News Release

He's been the American League rookie of the year and is a two-time American League most valuable player. He won the Baltimore Orioles' MVP award four times, was an American League all-star 19 times, and is a member of the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. But no one could call the Iron Man a doctor of humane letters -- until now.

Future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. will receive his first honorary degree from The Johns Hopkins University on Thursday, May 23, during the 1:45 p.m. diploma award ceremony for seniors graduating from the schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. The ceremony will take place on the field south of Garland Hall on the university's Homewood campus, 3400 N. Charles St. in Baltimore.

"This is a tremendous honor and I am overwhelmed. The fact that this is being presented to me by one of the most respected universities in the world and one that is right here in Baltimore makes it that much more special," Ripken said. "Throughout my playing career, I have received many great honors and have been exposed to a lot of special experiences, but this is right up there."

Ripken was selected as one of this year's six honorary degree recipients for his longstanding ties to both the greater Baltimore and Johns Hopkins communities. The Kelly and Cal Ripken Jr. Foundation supports The Kelly G. Ripken Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which provides thyroid education and patient care. After breaking Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games in 1995, Ripken helped establish the Johns Hopkins ALS Cal Ripken Jr./Lou Gehrig Fund to find a cure for the fatal neuromuscular disease.

Members of the media who want to cover the diploma ceremony should contact the Office of News and Information at 410-516-7160. There will be a press section. Identification is required.

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