Iron Man

Cal Ripken, Jr.'s, rise to baseball stardom is detailed in this biographical work. The story tells of his triumphs and determination as he plays for the Baltimore Orioles with a teammate brother and a manager father while he works at breaking Lou Gehrig's extraordinary streak of 2,130 consecutive games played. Ian Esmo's diction offers an evenly paced description of the life of Cal Ripken. The vocal inflections are at times strained and sound contrived as Esmo tries to simulate Cal's family members and others heard in direct quotations. Nevertheless, the narration holds its appeal and is a worthwhile account of Cal's life. B.J.L. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

December 2, 1997
This summation of the career of baseball all-star Cal Ripken Jr., read in a straightforward manner by Ian Esmo, ends early in the 1995 season just before Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive game record of 2130. Most baseball pundits thought Gehrig's remarkable streak was unbreakable; Ripken's strength and tenacity in pursuing it are central to this work. Off the field, he comes off as a good husband, son, and father. No skeletons emerge here. He had the opportunity of playing under his father as manager and coach and alongside his brother, a situation that took some unusual turns. Most baseball fans will enjoy this work; it will have a special regional appeal in the Baltimore area.--Jack M. Berk, Bethlehem Area P.L., Pa.