Cal Ripken Jr., the exceptional shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles who has played every game for over a decade, signed a significant contract yesterday, becoming the second-highest-paid player in baseball history. Ripken agreed to a five-year deal worth $30.5 million, with an average annual salary of $6.1 million, second only to Ryne Sandberg’s $7.1 million average starting next year.
The announcement of Ripken’s contract was made on his 32nd birthday during a pre-game ceremony before the Orioles faced the California Angels. This deal was the result of a year-long effort to ensure Ripken remained with the Orioles for his entire career. Additionally, the Orioles offered Ripken a post-retirement front-office position valued at $2 million, which he can decide on after retiring.
The contract includes a $3 million signing bonus, payable in installments in 1993 and 1994, and salaries of $4.5 million, $4.8 million, $6 million, $6 million, and $6.2 million over the five years. Orioles president Larry Lucchino expressed relief and satisfaction with the deal, highlighting the commitment from owner Eli Jacobs and the organization to Ripken and the fans.
The final contract was only $500,000 more than what Ripken had rejected in the spring. Despite being eligible for free agency after the season, it was widely believed Ripken would remain with the Orioles. Ripken, who debuted with the team in 1981, began his consecutive-game streak on May 30, 1982. The game last night marked his 1,698th consecutive game, second only to Lou Gehrig’s 2,130. If Ripken continues his streak, he would surpass Gehrig’s record in the 71st game of the 1995 season.
With this contract, Ripken surpasses Bobby Bonilla’s $5.8 million average with the Mets, placing him behind only Sandberg. Jack Morris of Toronto and Roger Clemens of Boston round out the top five highest average salaries in baseball.
