Baseball’s ‘Iron Man’ offers strategies for success

By |  March 13, 2023
Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. was the featured speaker during a general session at the NSSGA Joint Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Photo: P&Q Staff

Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. was the featured speaker during a general session at the NSSGA Joint Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Photo: P&Q Staff

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) Joint Annual Convention is well underway with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and the Portland Cement Association in Las Vegas, where baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. visited with the organizations’ members during a general session at Encore at Wynn.

Ripken, who was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 following a 21-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, is perhaps best known for breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak. Ripken ultimately played in 2,632 straight games between 1982 and 1998, and he offered up eight traits at the convention that a ballplayer would have to possess to break his “Iron Man” streak.

Reflecting on the traits such a ballplayer would have to possess, Ripken relayed how his eight variables are valuable in everyday business. One trait Ripken suggested the next “Iron Man” must possess is the right approach.

“All this means is you have to have the right attitude about your job,” he says. “No matter what job you’re in.”

A strong will to succeed, passion and a love to compete are also critical, according to Ripken. In terms of competition, Ripken says love to compete against both opponents and teammates are great drivers.

“What are some of the things in your life that can make you feel the same way you did when you first came in?” Ripken says. “[How do you stir up] that same sort of energy; that territory you’re going to protect as your own? That was very motivating for me.”

Consistency, strength and conviction are also among Ripken’s keys to success.

“All [conviction] means is there are certain times of your life when you have to stand up for what you believe in,” he says.

Ripken’s final key to success resides in an area he describes as “life management.”

“This is all about control,” Ripken says. “How do you gain control?”

As Ripken got older as a ballplayer, he says he learned tactics to gain control as a means to best prepare him for upcoming seasons.

“I would ask [the manager] how do you see my spring training unfolding?” Ripken says. “They would then put it back on me and ask: How do you see your spring unfolding?”

In addition to sharing strategies for success, Ripken told stories from his playing days and offered perspective on the current state of Major League Baseball.

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Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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