This morning, Cal Ripken issued a release to the media due to Ken Rosenthal’s story that came out over the weekend concerning a report that he was declined a position with the Orioles by Peter Angelos.
However, on Sunday, Peter Angelos refuted Rosenthal’s orginial report with ESPN’s Buster Olney
This was posted on WNST earlier this morning…
“In my baseball experience, rumors and stories seem to break when things aren’t going well. Let me address recent media reports.
“First I want to say that Mr. Angelos never said that he didn’t want me to get credit for any success that the club might have. That’s just not true.
“I have had a very good relationship with Peter for a long time. He has been an advisor to me, a great supporter of my foundation and it is because of him that we have an Orioles affiliate in Aberdeen.
“I have met with Andy and Peter on a number of occasions to discuss many subjects. Ultimately our discussions have turned to baseball, the Orioles and me. I have enjoyed those talks very much, and yes the subject has been broached about me potentially joining the organization. I look forward to those talks continuing.
“I have been consistent in my statements about a return to baseball since my retirement in 2001. With my son Ryan approaching the end of high school in a couple of years I have been thinking more seriously about a return to the big league game. I am more excited now to explore all opportunities and find the right situation that could lead me to the next phase of my life.”
I guess the speculation whether Ripken will join the Orioles or not will continue. This statement tells me very little aside from the fact both the Orioles/Angelos and Ripken have been talking for a good while. Then again, who really knows what’s going on outside the principals involved.
Ripken has not denied talking to Angelos, nor has he exactly wavered on joining the organization.
I would not be surprised if Ripken works his way back into the Oriole organization in one aspect or another and see his role grow in the years to come.
I see this as his way back into a bigger rolw within the Baltimore community and Major League Baseball.
Just my two cents.
