Ripken Is Named Envoy to Help Burnish US Public Image Abroad

Bloomberg - USA - What Cal Ripken Jr. helped do for baseball after a players strike, he's now being asked to do for his country.

Ripken, inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame last month after a 21-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, was named a U.S. envoy as part of a program to help burnish America's image abroad.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Undersecretary Karen Hughes made the announcement with Ripken in Washington today, accompanied by a group of Chinese baseball coaches participating in his training camp in Aberdeen, Maryland. Ripken said he plans to travel to China this year, and to use his new position to improve understanding among youths worldwide.

``I happen to think that sport, baseball in particular, is very magical,'' said Ripken, 46. ``It can go across cultural lines. It can appeal to all kids and all people.''