May 19, 2013
Baseball great Cal Ripken, Jr. was in Augusta Tuesday for the Greenjackets opener that night. Cal Ripken Baseball purchased the Greenjackets last year.
Cal was in town to start the home baseball season by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Greenjackets game.
Before his new team's debut, Ripken spent some time in the community.
His first stop was the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctor's Hospital.
Ripken said his father spent time in a burn unit after a reaction to medication. He wanted to bring a little fun to those who can't be at the ballpark.
"It's kind of uplifting on a human level, that we all care so much and want to help each other out. I guess my little role in here is to bring a little joy, shake a couple hands, and give a couple of people hope."
Ripken also made a stop at Fort Gordon. There he visited over two dozen wounded soldiers. All of them have or will receive a Purple Heart for their service.
