From Minor League To Modern Media: What Cal Ripken Jr.'s Son, Ryan Ripken, Is Doing Now

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In a world where the shadow of a legendary father can be long, Ryan Ripken, the son of baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., has successfully carved out a fresh, unique path in the modern sports landscape. As of December 2025, the biggest update on Cal Ripken Jr.’s son is his definitive transition from a professional baseball player to a burgeoning sports media and content creation personality, leveraging his unique lineage and deep knowledge of the game to connect with a new generation of fans. His story is one of stepping away from the diamond to step into the digital arena, proving that the Ripken name is still synonymous with Baltimore baseball, even in a non-playing capacity. Ryan Ripken’s journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance, legacy, and reinvention. After spending years navigating the rigorous Minor League Baseball system, the younger Ripken retired in 2021 and immediately pivoted to a high-profile career in broadcasting and digital media. This shift has allowed him to build a personal brand focused on honest, in-depth analysis of the game, particularly the Baltimore Orioles, making him a relevant and current voice for fans today.

Ryan Ripken: A Full Biography and Profile

Ryan Ripken is the son of baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., known as "The Iron Man," and Kelly Ripken. Born into one of baseball's most famous families, his life has been closely watched by fans eager to see the next generation of Ripken on the field. His career trajectory, however, has taken a fascinating turn away from the playing field and into the media spotlight.

  • Full Name: Ryan Ripken
  • Date of Birth: July 26, 1993
  • Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
  • Parents: Cal Ripken Jr. (Father) and Kelly Ripken (Mother)
  • Sibling: Rachel Ripken (Sister)
  • Uncle: Billy Ripken (Former MLB Player)
  • Grandfather: Cal Ripken Sr. (Former Player, Coach, and Manager)
  • Education: Attended Gilman School (Baltimore, MD); Indian River State College (Baseball); Pursued studies at Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business.
  • Professional Baseball Career: Minor League Baseball (MiLB) from 2014 to 2021. Played in the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles organizations, reaching the Triple-A (AAA) level.
  • Current Career: Sports Media Personality, Podcaster, and Content Creator.

The Pivot: From Triple-A First Baseman to Sports Media Analyst

Ryan Ripken’s decision to retire from professional baseball in 2021 marked the end of a determined eight-year playing career and the beginning of a successful new chapter. While he achieved the significant milestone of reaching the Triple-A level—the final step before the Major Leagues—the grind of the minor leagues eventually led him to explore a different way to stay connected to the game he loves. His MiLB career spanned 428 games, where he compiled a career batting average of .234 with 20 home runs and 160 RBI, playing primarily as a first baseman and corner infielder.

The transition was not a step away from baseball, but a step into a different role within the baseball world. Recognizing the modern appetite for in-depth, personality-driven sports commentary, Ripken launched himself into sports media. This career change has allowed him to utilize his firsthand experience as a professional player, offering insights that few traditional analysts can match.

His media presence is multi-faceted, establishing true topical authority around Baltimore baseball and the broader MLB landscape. He is a prominent voice on the radio as an analyst for the Baltimore Baseball Show on 105.7 The Fan.

Furthermore, Ripken has embraced the digital age, creating his own media company. He hosts The Ryan Ripken Show, a popular podcast and YouTube channel that goes live several times a week to discuss everything from trades and the MLB Draft to the latest news on the Orioles’ current stars, such as Jackson Holliday. He also hosts the "Offscript with Rip" podcast, further diversifying his content offerings. This self-driven approach to content creation has made him a true entrepreneur in the sports world, actively shaping his own legacy outside of his father's monumental shadow.

The Ripken Legacy: Ryan and the Family Business of Baseball

The Ripken family name is one of the most revered in baseball history, and Ryan’s journey is the latest iteration of that legacy. His grandfather, Cal Ripken Sr., was a beloved coach and manager who instilled a work ethic in his sons that became legendary. Ryan’s father, Cal Jr., famously played 2,632 consecutive games, earning him the nickname "The Iron Man" and a place in the Hall of Fame. Ryan’s uncle, Billy Ripken, also had a notable MLB career with the Orioles.

Growing up under the intense scrutiny of this legacy presented a unique set of challenges for Ryan. While the name opened doors, it also set an impossibly high standard. His time in the minor leagues was often viewed through the lens of his father’s greatness, a pressure he openly acknowledges.

However, Ryan has successfully channeled that pressure into his media career. His deep-seated knowledge of the Orioles organization, having spent years in their farm system and growing up around the team, gives his analysis a genuine, insider feel. He often discusses the mental and physical struggles of the minor league life, offering a perspective that resonates with both players and fans.

Rachel Ripken: Ryan's Sister and the Next Generation

Ryan is not the only Ripken continuing the family's connection to sports and community. His sister, Rachel Ripken, has also forged a career in the sports world, though off the field. Rachel has worked in collegiate athletics, notably serving as an Assistant Athletic Director for Community Outreach at the University of Colorado. Her career focuses on the administrative and community-facing side of sports, highlighting the family's continued commitment to the industry and their community involvement, a trait Cal Ripken Jr. has always championed.

The Future of Ryan Ripken Media

As of late 2025, Ryan Ripken's media career is on a clear upward trajectory. By focusing on digital platforms and local-market broadcasting, he has established himself as an independent and authentic voice. His content often delves into the strategic side of the game, including player development, trade rumors, and management decisions—topics that appeal to the modern, analytical baseball fan.

The success of The Ryan Ripken Show proves that the audience is connecting with his unique blend of professional experience and candid commentary. He is no longer just "Cal Ripken Jr.'s son" attempting to follow in his father's footsteps on the field. Instead, Ryan Ripken is a respected sports media figure who has successfully transitioned his passion for baseball into a sustainable and influential career, ensuring the Ripken name remains a fixture in the world of professional sports for years to come.

From Minor League to Modern Media: What Cal Ripken Jr.'s Son, Ryan Ripken, Is Doing Now
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