Ripken Chosen to Be Special Sports Envoy

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is entering the diplomatic major leagues as a ``special sports envoy'' for the State Department. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced

Monday, August 13th 2007, 11:55 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is entering the diplomatic major leagues as a ``special sports envoy'' for the State Department. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced today that the Baltimore Orioles great has been selected to join champion figure skater Michelle Kwan in that capacity.

Ripken said he's looking forward to using his position to help young people around the world. He says athletics can help kids relate to each other.

In his new role for the State Department, Ripken will work closely with Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes to promote cross-cultural dialogue and increase understanding of the United States ``by sharing his impressive personal story and life experiences,'' the State Department said.

``He will reach out to a worldwide audience of young people while visiting their schools and clubs, hosting baseball skills clinics, and sharing the keys to his success: character, hard work and perseverance,'' according to the department statement.

Ripken is one of only seven players in history to achieve 400 home runs and 3,000 hits and shattered the Major League record for consecutive games played _ 2,130 _ ending the streak by choice after playing 2,632 games in a row and earning the nickname ``Iron Man.''