More News

Gov. Martin O'Malley's public schedule — a planning tool for media members that is frequently subject to change — needed a few editorial changes after its release last week.

On the docket for the governor's Monday was a 10 a.m. visit from former Olympic figure skater Kimmie Meissner and former Orioles second baseman Bill "Ripkin." That's "R-i-p-k-i-n," according to the schedule that had the hometown athletic heroes in town to celebrate "Healthy Maryland Day."

Ripken's name was spelled correctly in a subsequent media advisory.

OK, so the error was not as bad as the exposure of Martha Coakley's ignorance of Red Sox World Series hero Curt Schilling during the Massachusetts Senate race. (And baseball card collectors know Billy has a famous "error" card of his own.)

But c'mon, governor, the Ripkens are Maryland's first family of baseball. And Billy, as he was affectionately known by fans of the O's, was a guest in your State House.

— Sean R. Sedam

Billy pinch-hits for Cal

Bob Ehrlich might be trying to be No. 1 in November, but he doesn't have to worry about No. 8 in the meantime, at least according to his brother.

Cal Ripken Jr. is not interested in running for governor, Billy Ripken said Monday.

"That's no," the former Orioles second basemen said emphatically about a gubernatorial bid for his brother.

Daniel Vovak, a candidate for Montgomery County executive, said in his blog two weeks ago that Cal Ripken should be the GOP standard bearer in the governor's race. The notice got some play on other blogs, but apparently not much among the Ripkens.

Well, if Cal doesn't want to lead the state, how about heading the Orioles?

Three weeks ago, Bloomberg.com reported that the Hall of Famer is pondering a switch into management.

Again, Billy Ripken acted as if he hadn't heard it.

"Junior has ideas and philosophies that he would like to apply. Whether that presents itself, I can't speak to, because I don't know the fact that he wants to do that as of right now," Billy Ripken said. "He's always been the type of guy that if opportunity presents itself, he would not shut the door on opportunity.

"I don't think it's something he's actively pursuing," he continued. "But I know he has philosophies and things like that he would like to apply."

Billy Ripken would not be more specific about what philosophies his brother would like to apply.

"Ask him that question," he said.

Judging by a Thursday Associated Press report, Cal Ripken has decided how he wants to apply those philosophies. The face of the franchise will become an adviser to the Orioles front office.

— Douglas Tallman