Cal Ripken Wife and Children: Inside His Marriage to Laura Ripken and Family History
Baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. has returned to a more active role with the Baltimore Orioles, bringing renewed attention to his life beyond the baseball field. The Hall of Famer, famous for playing 2,632 consecutive Major League Baseball games, has been helping the organization with player development while enjoying a quieter personal life with his wife, Laura Ripken. The couple married in 2018, following Ripken’s divorce from his first wife, Kelly Ripken, in 2016.
At 66, Ripken remains one of baseball’s most recognizable figures. Although his professional achievements have been documented extensively, his marriage to Laura has attracted growing interest. Unlike his first wife, who shared nearly three decades of his playing career, Laura established her own distinguished career in Maryland’s legal system.
Who Is Cal Ripken Jr.’s Wife Laura Ripken?
Cal Ripken Jr.’s wife is Laura Ripken, formerly known as Laura Kiessling, an American judge serving on the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Laura built a successful legal career long before marrying the baseball legend. She previously worked as a prosecutor and later became a judge on the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County.
Her legal experience includes handling complex cases and serving in important positions within Maryland’s judicial system.
In 2021, she was confirmed to Maryland’s Court of Special Appeals, which was subsequently renamed the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Laura has maintained her professional responsibilities while supporting her husband’s involvement in baseball, charitable activities, and community initiatives.
Unlike many spouses of prominent sports personalities, she has an established public career independent of her husband’s achievements.
The couple currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland, where they enjoy spending time together away from major public events.
When Did Cal Ripken and Laura Kiessling Get Married?
Cal Ripken Jr. and Laura Kiessling married in October 2018 in a private ceremony.
Their wedding took place approximately two years after Ripken’s divorce from his first wife, Kelly.
The couple had been publicly dating for about a year and a half before announcing their marriage.
They reportedly became acquainted through charitable activities connected with Ripken’s foundation.
Their shared interest in community service helped establish a connection that eventually developed into a romantic relationship.
The wedding received considerable attention because Ripken had spent nearly three decades married to his first wife.
However, the couple preferred to keep their ceremony relatively private rather than organize a highly publicized celebration.
Following their marriage, Laura adopted the Ripken surname while continuing her judicial career.
What Does Laura Ripken Do for a Living?
Laura Ripken is a Maryland appellate judge with extensive experience in criminal law and judicial administration.
Before becoming a judge, she worked as an assistant state’s attorney in Anne Arundel County.
Her responsibilities involved prosecuting criminal cases and representing the state in legal proceedings.
She later joined the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, where she handled a range of legal matters.
Her professional experience eventually led to her appointment to Maryland’s intermediate appellate court.
During her confirmation hearing in February 2021, Cal Ripken made an unexpected appearance on the video call while Laura was discussing his support.
The moment attracted attention because the former baseball star briefly appeared on camera as his wife addressed lawmakers.
Laura described Cal as an exceptionally supportive husband, highlighting the encouragement she received throughout her professional career.
Her judicial responsibilities continue to form an important part of the couple’s daily life.
Cal Ripken and Laura Ripken’s Married Life
Cal and Laura Ripken have developed a relatively relaxed lifestyle in Annapolis.
In a February 2026 interview, Laura offered a rare glimpse into their daily routine.
She explained that the couple generally begins each morning together, regardless of whether she has work commitments.
Cal often prepares coffee and brings breakfast upstairs while Laura gets ready for the day.
They enjoy having breakfast together before beginning their separate activities.
While Laura works, Cal spends time exercising, playing golf, shopping for groceries, or preparing meals.
Cooking has become one of his favorite activities, and Laura has praised his ability to prepare dinner.
The couple also enjoys boating, traveling, and spending quiet evenings at home.
Their lifestyle represents a significant change from Ripken’s playing career, when his professional schedule demanded constant travel and preparation.
After decades of maintaining one of baseball’s most demanding playing schedules, Ripken has embraced a slower routine centered on family, personal interests, and time with Laura.
Who Was Cal Ripken Jr.’s First Wife?
Before marrying Laura, Cal Ripken Jr. was married to Kelly Ripken, formerly Kelly Geer.
Cal and Kelly married on November 13, 1987, during the early years of his successful baseball career.
Their marriage lasted nearly 29 years and included many of the most memorable moments in Orioles history.
