Cal Ripken, Sr. signed his first baseball contract in 1956 and over the next 36 years served as player, coach, and manager within the Baltimore Orioles' organization. He led by example, with loyalty, hard work, dedication, positive spirit, and integrity as his hallmarks. His passion for teaching the craft of baseball was passed on to his children. To honor their father's legacy, the Ripken family created the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, which uses baseball as the hook to reach underserved youth across the country and teach valuable life lessons they can use both on and off the field. The spirit of this field is to provide a safe place for kids to play and learn.