Ryan Ripken has been around Orioles baseball nearly all his life. Now, perhaps more than ever.
The Orioles announced Friday they signed the first baseman to a minor-league contract. He'll report to extended spring training, then the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds, the team owned by his father, Cal, who needs no introduction.
Besides being the Iron Man's son, he's Cal Ripken Sr.'s grandson and Billy Ripken's nephew.
He was taken by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round of the 2014 draft. He played last season split between Single-A Hagerstown and short-season Single-A Auburn, batting .