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Saying goodbye to Cal

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 23, 2001

Here's what the Rays have planned for today's series finale against the Orioles, Cal Ripken's final game at Tropicana Field. The third baseman is expected to be in the lineup when the game starts about 7:35 p.m.

• In honor of Ripken's uniform number, outfield seats will cost $8.
• Cal Ripken photo cards will be distributed to the first 25,000 fans. Seventy-five will be autographed by the future Hall of Famer.
• The Rays will donate $5,000 to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation as part of a pregame ceremony that includes a video tribute.
• A Florida-themed gift will be given to Ripken from the Rays.
• Ripken will throw out the first pitch to Rays manager Hal McRae, who played in Ripken's first major-league game Aug. 10, 1981.
• Ripken will be presented with a card before the game. The "Thanks Cal" card was signed by fans at the Rays' past homestand.
• An autographed bat and ball will be auctioned during the game. Proceeds benefit the Rays of Hope Foundation and Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.
• A fan will win the commemorative third base used during the game, and another will win two round-trip airline tickets, hotel accommodations and game tickets to see Ripken's final game at Camden Yards on Sept. 23 against the Yankees.
• The Rays will auction a set of game-used bases, a commemorative on-deck circle, a lineup card from the game and an autographed photo card via www.devilrays.com. All items will be auctioned until Tuesday.
• Players from the Cal Ripken Youth Leagues in Sarasota and Forrest Park will attend the game.

- Information provided by the Rays.