Ryan Ripken: Family, MLB, Position, Wife & Salary

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Whenever we hear the word “Ripken,” we associate it with the word “baseball” because of Calvin Ripken Jr., an American former baseball shortstop and third baseman who played 21 seasons in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles (1981-2001).  His son, Ryan Ripken, grew up carrying his family’s last name.

The weight on his jersey’s back was heavier than a normal jersey because of the high expectations of the surname “Ripken.”

Cal Ripken Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps, which his son Ryan later took up. He attended Maryland’s Gilam High School and participated in All-America Game at Wrigley Field, where his baseball prowess earned him a scholarship to South Carolina. 

Aberdeen Ironbirds' Ryan Ripken (58) During A Minor League Baseball Game Against The Tri-City ValleyCats
Aberdeen Ironbirds’ Ryan Ripken (58) During A Minor League Baseball Game Against The Tri-City ValleyCats (Source: Times Union)

The Washington Nationals drafted Ryan in the 20th round of the MLB’s 2012 amateur draft. After a year with Gamecocks, he transferred to Indiana River College for game time.

Unfortunately, Ryan announced his retirement from baseball on July 22, 2022. 

We will discuss Ryan’s family, education, career, and net worth further. But first, let’s go through the quick facts.

Quick Facts

Full Name Ryan Calvin Ripken
Birth Date July 26, 1993
Birth Place Hunt Valley, MD
Religion Christianity
Nationality American
Ethnicity Caucasian 
High School Education Gilman School, Baltimore
Junior School Indian River Community College (Fla.)
Horoscope Leo
Father’s Name Cal Ripken Jr.
Mother’s Name Kelly Geer Ripken
Grandfather Cal Ripken Sr.
Grandmothers Violet Ripken, Joan Marie Geer
Siblings Rachel Ripken
Age
30 Years Old
Height 6’6″/1.98 m/198 cm
Weight 92 kg/205 lb
Build Athlete
Marriage Status Unmarried
Hair Color Brown
Relationship Status Single
Profession Baseball Player
Positions First Baseman and Designated Hitter
Jersey Number #22
Batting Left
Throws Left
Current Team Baltimore Orioles (Minors)
League MLB
Drafted by Baltimore Orioles, Round 20 of the 2012 MLB,
Washington Nationals, Round 15 of the 2014 MLB,
June Amateur Draft (Gilman Baltimore-2012, Indian River State College-2014)
Net Worth
N/A
Salary (annual)
N/A
Playing Status
2014-2022 (Retired)
Social Media
Facebook
Last Update April 2024

Early Life And Childhood 

Ryan Ripken was born on July 23, 1993, in Hunt Valley, Maryland, to supporting parents Cal Ripken Jr. and Kelly Geer Ripken. 

He is Caucasian and belongs to the American nationality. Likewise, he was born under the sun sign Leo. 

Early Life of Ryan
Young Ryan Ripken Eating Snacks (The Personage)

The young Ryan always dreamt of playing professional baseball. 

Apart from baseball, Ryan also played basketball in his childhood days. He would watch his father, Cal, play on the court and mimic everything he did. 

Young and enthusiastic, Ryan never wanted help when he played basketball. Instead, he kept trying until he Scored into A basket.

The 6’6″/1.98 m American athlete does not have any favorite player. Instead, he learned to improve himself as a player by watching Major Leaguers like Mike Trout and Manny Machado.

Family

The 30 years old Ripken is the only son of his parents, Cal Ripken Jr. and Kelly Ripken. He has one older sister, Rachel Ripken.

Talking about his parents, his father, Cal Ripken Jr., is a former Hall of Fame baseball player who spent his entire career in the Baltimore Orioles (1981-2001). 

 Ryan Against The Tri-City ValleyCats
Ryan Against The Tri-City ValleyCats (Source: Times Union)

Ryan’s mother, Kelly Ripken, is the Johns Hopkins annual women’s health conference’s co-chairman and Kelly G. Ripken program’s namesake for thyroid patients at Johns Hopkins.

More Details On Ripken Parents

Famous as the ‘The Iron Man,’ Cal Ripken Jr. is an American former baseball shortstop and third baseman who played for the Baltimore Orioles in MLB.

When his Minor League career began, the Orioles first drafted junior Ripken in the second round of the 1978 MLB Draft.

During his professional career, Cal was rewarded with the AL Rookie of the Year, All-Star Game MVP Award, Gold Glove Award, and Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award.

Ryan RIpken Family
Ryan With His Father, Cal Ripken Jr., Mother, Kelly Ripken, And Sister, Rachel Ripken (Source: Bio Gossips)

Cal Ripken ended his baseball career, retiring in June 2001. Besides being a professional baseball player, Cal Ripken Jr. is also an author and a businessman.

Kelly Ripken was married to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cal Ripken Jr., on November 13, 1987. Kelly spent her thirty years of life focusing on health and lifestyle philanthropy.

She also serves in leadership roles in businesses, charities, and schools. However, Kelly enjoys keeping her private life away from the public scenes.

Both Ryan’s parents stayed married until they got divorced in 2016. Currently, Cal Ripken Jr. is dating Anne Arundel Country Circuit Judge Laura Kiessling. 

