LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC) – A local sports legend will speak to University of Maryland, College Park undergraduates at their commencement ceremony in May.

Cal Ripken, Jr., a Hall of Famer who played with the Baltimore Orioles for two decades, will address more than 7,000 graduates at the spring ceremony slated for May 19.

“I hope that my life experience allows me to impart some wisdom and give them a message that will serve them as they start their careers,” Ripken said. “While I never attended college, opting to pursue my baseball career after high school, I have great respect for higher education and the great value it brings to young people.”

Born and raised in Maryland, Ripken played both shortstop and third base for the Orioles. In 1995, he broke Lou Gehrig’s Major League record for consecutive games played. “The Streak,” as that run is often called by Orioles fans, ended in 1998 with 2,632 consecutive games played. He retired in 2001.

Follow WNEW on Twitter.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)