***UPDATE: Could it be that Cal Ripken Jr. is in town for the Rome Generals game taking place tonight. After all, according to Jodi Carman, it is 'Ripken Night' at Delutis Field for the Generals game. "All Ripken players get in free and will all be in uniform."

Legendary Major League Baseball shortstop and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. made a trip to Utica on Wednesday and stopped for dinner at a local Italian restaurant. He ate at the popular Ventura's. The former Baltimore Orioles player has a pretty important connection to our city, and some still hold a grudge over it.


In February of 2002, Ripken Jr. and the Ripken Professional Baseball Association purchased the hometown Utica Blue Sox and moved them to Maryland. Though this was a tough blow to our city and very sad, clearly this Major League great never forgot the city from which his Aberdeen IronBirds came. It was a surprise visit for most, but we're always glad to host a former player of his caliber back to town.


BONUS VIDEO: Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim Talks Utica at Atunyote

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