Ripken’s grandfather Cal Ripken Sr. was the Baltimore Orioles baseball team’s former coach and manager. His uncle, Billy Ripken, too, was part of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team.

Education

Ryan attended Gilman High School in Baltimore, Maryland. While in high school, Ripken participated in the Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field, where he received a hardball scholarship to South Carolina for his baseball skills.

During his senior year in Gilman, he was included in Maryland Interscholastic Athlete Association All-Star.

Besides, Ryan led the Greyhounds basketball team to the MIAA Conference title, scoring more than a thousand career points.

Ryan Ripken Playing For The Bowie Baysox
Ryan Ripken Playing For The Bowie Baysox (Source: Baltimore Suns)

After graduating from Gilman, Ryan left the city for the University of South Carolina.

He attended the University of Carolina only for a year and did not play as he redshirted for eligibility. However, the depth of Gamecockers’ limited his options to head for next season.

As a result, hoping to have more playtime, Ripken chose a junior college, Indian River State College, in Fort Pierce, Fla.

Upon completing his education with good college stats, he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round in the 2014 MLB Draft. 

Age, Height & Body Measurement

As of 2024, Ryan Ripken is 30 year-old. Incredibly humble, a former baseball player is 6’6″/1.98 m tall and weighs around 92 kg/205 lb.

Likewise, Ryan has a long slender build and moppy brown hair. His soft hands and good balance aim the target at first base.

The retired MLB player was both a left-handed hitter and a thrower. Overall, Ryan’s attributes are not his talents but his personality.

MLB Career

Early Career

Ryan’s interest in baseball was not because his father pressured him to play; instead, he grew up loving baseball. 

He started pursuing basketball when he was 8 years old. His father, Cal, would provide him with plenty of instructions and advice about the game’s finer points.

Ryan concentrated on baseball after turning 18 and was chosen for the All-Ameria game. He began playing professionally in 2014. 

Professional Career

At 22, he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round in the 2014 MLB Draft. Unfortunately, Ripken’s ankle injuries kept him on rest for two years.

Regardless of the injuries, he had his first moment of performance time in the minor leagues. As a result, GCL Nationals offered him a contract on June 19, 2014. 

He began the season with Class A Hagerstown of the South Atlantic League. However, Ryan’s main goal was to reach the majors, not to be in Auburn or Hagerstown. 

Ryan inside field
Ryan In MLB Action (Source: Twitter)

Ryan was transferred from the Hagerstown Suns to the Auburn Doubledays on June 2, 2017. 

Soon after Auburn Doubledays released Ryan, the Baltimore Orioles signed him to a minor league contract and sent him to Aberdeen IronBirds.

After that, Ripken played for the Delmarva Shorebirds, Frederick Keys, and the Bowie Baysox, all of which are Oriole’s affiliate teams. 

In thirty games with Bowie, Ryan had a slash line with a home run and nine RBIs. And with Frederick Keys, he had five home runs, 25 RBIs, and ten doubles. 

He received an invitation to Orioles spring training before the 2021 season, having spent his time working out with his father to prepare for his chance in Sarasota, Florida. 

The 28-year-old player chose free agency in November 2021. Still Unsigned in July, he announced his retirement via Twitter. 

Ripken finished his minor-league career with a .234 batting average, 20 home runs, and 160 RBIs in 428 games. 

Contract

The 30 year-old Ripken spent most of his time with the Nationals’ organization before the Orioles picked him.

Baltimore Orioles first signed Ryan Ripken to Aberdeen IronBirds back in 2017. Again on February 12, 2021, the baseball team re-signed Ryan to a minor-league contract for Short-Season Class-A Aberdeen.

Former MLB Player Ryan Ripken
Former MLB Player Ryan Ripken (Source: Twitter)

Moreover, the Baltimore Orioles resigned him to a minor contract for Short-Season Class-A Aberdeen on February 12, 2021. 

Net Worth & Salary 

Ripken ended his professional career on a high note. His successful baseball career has helped him earn the name and a hefty bank balance.

The baseball player has not disclosed his net worth and salary amounts.

However, we can assume that one of the world’s richest baseball players’ sons, Ryan made good earnings. In addition, the house where Ryan lives is worth multi-million dollars.

Ryan’s father, Cal Ripken Jr., has a net worth of $75 million, and the source of his income was baseball. Similarly, Cal Ripken Jr. owns the Orioles and Aberdeen IronBirds, baseball teams. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Why did Ryan transfer from South Carolina to Indian State River College?

Ryan Ripken went to South Carolina after getting a scholarship to play collegiate baseball. But, being redshirted as a freshman, he did not get any playing time the first year.

Therefore, he transferred to Indian State River College, wanting more playing time.

What is Ryan Ripken’s career statistic?

Ryan Ripken maintains a career statistic of a .234 batting average, 20 home runs, and 160 RBIs in 428 games. 

What jersey number did Ripken wear?

Ripken wore jersey number 22. 

Aaditya Bhatta
Aaditya Bhatta

Aaditya Bhatta

Aaditya Bhatta is a dynamic writer and sports enthusiast, whose passion for both realms is reflected in his work. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Aaditya brings a unique perspective to his writing, captivating readers with his engaging content.

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