BOSTON – Cal Ripken Sr. would have loved this.

The man who created The Oriole Way, who breathed life into it through the years and the many ups and downs, was made for the 2024 team. Or it was made for him.

The last two lineups had seven homegrown players, and an eighth, right fielder Anthony Santander, who was plucked out of A ball in the Rule 5 draft. Also a baseball baby who needed care and nurturing.

“I saw a connection to the spirit of Dad right from the beginning,” said Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. “I don’t know that Dad would have taken his uniform off and given it to somebody, but he might have. If it’s that important to you, here.”

Having Senior’s No. 7 on the shelf since 1992 never seemed that important to the family. The time for reflection came a few days ago, after the club sought approval to pass it along to Jackson Holliday, the sport’s top prospect who debuted last night at Fenway Park.

Happy Thanksgiving, Birdland! From our MASN family to yours, we hope you have a happy and joyful holiday with family and friends. Thanks for watching along and following us on social all year long! Since we know you're going through baseball withdrawal during this football-heavy time of year, we're giving you a few dramatic O's moments to help get you through the next week. Earlier this season, the Orioles and Tigers competed in a bizarre back-and-forth marathon at Comerica Park with...

Happy New Year, Birdland! Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday and is enjoying today on their couches while resting from last night's festivities. I bring you tidings of great joy: With the flip of the calendar, we are now officially less than two months away from pitchers and catchers reporting to the Ed Smith Stadium Complex in Sarasota, Fla.! After last night's countdown to the new year, we're now helping you countdown to baseball's return with more "Orioles Classics" on MASN...

Last week, we showed you the Orioles packing up the truck headed for spring training. This week, we show you the truck arriving at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. The truck has arrived! Nearly 1,000 miles from Oriole Park...Hello, Ed Smith Stadium! #OrangeSpring pic.twitter.com/tPIdX1BhsR -- Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 8, 2016 Unpacking in Sarasota! #OrangeSpring pic.twitter.com/l8yhxUB2Xe -- Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 8, 2016 Yes, you need bats, gloves, balls,...

Bill Ripken will never forget the advice his dad, Cal Ripken Sr., gave him the day he signed with the Orioles. The year was 1982 and Bill had just graduated from high school. They were sitting at a table at home in Aberdeen, Md., when Orioles scout Jim Gilbert gave Bill a contract worth $20,000. As usual, dad's advice was direct. "I said, 'Do I have to read the contract?' '' Bill says. "Dad said, 'No, but what it says is that if they ask you to do something, you better do it.' That...