Kelly regularly attended games and supported her husband throughout his career.
She was present during the period when Ripken established himself as one of baseball’s most dependable and accomplished players.
The couple also participated in charitable events and community activities.
However, their relationship eventually ended after several decades together.
Their divorce was finalized in April 2016 in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
The couple had reportedly been separated for approximately one year before the divorce became official.
Why Did Cal Ripken and Kelly Ripken Divorce?
Cal Ripken Jr. and Kelly Ripken did not publicly disclose the specific reasons behind their divorce.
Their separation attracted widespread attention because they had been married for nearly three decades.
At the time, representatives emphasized that the couple wanted to maintain their privacy.
The legal proceedings were handled privately, and the divorce records were sealed.
As a result, the financial settlement and personal circumstances surrounding the separation were not publicly detailed.
Although speculation circulated about the marriage, neither Cal nor Kelly provided a comprehensive public explanation.
Their divorce marked the end of a relationship that had continued throughout much of Ripken’s legendary baseball career.
Both subsequently moved forward with their personal and professional lives.
How Many Children Does Cal Ripken Jr. Have?
Cal Ripken Jr. has two children from his marriage to Kelly Ripken.
Their daughter, Rachel Marie Ripken, was born on November 22, 1989.
Their son, Ryan Calvin Ripken, was born on July 26, 1993.
Both children grew up while their father was one of the most recognizable athletes in American professional sports.
Ryan followed his father’s interest in baseball and pursued a professional playing career.
He was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 2014 MLB Draft and later played in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system.
Although he did not achieve the same major league success as his father, Ryan developed his own experience within professional baseball.
Rachel has generally maintained a more private public profile, although she has been involved in professional and community activities.
Cal has remained close to his children, and Ryan has spoken positively about his father’s decision to enjoy retirement and spend more time on personal interests.
Cal and Laura do not have any publicly confirmed children together.
Cal Ripken Jr.’s Baseball Career and Achievements
Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr. was born on August 24, 1960, in Havre de Grace, Maryland.
He grew up in a baseball family, with his father, Cal Ripken Sr., working as a coach and manager in the Orioles organization.
Ripken was selected by Baltimore in the second round of the 1978 MLB Draft.
He made his major league debut on August 10, 1981, and spent his entire 21-season career with the Orioles.
His greatest achievement came through his remarkable consecutive-games streak.
On September 6, 1995, Ripken played his 2,131st consecutive game, surpassing Lou Gehrig’s longstanding record.
He eventually extended the streak to 2,632 games before voluntarily ending it in September 1998.
Ripken also won two American League Most Valuable Player awards and was selected to 19 All-Star Games.
He helped Baltimore win the 1983 World Series and retired following the 2001 season.
In 2007, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
His accomplishments established him as one of the most respected players in baseball history.
Cal Ripken’s Return to the Baltimore Orioles
Cal Ripken Jr. became involved with the Orioles’ ownership group when a consortium led by David Rubenstein purchased the franchise in 2024.
The acquisition brought Ripken back into the organization in a formal capacity more than two decades after his retirement.
His involvement initially centered on the ownership side of the business.
However, during the 2026 season, he became increasingly involved in player development.
Ripken has reportedly worked with younger players, sharing his knowledge of defensive fundamentals and professional preparation.
His experience as a longtime Orioles shortstop and third baseman has made him a valuable resource for the organization.
Despite his renewed baseball responsibilities, Ripken has continued prioritizing his personal life.
His marriage to Laura remains an important part of that balance.
Cal Ripken and Laura Ripken’s Relationship Today
Cal Ripken Jr. and Laura Ripken have been married since October 2018 and continue to share their lives in Annapolis, Maryland.
Their relationship combines Laura’s demanding judicial career with Cal’s involvement in baseball, philanthropy, and personal interests.
Although Ripken remains closely associated with the Orioles, he has become more selective about professional commitments and public appearances.
The couple’s daily routine reflects their preference for spending meaningful time together.
For readers searching for Cal Ripken’s wife, Laura Ripken is his current spouse and a respected Maryland appellate judge.
His first marriage to Kelly Ripken ended in 2016, and he shares two adult children with her. Today, his relationship with Laura represents a quieter chapter in the life of one of baseball’s most celebrated players.
