2002 Season

Ripken honoring Earnhardt at game
By Donnie Biggers, Independent Tribune

(May 14, 2002)
One of the greatest names in baseball history is going to help the Kannapolis Intimidators celebrate one of the greatest night's in their history.

Cal Ripken Jr., baseball's all-time ironman and certain Baseball Hall of Famer, will be part of the ceremonies tonight when the Intimidators officially retire Dale Earnhardt's No. 3 before Kannapolis' South Atlantic League game with Hagerstown.

Earnhardt bought a share of the Intimidators in the fall of 2000, just months before his death in the February 2001 Daytona 500. Ripken Jr. ended a 20-year major league career with the Baltimore Oriole last fall.

“It is going to be a great night,'' says Intimidators General Manager Tim Mueller. “Dale Earnhardt and Cal Ripken Jr., those are two great icons.''

Ripken Jr. will present Intimidators jerseys with the No. 3 to Teresa Earnhardt and members of the seven-time Winston Cup champion's family.

Earnhardt's fellow co-owners Larry Hedrick and O. Bruton Smith are also expected to participate in the ceremonies.

The pre-game ceremonies with Ripken Jr. and the Earnhardt family are scheduled to begin at approximately 6:30.

With a large crowd expected, team officials are urging fans to arrive early.

Spectator gates will open at 5 p.m.

The Intimidators-Hagerstown game will begin at 7:05 p.m.

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