The name "Ripken" is synonymous with Orioles baseball.
Cal Ripken Jr. had a Hall of Fame career with the team. He played alongside his brother Billy for more than six years and their father, Cal Sr., managed the Orioles for a little over a year.
Now, another Ripken might be joining the Orioles family:
That would be 20th round for Orioles and Ryan Ripken, who is committed to South Carolina. He is a first baseman. You know his dad
— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) June 6, 2012
According to BaltimoreSportsReport.com, the younger Ripken is a pretty good prospect:
Ryan played in the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game in 2011 at Wrigley Field and will reportedly play college ball in South Carolina.
The first baseman received several scholarships offers after hitting .353 during his junior year at Gillman.
Ryan, who stands tall at 6′ 6″, is also a local star on the basketball court.
This pick is probably a courtesy to Cal Jr.; with the new draft-slotting rules in place, Baltimore probably couldn't offer too much to Ryan Ripken, and he'll likely head to play college ball at the University of South Carolina. But you can bet Orioles scouts will keep their eye on him while he's there.