BREAKING NEWS: Baltimore Orioles Legend Cal Ripken Jr Returns as Co-Owner In a monumental announcement, Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein family has officially declared that Cal Ripken Jr, the legendary Shortstop and long-time face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025 as a co-owner..…view more

In a monumental announcement that electrified the city and baseball fans worldwide, Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein and his family officially declared that Cal Ripken Jr., the legendary shortstop and enduring face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025—not as a player, but as a co-owner.

The move signals a new era for the Orioles, combining Rubenstein’s business acumen with Ripken’s unparalleled baseball legacy and Baltimore roots.

> “Cal Ripken Jr. is synonymous with the Orioles,” Rubenstein said in a packed press conference at Camden Yards. “This partnership ensures that the team’s future will always be connected to its proud past.”

Ripken, often referred to as “The Iron Man,” played his entire 21-year career in Baltimore, famously setting the all-time record with 2,632 consecutive games played. A 19-time All-Star, 2-time MVP, World Series champion, and first-ballot Hall of Famer, he remains one of the most respected figures in Major League Baseball

Speaking to reporters, Ripken expressed both humility and excitement about the opportunity:

> “Baltimore is home. The Orioles are family. I’ve always wanted to see this team succeed for generations to come, and I’m honored to help guide that future.

Sources close to the team indicate that Ripken will be an active partner, offering input on player development, community outreach, and facilities upgrades. He’s also expected to help cement the Orioles’ long-term commitment to the city, continuing Rubenstein’s vision of a 30-year lease extension at Camden Yards.

The ownership group, already including high-profile names like Michael Bloomberg, Grant Hill, and Cal Ripken Jr.’s childhood friend Kurt Schmoke, is one of the most diverse and civic-minded in MLB.

For fans in Baltimore, today’s news is more than just a business move. It’s a homecoming that connects the Orioles’ glorious history to its promising future—led by the man who defined loyalty, durability, and excellence for an entire generation.

More details, including the formal closing of the partnership and Ripken’s specific ownership role, are expected to be finalized before Opening Day 2025.

Stay tuned for continuing coverage of this historic return to the Orioles family.