This weekend, a huge event in North American professional sports occurred in a small village in Upstate New York. The event was largely overshadowed by the negative events going on in the sports world. In a time where we have to worry about overrated NFL quarterbacks mass murdering dogs, an asterisk next to a home run record, and the MAFIA fixing NBA games through referees, a lot of Americans overlooked what should have been one of the greatest days of the summer; the induction of Tony Gwynn, and Cal Ripken Jr. into the National Baseball Hall Of Fame. The two of them today would be considered a rare breed. While the two men were loyal to baseball, they were also loyal to their respective teams, and respective fans, and would never dream of leaving their respective cities. So since the national media didn’t give them the honor and recognition that they deserve, they are going to get it right here.

Ripken was a player of the likes that we might never see again in Major League Baseball. Ripken was called up to the Baltimore Orioles in 1981, and by 1982 Ripken was Baltimore’s everyday shortstop. From May 30, 1982 until September 19, 1998 Ripken never took a break, amassing an astounding streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive games. Ripken’s accomplishments along the way solidified his Hall Of Fame status. Two MVP Awards, two Gold Glove Awards, eight Silver Slugger Awards, the 1982 AL Rookie Of The Year, 19 All Star Game selections (including two MVP Awards), and being named to the MLB All Century Team. Not to mention Ripken did it all with his beloved hometown Baltimore Orioles, with whom he led to the 1983 World Series title. After 2,632 consecutive games Ripken took himself out of the starting lineup in the Orioles last home game of the 1998 season against the Yankees. In 2000 Ripken collected his 3,000th hit, and during the 2001 season he announced he would be retiring at season’s end. What followed was a farewell tour, the likes that I have never seen in my whole life. Opposing ballparks would sell out when the Orioles came to town, just to see Ripken one last time. Ripken is still involved with not only the Orioles organization, but also the whole state of Maryland.

Equally as great as Ripekn, Gwynn brought as much joy to San Diego for 20 seasons as Ripekn did to Baltimore. Gwynn made his name as one of the best pure hitters in Major League Baseball winning eight National League Batting Titles, and seven Silver Slugger Awards. Gwynn was also an expert in right field winning five Gold Glove Awards. Along the way Gwynn was selected to 15 All Star Games, led the league in hits seven times, en route to becoming a member of the 3,000 hit club. By the end of his career Gwynn was regarded as the best pure hitter in the game since Ted Williams. In the strike shortened 1994 season Gwynn finished with a batting average of .394; the closest anyone has gotten to .400 since Teddy Ballgame. Gwynn also led his Padres to two National League Pennants (1984, 1999). By the end of his career Gwynn had a career batting average of .338 and had amassed 3,141 hits. In an era where power and home runs overshadowed the game, Gwynn still managed to make a name for himself as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Gwynn is still involved with baseball in San Diego, as he is the manager of the San Diego State baseball squad, and is still active around all of Southern California.

In a time where sports are ripe with scandal, it is great to see two men who exemplify what it is to be not just a great athlete, but also a great human being. Men who help in the community, who stay out of trouble, who are ambassadors to the game, and men who are loved by baseball fans all over the world. It’s time for some of the athletes and sports figures of today to take a look back at guys like Ripken and Gwynn, and take a look at how not so much to be a great ballplayer, but how to be a great human being. Congratulations Tony and Cal, your accomplishments, and contributions to the game were not forgotten.