyway taints their character. Lie down with dogs get up with fleas, show me your friends I'll know you who you are, type thing, really sad to see a good man allied with such scum.

[dancestar417]

What the hell does it matter what admin he works under. It is not like he is the one making crazy decisions, he just wants to spread some positivity, something that you should try.

[thatsmalarkey]

Leads by example of cheating?

[dancestar417]

I am a Maryland resident and am a huge fan of the O's and Cal. He does not cheat and who cares if this administration asked him to be an envoy; he is still going to spread his own message, not theirs!!! And Ender1zero1, I understand perfectly well. All he wants to do is be a positive influence.

[s7rugg1e]

I used to see Cal at Memorial and Camden, and the years with Mickey Tettleton, Brady and Mussina were the most precious days of my youth. I only hope the O's can come back to the table as a eminent team.

[drpgirl]

I don't see what it could hurt. Good for Cal for doing something good.

[foghorn99]

Baseball does not transcend culture...it's an American centric game.

Don't get me wrong...Cal Ripken rocks!! He's the Wayne Gretzky of baseball.

But besides latin america, japan/korea, canada and a handful of others, where else is baseball popular??

[neponsetriver]

Well, baseball does not enjoy the worldwide popularity of soccer/football, but there are many national sports around the world that are far less universal than baseball.

Having said that, I don't think Cal or any other baseball player seems like the best choice for an athlete to travel the world. In many places the youth may have never heard of the sport.

[TechnojunkFactory]

He PLAYED" baseball??

[TechnojunkFactory]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahah­ahahaha...what a joke!

[marcusjansen239369]

the Government can't make us look good so they are using our sports heros:) Wow! We are desperate!

[s7rugg1e]

History will be good to Bush and you will see why once this feeding frenzy of DailyKos and Nutsroots traitors eventually are responsible for the implosion of the Democratic party next year. Hating America and everyone who loves America and the smugness involved in it turns off normal people. And there is no * next to Cal's record.

[metroid101]

yeah right, Bush(tyrannous)

[thatsmalarkey]

You, sir or madam, are an idiot.

[615ocean]

History will be good to Bush. Why post on You Tube when you could send your application to Bush right now and work for your hero. I hate Bush and Love America and am a Republican who is disgusted by people like you who are just so RIGHT about everything. How you like them apples Assclown? IMPEACH Bush and Cheney

[marcusjansen239369]

Rice did not even hide their agenda. Transending "Culture and Identity" sure, lets make the whole world America. What an ignorant, arrogant pannel of idiots and a waist of time:)

[pho3nixtar]

marcusjansen - You know what? You might enjoy life a little more if you'd unwind your political hiney hairs a little bit...

[Shortshiftage]

What is wrong with this message? Or did the people that hate Condi actually listen to it.

[Stigmatainmypants]

Ripken is so overrated. I'll never understand why he's considered such a slice of Americana. Something fishy about him. Fact that he's siding with this particular administration in ANY way should be a huge flag.

[bdksh]

Why Cal? Why?

[themediaranter]

fantastic politicians.

[nflfootballfan]

cal ripken should be a president or an orioles manager

[borufan]

"Let's call a spade a spade"?! Wow. Nice follow up to Condie.

I had no idea Cal was a Bush stooge.

[metroid101]

this is sickening to me. Why do they hire famous people? For publicity. Bush administration is the most moronic administration ever in American history.

[dashiellhouse]

and yet the bush administration is not moronic at all. understand, they known to a t what is going on. prolonged war equals prolonged profits and 9/11 was meticulous in it's engineering

[patriotaction]

I freaking LOVE Cal.

[achasta]

It is enlightening to see how patronizing Hughes and Rice are. It has been my theory that there are many, many rich athletes who support BUSHCO. Disgusting. I wonder how many of Cal's kids are serving in Iraq.

Or any other big time athlete. Just like the pols. "Just like you speak to kids"...by watching my actions" Your actions, Cal, speak volumes. When will your kids enlist in this evil war?

[ssabet2]

LOL - only the Bush Administration would choose some homogenous baseball player from rural Maryland named Cal who doesn't speak/read/write any other languages to be an "international diplomat".

Keep the comedy coming, State Dept....

[JHWAUEX]

You freaking moron. This has nothing to do with the Administration. It's about America and public diplomacy (reaching out to the people) through Sport. You demented libs crack me. You guys are maniacs and can't even enjoy a nice, non-politically charged initiative.

