Maryland
Cal Ripken Junior is the first name that comes to mind for most people when they think of the Baltimore Orioles. He pioneered the shortstop position and is the owner of a perhaps unbeatable record — 2,631 consecutive games played.
Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. Who would have thought that a crazy kid from Baltimore would wind up setting so many records and win 23 Olympic gold medals? Phelps has been dominant in the water since pretty much the moment he got in it. He initially used it as a way to burn off his energy, but he turned it into an obsession and a career.
Ray Lewis has unseated Johnny Unitas as the most important figure in Baltimore’s football history. Drafted by the Ravens in 1996, Lewis made an immediate impact. Lewis was a dominant force, winning two NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards and two Super Bowls. He made it to 13 Pro Bowls and finished his career with 41.5 sacks and 37 interceptions.
Brooks Robinson is known simply as “Mr. Oriole.” Before Ripken led the Orioles, Robinson was the face of the organization. He won an unprecedented 16 Gold Gloves and retired with 2,848 hits and 268 home runs. He also helped the Orioles win two World Series.
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