Report; Cal Ripken Jr. Is Honored at DCA
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Gary Miller
Even after that lengthy introduction, you see he is human. So as people get closer and get all the cameras on, now we have the man in person to continue our festivities. Cal, welcome to Disney’s California Adventure!

As you can see, we’re thrilled that you and your family could be with us today. And now that you’re comfortable up there next to Mickey, it's time to introduce a couple of other friends of yours who - like me - wouldn’t miss this occasion for anything. Our first guest was a teammate of Cal’s and All-Star of the American League in 1983 and one of the best third baseman of his day. Please welcome former Baltimore Oriole and our own Anaheim Angels star Doug DeCinces.

Doug DeCinces
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Doug DeCinces
Thank you very much. It is a great honor. Cal, you believe this? It is a long way from Asheville, North Carolina. Cal and I…Cal’s father was my manager in the minor leagues and became my coach in the major leagues for many years. Cal at that time was in little league and was kind of a shadow of mine on the field. Low and behold many, many years later I was traded to the California Angels so Cal Ripken could play third base for the Baltimore Orioles. I never understood what the Orioles thought. Actually, probably the one regret that I have. And in standing up here, as you know, he was to play third base, but Earl Weaver moved him to shortstop. I just wish they’d be able to do that so I would’ve been able to have played alongside such a fabulous baseball player that Cal was. I think that the great thing that we have and the reason why we’re here today and the reason why all of you are enjoying the festivities is, I think, Cal stands for a little bit more than just baseball. Cal, no matter what anybody says as a professional athlete, when you take that professional athlete - that athletic role - you are looked up to, you are an example of what you are supposed to be and I can’t think of anybody, and I mean this Cal, anybody that has ever shown the class and the dignity, the dedication (sigh) to have your family here and to enjoy and understand this. It is not just baseball that people are saying thank you to. It is because of how you conduct your life on and off the field.

I know that one of the reasons that Cal was able to accomplish some of his feats on the field was because he was an avid, avid student of his father. And I stand before you as an ex-major league baseball player and I was an avid student of him as well. To be up here and have this honor to do this today means more than you really know Cal. I think you deserve everything that you’ve received. Good luck the rest of the way.

Gary Miller
Thanks, Doug. Incredibly well put. Our next guest, was one of the 30 second base men who teamed with Cal during the streak including one of my former colleagues, Earl Reynolds. But this man is so animated he could be a Disney character. We’ve got it in the works. Please welcome Anaheim Angels announcer, the Rex Wonder Dog, Rex Hudler.

Rex "Hud Man" Hudler
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Rex Hudler
What a day for me! Forget about Cal! Forget about - they asked me to be a part of this. And it is even more mind boggling to have been drafted in the same year as Cal Ripken, played against him and then got a chance to be teammates with Cal Ripken. And I was so excited when I turned my first double play with Cal that I called home to my mom and said, “Mom, I just turned two with Cal Ripken!” (laughter) You’re fortunate enough to be a major league player, Cal will tell you that, that we’re blessed physically to have the talent but to be able to go about the game and to meet the people and to have the fan support today of major league baseball, Cal will certainly tell you that you folks are the reason that we’re having Cal Ripken today.