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SEATTLE, Washington - In his last year of his Hall of Fame career, Cal Ripken put on a show at the Major League 72nd All-Star Game. Cal returned to his roots by opening the game at shortstop where he hasn't played since 1998. Ripken, then, broke the 0-0 tie with a solo home run in the second inning. His performance earned Cal his second All-Star Most Valuable Player Award. He earned his first award in 1991 in Toronto.
Ripken's feat completes a Falls City clean sweep. The squad sent the most players to the All-Star game (5), Luis Gonzalez won the Home Run Derby, and Ripken win the MVP.
For the ABL, Ripken's award extends the streak to five straight. Sandy Alomar, Jr (1997), Roberto Alomar (1998), Pedro Martinez (1999), and Derek Jeter (2000) won the last four trophies.
Other ABL players to earn the award are Fred Lynn (1983), Roger Clemens (1986), Julio Franco (1990), Cal Ripken, Jr. (1991), Kirby Puckett (1993), and Fred McGriff (1994).
Tony Perez (1967), Carl Yaztremski (1970), Tim Raines (1987), and Jeff Conine (1995) won the MVP award before joining the American Baseball League.
Related Story: ABLers Shine in Emerald City | Gonzo Wins Derby
-- submitted by Webmaster, 07/09/01
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