OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Lords of Baseball, Cal Ripken, and a Historic Moment

darkhorse · 07-19-2004, 07:27 PM

Heading into the All-Star break of the Lords of Baseball's first season, Cal Ripken was playing his usual rock-solid defense and supplying power and production in the middle of the Orioles batting order. In the All-Star voting, Ripken was second only to Brewers shortstop Robin Yount with one week left in the builidup to the mid-summer classic. However, unbeknownst to all but the baseball gods, Ripken was on a collision course with immortality.

On June 24th, Baltimore was playing game two of a 3 game set with the Tigers. The previous night, the O's had taken the opener with an 11th inning solo blast from rookie David Segui providing the winning run in a 7-6 victory. With a 38-38 won-loss record, Baltimore had a double digit deficit in the AL East pennant race behind the Red Sox. However, Orioles fans in attendance on this fateful day would witness a never before seen performance from their most beloved player.

In the bottom of the second, Ripken leads off the inning with a shot to deep center, 446 feet, off Tigers starter Nolan Ryan to put the Orioles up 1-0. Rookie 3B Leo Gomez would immediately follow him with another solo blast.

Leading off the 4th inning, Ripken takes one to left field, a homer covering 369 feet for a 3-0 O's lead.

Top of the 6th inning, new acquisiton Dante Bichette leads off with a single. Ripken strides to the plate and moves Ryan's offering opposite field for a dinger covering 363 feet. Orioles 5, Tigers 1, Ryan weeping.

Ripken leads off the 8th inning and faces Tigers journeyman hurler Paul Gibson, a southpaw. Ripken mashes a Gibson bender to right-center, a 407 foot shot. Holy cow! Ripken becomes the first American Leaguer to hit 4 home runs in a game since Rocky Colavito of the Cleveland Indians did so on June 10th, 1959, some 31 years ago. He becomes only the 12th big leaguer to ever accomplish this milestone.

Orioles 6, Tigers 1.

As the public address announcer makes this fact known, the fans begin their prayer vigil. "Please, God. If their is any justice in the world. Please, let Cal bat again!"

Top of the 9th and the Tigers bring on closer Mike Henneman. Ripken is due up third and will have to take his swings against Detroit's stopper. Palmeiro singles to right, then Bichette leaves them groaning with a double play grounder, U4-3.

Ripken is up, the bases are clear, and the Orioles sport a 6-1 lead.

Henneman winds, deals...............

AND IT'S GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RIPKEN HITS HIS 5TH HOME RUN OF THE NIGHT!

NEVER BEFORE IN MAJOR LEAGUE HISTORY!!!!

I can't believe my eyes. What an incredible, monumental, historic display of talent and skill.

http://lordsofbaseball.us/lords_of_b...ue/box995.html

07-19-2004, 07:27 PM	#1
darkhorse Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: fort worth, tx Posts: 10,850	Lords of Baseball, Cal Ripken, and a Historic Moment Heading into the All-Star break of the Lords of Baseball's first season, Cal Ripken was playing his usual rock-solid defense and supplying power and production in the middle of the Orioles batting order. In the All-Star voting, Ripken was second only to Brewers shortstop Robin Yount with one week left in the builidup to the mid-summer classic. However, unbeknownst to all but the baseball gods, Ripken was on a collision course with immortality. On June 24th, Baltimore was playing game two of a 3 game set with the Tigers. The previous night, the O's had taken the opener with an 11th inning solo blast from rookie David Segui providing the winning run in a 7-6 victory. With a 38-38 won-loss record, Baltimore had a double digit deficit in the AL East pennant race behind the Red Sox. However, Orioles fans in attendance on this fateful day would witness a never before seen performance from their most beloved player. In the bottom of the second, Ripken leads off the inning with a shot to deep center, 446 feet, off Tigers starter Nolan Ryan to put the Orioles up 1-0. Rookie 3B Leo Gomez would immediately follow him with another solo blast. Leading off the 4th inning, Ripken takes one to left field, a homer covering 369 feet for a 3-0 O's lead. Top of the 6th inning, new acquisiton Dante Bichette leads off with a single. Ripken strides to the plate and moves Ryan's offering opposite field for a dinger covering 363 feet. Orioles 5, Tigers 1, Ryan weeping. Ripken leads off the 8th inning and faces Tigers journeyman hurler Paul Gibson, a southpaw. Ripken mashes a Gibson bender to right-center, a 407 foot shot. Holy cow! Ripken becomes the first American Leaguer to hit 4 home runs in a game since Rocky Colavito of the Cleveland Indians did so on June 10th, 1959, some 31 years ago. He becomes only the 12th big leaguer to ever accomplish this milestone. Orioles 6, Tigers 1. As the public address announcer makes this fact known, the fans begin their prayer vigil. "Please, God. If their is any justice in the world. Please, let Cal bat again!" Top of the 9th and the Tigers bring on closer Mike Henneman. Ripken is due up third and will have to take his swings against Detroit's stopper. Palmeiro singles to right, then Bichette leaves them groaning with a double play grounder, U4-3. Ripken is up, the bases are clear, and the Orioles sport a 6-1 lead. Henneman winds, deals............... AND IT'S GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIPKEN HITS HIS 5TH HOME RUN OF THE NIGHT! NEVER BEFORE IN MAJOR LEAGUE HISTORY!!!! I can't believe my eyes. What an incredible, monumental, historic display of talent and skill. http://lordsofbaseball.us/lords_of_b...ue/box995.html __________________ "The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."