Exciting news reaches Weekender towers of a very special visitor to our shores on Monday, 11 March.
It’s none other than National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., who is here for the Cayman Islands launch of “All-Stars: Wild Pitch”, the third instalment in his New York Times bestselling series for young readers.
A 19-time All-Star and two-time American League MVP with multiple records, including 431 home runs, 3,184 hits and 2,632 consecutive games played, Cal Ripken, Jr. is baseball’s all-time Iron Man. Fans of all ages will be able to hear Cal share incredible stories from his 21-season career with the Baltimore Orioles.
Weekender spoke to the man himself in advance of his Cayman debut.
What can we expect from the latest book in the series?
Each of the books centres around the Orioles youth baseball team and they all teach a lesson while keeping the books fun and interesting for kids. This one focuses on the star pitcher and his struggles with control. It is a nice story about how he finds his way back and puts things in perspective.
What kind of feedback have you had from youngsters reading the books?
The feedback has been great from both the kids and the parents. I love the fact that it is a series with Disney because now we start to see the same folks at the signings and we hear stories about how the kids read all of the books and look forward to the next one. It is very gratifying.
Are they inspired to play ball or write as a result of the series?
I hope a little of each! If they are inspired at all that would make me happy. Some of the kids I talk to have a passion for baseball and so many others just love to read and love a good story.
How do you come up with the stories and characters? Are they based on your own experiences?
It is really a collaborative with Kevin Cowherd and the gang at Disney. Generally I have some ideas that come from my experiences either as a young ballplayer or as a parent or coach and the stories start to take shape from there.
What can people expect from your book signing/talk?
I hope they have a good time. We do things a little differently and try to give everyone an enjoyable and personal experience. It isn’t just about signing books for me, it is about engaging with the people who are there, thanking them for spending their time with us and for buying and reading the books.
What would the characters make of the Cayman Islands?
I don’t know because I haven’t been. Kids love exciting new places and the Caymans certainly seem to fit into that category. I can’t speak for the kids but I am very excited about our upcoming visit.
What are you looking forward to most about your visit?
It will be a short visit so we won’t see too much of the island but I am excited to meet the people there and talk to them about baseball, books, whatever they like. I look forward to seeing everyone in Grand Cayman soon. It will be the final book signing of the tour and it seems like the perfect place to end on a high note.
Cal Ripken’s author presentation takes place on Monday, 11 March, from 7pm at Gardenia Court and is followed by a book signing at Books & Books from 7.30 to 8.30pm. There is free entry to both.
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