Baseball’s all-time Iron Man, Cal Ripken, Jr., retired from baseball in 2001 after breaking countless records, including Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played (Ripken played 2,632). Ripken is admired by thousands of fans not only for his relentless perseverance, but also for his unparalleled integrity. Now, in a stirring book that draws on his exhilarating career as well as the wisdom of his legendary father, Ripken shares rousing advice centered around his proven 8 Elements of Perseverance:
• The Right Values: hard work, excellence, honesty, and integrity
• A Strong Will to Succeed: advice for those who inadvertently "bench" themselves in life
• Love What You Do: tips for discovering where your true passion lies
• Preparation: ways to continually envision your next position and prepare for it as if it were already yours
• Anticipation: strategies for creating your own opportunities
• Trusting Relationships: how to build them in even the most turbulent environments
• Life Management: making time to enjoy the journey
• The Courage of Your Convictions: insight into how Ripken not only broke but far exceeded numerous records Cal Ripken is a sought-after advisor to fans from all walks of life.

From his numerous public-speaking engagements each year to his weekly "Ask Cal" column for the Baltimore Sun, he always brings a winning combination of compassion and motivation to each topic. A book for moms and dads, recent graduates, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is simply facing an important turning point, Get in the Game gives all of us access to legendary advice from a legendary achiever.

We all know the many records Cal holds in the game of baseball.  But Cal Ripken means much more to the game of baseball than his records or accomplishments.  Cal has brought honor to the Ripken name in the values he espouses and his dedication to uphold these values.  The values Cal brings to the game, to work, and to life were instilled in him by his father and other leaders who have been instrumental throughout his life. Cal acknowledges that leaders have inspired him to achieve great success and have made a difference in his life.  He summarized his leadership philosophy through the application of leadership practices that have come to be known as the Ripken Way.  The Ripken Way: Keep it Simple, Explain the Why, Celebrate the Individual, and Make it Fun, has been his guide throughout his career.

Since Cal’s retirement as a player, he has refocused his energy into “Growing the Game of Baseball Worldwide.”  Youths from around the world come to Ripken Stadium to learn and play baseball the Ripken Way.  By keeping learning simple, explaining the why behind each drill, finding out the strengths each individual brings to the game, and making practice fun, Ripken Baseball is making a difference to kids around the world.  The same principles that Cal has applied to the game of baseball he now wants to apply to the world of business. 

Business leaders can apply these same principles to build high performance organizations and simultaneously help their employees achieve personal success.

They need to (1) Keep it Simple – rally employees around a compelling vision; (2) Explain the Why – explain the strategy to build trust and gain employee commitment; (3) Celebrate the Individual – find each person’s unique strengths and capitalize on those strengths for the good of the team and the individual, and (4) Make it Fun – add fun to work and provide opportunities for camaraderie so employees can love what they do, bring enthusiasm and energy into the workplace.  

The Ripken Leadership Center’s mission is to Inspire Leaders to Make a Difference in the Lives of Others.  Leaders have made a difference in Cal’s life; they have inspired him to success and he wants provide a forum for leaders to learn how to inspire others to be their best.  Leadership is more than getting the work done, more than achieving business results, and more than turning a profit.  Leadership is inspiring people to reach their maximum potential and their loftiest goals – all which will, in turn, get the work done, achieve results, and make a profit. 


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