He was my favorite player. I was seven years old and saw him in his rookie season. He came to our high school with the Orioles Basketball team in the offseason of 82 they came to play our teachers in a game. Cal Ripken was very tough and played very hard. After the Orioles beat Westminster High I jumped up at the end of the game and ran and hugged Eddie. He was my hero.
I remember the first year Eddie came up, I hated him! Lee May was my favorite player on the Orioles, and I didn't think this guy should take his spot. But, Eddie quickly won me over and in 79 I was yelling Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!