News & Community
Found: Cal Ripken's High School Scouting Report
Longtime Pittsburgh scout compares Ripken as pitcher to "handsome Jim Palmer."
By Ron Cassie. Posted on January 14, 2014, 12:49 pm
-Deadspin
We knew Cal Ripken Jr. was considered more of a pitching prospect at Aberdeen High. Learning that he was described by one scout as "built like handsome Jim Palmer" comes as a surprise, though.
In a recently unearthed scouting report, posted by Deadspin last week, that's how longtime Pirate bird dog Joe Consoli depicted the 6-foot-3, 195-pound, 17-year-old righthander.
Watching young Calvin Edwin Ripken pitch over two games, the scout characterized him as a good pitching prospect, in terms of physical tools, and an "excellent" prospect, in terms of habits and dedication. Not sure about the Jim Palmer comparison, but right on the money there, Joe.
More to the point, Consoli reports Cal "can hit," which of course the future Hall of Famer did pretty well in the big leagues. But he also notes that while Cal plays shortstop when not on the hill, a "lack of fluid mobility will limit the prospect here."
Can't be too hard on Consoli. Few people projected Cal to ever play shortstop at the Major League level. In fact, as Deadpsin adds, no one had Cal high on their draft board in 1978. And the O's only started him out in the minors in the infield because they figured that would be an easier transition to the mound — if things didn't work out — then the other way around.
Ron Cassie is a senior editor for Baltimore, where he covers the environment, education, medicine, politics, and city life.
Read more from Ron Follow @ron_cassie
You May Also Like
-
News & Community
Second Trial in Freddie Gray Case Postponed Indefinitely
Appeal hearing on witness testimony of fellow police officer could delay all six trials.
-
News & Community
The Buddy System
Pikesville mom creates software for kids with reading difficulties.
-
News & Community
Mr. Universe
At the Space Telescope Science Institute, Kenneth Sembach is leading the next great mission into the cosmos.
-
News & Community
The Epic Southeast Baltimore Christmas Church Tour
A photo and history tour inside Canton, Highlandtown, Fells Point and Little Italy's oldest immigrant Catholic churches.
-
News & Community
Saying Goodbye
We bid farewell to some of the notable Marylanders we lost in 2015.
-
News & Community
Second Police Trial in Freddie Gray Case Postponed
Key witness question remains as van driver faces second-degree murder charge.