Ripken to extend Minor League reach

DALLAS -- It didn't take long to figure out that Cal Ripken is looking to build much more than a Minor League Baseball empire. Sure, as he announced the formation of Baseball Enterprises LLC on Tuesday, the initial idea of Ripken someday dominating the Minor League scene the way he dominated the infield for the Orioles during the better part of two decades was certainly prevalent.

But as Ripken continued to discuss why he enlisted the help of Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Kirby Puckett, not to mention a host of other former and current players, it was obvious that the passion he brought to the field is something that will fuel this venture, making the teams Ripken's group owns not just part of an ambitious business plan but a huge part of communities they touch.

The Ripken Baseball Group already owns controlling interest of and operates the Aberdeen Ironbirds of the New York-Penn League and the Augusta GreenJackets of the South Atlantic League. Baseball Enterprises is comprised of current and former players, including Bill Ripken, Melvin Mora, Jason Johnson, David Segui, Dennis Martinez, Mark Gubicza, Mike Bielecki, Mike Boddicker and Shane Reynolds. Steve Geppi, a minority owner of the Baltimore Orioles, is also an investor.

Ripken's involvement in the Aberdeen franchise is the perfect model for what his group is trying to accomplish. The facility includes a youth baseball complex, which is an aspect of his ownership that clearly is integral to what Ripken is hoping to provide wherever he and his partners set up shop. Baseball's all-time Iron Man laid out a plan Tuesday that called for Baseball Enterprises to have 10 teams under its umbrella over the next 10 years.

"There's a synergy here," Ripken said. "There's definitely a connection between kids and youth baseball and Minor League Baseball. This way, they have a chance to enjoy some family entertainment and go out on the field and act out their dreams. It's a celebration of the game of baseball."

Initially, Ripken said his group tried to purchase the Savannah Sand Gnats, but when the Augusta franchise became available, it seemed like a better opportunity. After touring the facility in Augusta, Ripken was convinced, especially after seeing the potential to create the type of family-friendly facility, replete with youth baseball fields, like the one in Aberdeen.

It's all part of a huge initiative, the seeds of which were planted when Ripken was playing. When he was breaking into the Major Leagues, he saw teammates like Jim Palmer winding down their careers and began to wonder what they would do once they finished playing. He said that experience prompted him to take advantage of the opportunities available while also creating new ones.

So when the Major League Baseball Players Association presented Ripken with $75,000 to build his own youth baseball field of dreams in Aberdeen a decade ago, he decided, "Why stop there." Ultimately, he brought a New York-Penn League team to the Mid-Atlantic region. The experience energized Ripken and made what could have been an arduous transition to his post-playing days an easy one.

Ripken said he barely noticed that Spring Training had started the year following his retirement because he was so involved with the Ironbirds. And he's using this venture to share that experience with friends and former teammates.

"I found that Minor League Baseball was not only a good business but it was a great bridge from my playing career to the next phase of my life," Ripken said. "We decided to reach out to my former teammates and friends in the game and see if they were interested in Minor League ownership. We were very excited about how well the idea was received and we hope that Baseball Enterprises continues to grow.

"When I retired, I decided to go into youth-level baseball and Minor League Baseball and all of a sudden it became a business that was very comfortable for me. I was fascinated by what Nolan Ryan did, opening up (his business opportunity in Round Rock and Corpus Christi) to (Roger) Clemens and (Andy) Pettitte. It was a great idea to offer it to them. You can buy Minor League teams and push them on a faster track with more resources."

Ripken said the 10 teams in 10 years goal might be "pie in the sky." But he's already looking for markets that are compatible with the company's objectives. Whether that means purchasing existing teams and reshaping them in their current communities or moving them to new ones, Ripken remains resolute in his commitment to making this project a reality.

Building new ballparks isn't out of the question, either. And having the likes of Murray and Puckett on board should only make the going easier.

"The energy the other players bring is something because people want to share that experience," Ripken said. "The connection is great to have when any big league player comes to a market. You'd be foolish not to tap into these opportunities. And these are all good guys who see the big picture."

And that picture is one on which Ripken's imprint is firmly stamped.