Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. visits Market Street in Salisbury with son Ryan

Fresh off a loss to the Lakewood Blue Claws on Sunday, Delmarva Shorebirds’ first baseman Ryan Ripken made his way to the Market Street Inn Restaurant & Pub for some post-game relaxation.

As he walked in the door, another Ripken followed behind — his father, former Baltimore Oriole and MLB Hall of Fame member Cal Ripken Jr.

The famous ballplayer was in town watching his son play, with Ryan Ripken often earning a spot in the Shorebirds’ starting lineup. In 39 games, the younger Ripken holds a .252 batting average with 36 hits and 13 RBIs.

But their trip to Market Street was a chance to get away from the game and enjoy the holiday weekend.

However, when they arrived, it was near impossible for the Ripkens to keep any anonymity.

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Guests and others in attendance immediately took out their phones, capturing pictures and videos of the two baseball players.

But manager Tim DiFrancisco made sure to keep things professional, admitting it was hard not to ask for a photo or autograph with the guy he had idolized for years.

“I was actually born the day he broke the record (for consecutive MLB games),” DiFrancisco said. “A few of us are pretty big Shorebirds fans, so we recognized Ryan when he walked in. A few others recognized Cal, and I’m a huge fan. It was definitely a day I won’t forget.”

DiFrancisco did, however, interact with the pair and the rest of their family throughout the night. As the manager, he would often check on the Ripkens, ensuring the service was great and their drinks were filled.

Once they were finished the meal, DiFrancisco asked if both Ryan and Cal Ripken would like to sign the restaurant’s ceiling — something that is normally reserved for members of the restaurant's martini club.

But with a major celebrity in his presence, DiFrancisco couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let Cal and Ryan Ripken leave a permanent mark on Market Street Inn.

“It’s hard keeping your cool when your biggest idol is starring you in the face,” DiFrancisco said. “When we walked him to our pub side, word got around that he was there. A lot of applause started breaking out.”

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The family stayed at Market Street for close to three hours, according to DiFrancisco. While he wasn’t certain, the manager said he thought the former Oriole may have ordered the chicken parmesan.

Leaving the restaurant at close to 10 p.m., the staff thanked both Ryan and Cal for their kindness and said goodbye to the iconic ball player.

Though there’s no telling if Cal Ripken will return, DiFrancisco said he expects to see Ryan Ripken back at Market Street as the Shorebirds' season continues to play out.

“Ryan said he’d be back,” DiFrancisco said. “They were very kind guests, and we’re looking forward to serving them again.”

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