Daily fantasy and sports betting operator DraftKings announced today it appointed Carl Ripken Jr. as a special advisor to the board of directors. The baseball legend and entrepreneur will be giving insights to the board and the CEO on key initiatives.
Baseball Legend
Carl Ripken Jr., who has an illustrious career in baseball being one in only ten players in history to have more than 3,000 hits and 400 home runs, will also become an equity holder at the Boston-based gaming and technology company.
“Cal Ripken Jr. embodies the qualities of perseverance and integrity we value so highly at DraftKings, and on behalf of the entire company I want to extend our warmest welcome to him as a special advisor.”
Jason Robins, CEO and Co-Founder, DraftKings
Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Fame member Ripken also won a World Series championship, AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Al All-Star Game MVP Awards twice, 2 Gold Gloves and 8 Silver Slugger Awards, besides his 19 appearances in the All-Star Game.
“The game I played for so many years has greatly benefitted from technological advances, and I cannot say enough about DraftKings’ importance as a catalyst, innovator and disruptor to enhance the game for modern baseball fans and others.”
Carl Ripken Jr., Advisor, Board of Directors, DraftKings
Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Author
The biggest achievement for the now successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and corporate speaker in his baseball career is his incredible run of 2,632 consecutive games, a streak which made him the sport’s all-time Iron Man.
“We are inspired not only by Cal’s historic playing days, but also his current work to cultivate new generations of ballplayers. His unique combination of leadership, longevity and business acumen ensure that we will receive invaluable strategic counsel.”
Jason Robins, CEO and Co-Founder, DraftKings
Ripken, whose advisor status is effective immediately, will provide advice to the board and the CEO on company strategy, product and marketing initiatives. Baseball is one of the most popular sports in DraftKings’ portfolio and the new appointment comes just in time for the 2021 MLB Opening Day.
“I am honored to bring my experience to DraftKings through this special advisor position and become part of a company that is already essential for fan engagement while still only scratching the surface of its full potential.”
Carl Ripken Jr., Advisor, Board of Directors, DraftKings
After his retirement from baseball in 2001, his family paid tribute to Carl Ripken Sr. by setting up a foundation to his name.
Carl Ripken Sr. Foundation has grown nationally since then and has made positive impact to over 10 million kids in underserved communities by constructing and donating 100 Youth Development Parks and 65 STEM centers in elementary and middle schools.
Nowadays, Ripken’s presence in the world of baseball continues through his endeavor Ripken Baseball which operates The Ripken Experience tournaments and instruction destinations in Aberdeen, Myrtle Beach, Pigeon Forge and Orlando.
Ripken is also the author of several books and a public speaker, and serves as a sports diplomacy envoy for the US Department of State.