*Cal Ripken becomes sole owner of IBL's Baltimore BayRunners*
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BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- While continuing his pursuit of 3,000
hits, Cal Ripken has added control of a basketball team to his
portfolio. 

Ripken today purchased the remaining 90 percent of the Baltimore
BayRunners of the International Basketball League to become the
sole owner of the franchise. He purchased 10 percent of the club
in October. 

"This is a great opportunity for the city of Baltimore and its
many basketball fans," said Ripken, a Maryland native.
"Baltimore has a strong basketball heritage and I look forward
to continuing that legacy with the BayRunners by taking
advantage of regional talent and showcasing Maryland players." 

Terms were not disclosed, but part of the agreement calls for
the continued use of Ripken in a promotional campaign. 

The eight-team IBL is in its first season and will begin its
playoffs on May 5. 

"Major League Baseball has developed the world's best minor
league system and to have ownership with Cal's knowledge and
insight into that success story only helps move the IBL towards
a bigger and brighter future," said IBL chief executive officer
Art Cipriani. 

Ripken enters tonight's game at Kansas City needing five hits to
reach 3,000 in his career. 

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