A Model of Restraint: Orioles’ Cal Ripken Jr.

Among players who epitomize on-field restraint, Baltimore’s Cal Ripken Jr. enjoys one of the finest reputations. With his father coaching and managing in the minors when he was growing up, Ripken was always a student of the game. He demonstrates a distinct work ethic and a mannerly behavior while in uniform.

“It’s part from parents and from my own experiences,” he said. “I was always around the game. I watched every move every player made and I emulated them. Now I’m in a position to be emulated. Whether you like it or not, you have influence of sorts. You’re going to influence people and young kids. So I just try to have a positive influence, to be aware of what I’m doing.”

Of course it can happen that a player can “lose it,” an extreme example being the Chicago Cubs’ Andre Dawson when he threw 14 bats from the dugout onto the field after a dispute with a plate umpire. “If you have success at this level, emotions can run high,” Ripken said. “You’re a very competitive person to begin with. There are times when you do lose control. There have been times when I have, and I’m not proud of it.”

As he developed in the minors, Ripken quickly realized how many people could see how he carried himself as a player. How he acted became a crucial part of being a baseball player. Now 31, he has long behaved as he’s played -- with an uncanny steadiness day in and day out.