Billy Ripken is a former American professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on December 16, 1964, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and is the younger brother of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.
Ripken began his professional career in 1982 when he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round of the MLB draft. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 1987. During his rookie season, he played in 22 games and had a batting average of .308.
Over the course of his career, Ripken played for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Detroit Tigers. He was primarily a second baseman and shortstop, but also played some third base and outfield.
Ripken was known for his defensive skills and was a two-time Gold Glove winner in 1990 and 1991. He was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .247 and 20 home runs.
One of the most memorable moments of Ripken's career came in 1989 when he was featured on a baseball card with an expletive written on the knob of his bat. The card became a collector's item and is still sought after by collectors today.
Ripken retired from baseball in 1998 after playing 12 seasons in the major leagues. He finished his career with a .247 batting average, 20 home runs, and 247 RBIs.
After retiring from baseball, Ripken worked as a baseball analyst for ESPN and also served as a coach for the Aberdeen IronBirds, a minor league team owned by his family. He also co-authored a book with his brother Cal Ripken Jr. titled "The Ripken Way: A Manual for Baseball and Life."
Overall, Billy Ripken had a solid career in the major leagues and was known for his defensive skills and versatility on the field. While he may not have achieved the same level of success as his brother Cal, he still made a name for himself in the world of baseball and remains a beloved figure among fans.
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