09/01/2010 8:18 AM - In just minutes a day, you can help the Foundation win $250,000!  The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is competing in the Pepsi Refresh Everything contest for a $250,000 grant to help us build our Youth Development Parks in 5 communities: Baltimore, MD; Richmond and Fredericksburg, VA; Collier County, FL; and Houston, TX.  These parks will give kids safe places to play, where they can learn to make smart choices from mentors through programs like Badges for Baseball.
Fastest way to vote: Text from your cell phone.  Text 102661 to 73774.
If you have Facebook, just install the voting app and search for "Ripken." Click here to go to the Facebook Pepsi Refresh Voting Application.
Go to www.refresheverything.com!

08/31/2010 11:22 AM - With the end of summer fast approaching and glimpse of a fall chill in the air, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF) recently welcomed nearly 200 kids from across the country to take part in our final Summer Camp of 2010.  With bags in tow, chaperones by their side, and Deputy US Marshals ready to greet them, campers arrived from as far as Snohomish County, WA and as near as Baltimore City.  As they arrived with open minds and curious sprits, youth were instantly welcomed to the CRSF team with their one-of-a-kind uniform, shown to their cabins, and introduced to kids from all backgrounds.

08/30/2010 11:40 AM - The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation recently celebrated the Maryland Badges for Baseball program, created in 2010 in partnership with the Office of Attorney General Doug Gansler.  Cal was on hand and was pleased to be joined by Attorney General Gansler for a special event celebrating the program which will serve over 1,000 youth throughout Maryland this year.  CRSF hosted over 40 youth for a special clinic and the opportunity to watch a Cal Ripken World Series game along with their mentors from 9 Maryland County Sheriff’s Offices. 

08/11/2010 8:32 AM - The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Sunshine Ballpark in Fredericksburg, Virginia will provide a much needed facility for every child to have a chance to play baseball.  As we break ground on the park, we are excited to add a new group of children to our mission, those of different abilities.  Ability Field will allow physically and mentally challenged youth to compete on a field specifically designed to meet their needs.

Special needs children are often relegated to watch their siblings play.  Currently, youth baseball that serves these children is dependent on perfect weather.  Imagine trying to move a wheelchair across a wet or muddy field.  Even days later, a storm can render a field unplayable.  Ability Field will be built with surfaces and to specifications that will allow children of all abilities to compete.  The project will bring families together from across the region to watch their children play baseball. A joy that many parents take for granted.