Thursday, October 14
Ripken joins Baltimore IBL team
 
ESPN.com news services

 BALTIMORE -- The International Basketball League announced Wednesday that baseball great Cal Ripken, Jr., has partnered with the IBL as part owner of the league's Baltimore BayRunners.

The announcement was made at a news conference at the ESPN Zone in Baltimore.

"I have a great passion for sports overall and I love Baltimore," Ripken said. "This is a remarkable opportunity for the city of Baltimore to embrace and support."

While complete terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the partnership does include a promotional campaign that will feature Ripken in radio, television, print and billboard advertisements. He is also planning to participate in the BayRunners' opening night ceremonies on Nov. 26.

"We're extremely excited to have Cal join the IBL ownership group, which includes a diversity of very successful businessmen and women in our franchise cities, all of whom share in their dedication and commitment to what the IBL represents and the communities in which they live," said League CEO Art Cipriani.

"Cal's dedication, class, family values and commitment to Baltimore represent all the things we look for in an owner. Our business model and genuine commitment to athletes, families and the IBL communities continue to allow us to align ourselves with individuals such as Cal, Oscar Robertson and Ralph Sampson & to name a few. We look forward to having Cal on our team."

The IBL has evolved from a concept into an eight-team league comprised of people from the business sector and basketball community, including former NBA players, coaches and administrators. These individuals include:

  • Thaxter R. Trafton: IBL president, former president of the Cleveland Cavaliers;
  • George Blaney: IBL vice president of basketball operations, former member of New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers;
  • Ralph Sampson: Executive vice president and general manager of the IBL's Richmond Rhythm, played with the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Washington Bullets;
  • Oscar Robertson: Part owner of the IBL's Cincinnati Stuff, played with Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks;
  • Bernie Bickerstaff: Head coach and general manager of the St. Louis Swarm, former head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics, Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards.

    The IBL's schedule runs from Nov. 26, 1999 through May 2000. The League features a modified, single-entity structure, a diverse talent pool of top-level players and an educational program unique to professional sports. The IBL begins its inaugural season with the following franchises: New Mexico Slam, Baltimore BayRunners, Cincinnati Stuff, Las Vegas Silver Bandits, Richmond Rhythm, San Diego Stingrays, St. Louis Swarm, Trenton Stars.

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