[Parley454]

Wow, it looks like Cal Ripken can even cheer up condi rice who usually looks so grumpy.

[bouchsox]

Unreal. I used to have some respect for Cal.

[metroid101]

I have no respect for cal now.

[jerentitus]

Cal is trying to make a difference world wide...yea thats something to not respect...go Mr. Ripken, you're the man

[patsagainstrats]

Ripken and Tony Gwynn are class acts. I was thrilled to see them enter the Hall on the same day.

[forevertogether07]

ggg

[mkline718]

Cal helped bring baseball back after the 1994 strike. Great pick for this position. Cal is pure class.

[gabecollett]

oxay

but diplomat

cmon

[sarcasm17]

Cal Ripken and Condi Rice.. Who woulda thunk these two would EVER be on the same stage.

[gabecollett]

i thinx its fair to say that there is no one in Paxistan who wants to be Cal ripxen, Condi

Our presence in Paxistan is not as effective as it should be

[prosperabovehaters]

i'm sorry i had to reply...it's spelled Pakistan gabe

[choppermfg]

who is Carl Ripken???? who know him in europe? in Africa and Asia.......he is a nobody.......get some body else

[Stickerbushes]

Someone BIGGER than Ripken? lol. Who do you want, Muhammed Ali? Have you heard of baseball?

[brown3js]

First of all his name is CAL Ripken not Carl....secondly just because you dont know who he is doesn't mean millions of others in the world don't! He is easily one of the 10 best baseball players of all time and is known worldwide not only through his own playing of the game but through the international youth leagues he hosts. Cal is a great representative in this respect and next time don't talk out of you ass and learn before you speak....dumbass!!

[darrin924]

umm, errrr uhh, u OBVIOUSLY do not know basbeall that well my friend...'easily one of the 10 best players of all time'?...umm, he was not even one of the ten best of HIS generation

[HardcoreBlofish]

Wow honestly..cal ripken is one of the greatest baseball players ever.......do u realize how popular baseball is in asia, and how many players come from asia. Any baseball fan will know who cal ripken is...and even most people who dont know baseball will have heard of cal ripken, or cal ripken

[harpuaandme]

or Cal Ripken

[salimm]

Reality Check. In Asia Baseball is only popular in Japan. Even the Philippines prefer Basketball. Cricket is the main sport in Asia not baseball which nobody cares about. This Cal or Carl character, how is he going to function as a goodwill ambassador if he cannot speak a language other than English?

[darrin924]

here is a REALITY check...baseball is not 'ONLY popular in japan' as far as asia is concerned....try SOUTH KOREA , where it is HUGE , and taiwan, HUGE THERE ALSO...and china , where it has grown ,and has professional leagues....

get your facts straight , or better yet : KNOW THEM , before commenting

[rdangelo]

Who cares if he only speaks English. Everyone else can damn well learn English. Cricket? It's so unpopular, it's a joke.

[darrin924]

cobb , wagner , ruth , gehrig , williams, musial, simmons , foxx, hornsby , dimaggio , mantle , mays, arron, schmidt , bench , bonds , griffey , clemente , robinson , berra , campenella , rose , speaker , cochrane , dickey , collins , ...whew, we could name about FIFTY MORE that were better than ripken , EASILY....

[Lairor]

darrin924, a lot of the people you just named are dead. They're not going to do a lot a good reaching out to young people.

[eddyblue]

it's interesting that Cal will be visiting China first. i wonder if his his formal "introduction" and administration of baseball with Chinese youth will mirror the huge success that baseball had on the populus of Japan after the sport's introduction there during the Meji era.

[foreignpolicy101]

Nice! It's great to see an attempt to share the best of America while learning from other cultures as well. Bravo State Department and good luck Ironman Ripken!

[phantomjak]

Rip's been hitting the tanning salons.

[wilburfatness]

i went to camp with him. and he helped me with batting and other stuff

[bergmandesig]

Nice try but no one will know who he is and most in the world don't even understand baseball. Ripken is a great role model for kids when they know who he is. More of the Bush legacy of incompetence.

[coonpuppy]

best responce of all, fall back cal

[GermPQ]

This is disapointing... Ripken represent a government who encourage the death of thousands of persons to get the oil...

[OneFiveDoor]

Very nice connection with a good message. Also Video is shot very well! 5 Stars

[nomadicDigital]

What an unusual trio! The video is pretty good though...

[diplonut]

This is GREAT. Good move on the part of government. Ripken will be a great representative.