Home | News & Events | MLB “Ironman” Cal Ripken Jr. Reflects on His Visits to Japan Just in time for baseball’s Opening Day, the Embassy is releasing the latest installment in our “Ask an Athlete” video series featuring Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. In the aftermath of the 3.11 disaster, Ripken visited Japan and conducted baseball clinics for youth living in the Tohoku region. Now, 10 years later, he reflects on his impressions and life lessons.