Cal Ripken Jr.’s Mother Abducted

Violet Ripken was abducted Tuesday but ultimately found unharmed yesterday.  According to the Associated

Press, Cal Ripken Jr.’s 74-year old mother was forced at gunpoint into her Lincoln Continental, her hands were bound behind her, she was blindfolded, and she was driven just outside Baltimore.  Police found her in the backseat of the Continental yesterday afternoon in Aberdeen, Maryland.

Violet Ripken was reportedly abducted around 7 or 8 AM on Tuesday and found a little after 6 AM on Wednesday.  She was not hurt, and police do not know the motive for the abduction.

In a statement, the Ripken family said:

"“This has been a very trying time for our family, but we are grateful and relieved that mom is back with us, safe and healthy. We want to thank everyone for their tremendous support, especially all of the law enforcement agencies that worked so hard and quickly.”"

Cal Ripken Jr. and his family are known throughout the Baltimore community, but there is no indication that the abductor knew Violet was Ripken’s mother.  Ripken played 21 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles before returning in 2001.  He is now a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame.  His brother Billy Ripken played professionally as well, and his father Cal Ripken Sr. managed both Cal Jr. and Billy when they were on the Orioles together.