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The article discusses the career of baseball Cal Ripken Jr. as the shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken acquired the nickname "iron man" because of his record as the man who played in the most consecutive ball games, after smashing the record of Lou Gehrig in 1995. The author looks into the personal motivations in Ripken's life and how his love for baseball was the driving force behind his success.

Reviews the incident of Roberto Alomar spitting in the face of umpire John Hirschbeck on September 27, 1996 in a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Indians. Alomar's suspension from five games at the start of the 1997 season by American League president Gene Budig; The threat of strike by umpires; The reaction of fans and fellows players; Comparisons to Ty Cobbs; Alomar's other run-ins; Alomar's apologetic gestures; Alomar's reaction to the incident.

Forwards the notion that baseball players in 1996 are fielding their positions better than their predecessors ever did. The evolution of equipment, playing conditions and overall athletic ability contributing to the improved defense; Modern players lacking the instincts and fundamentals of old school players; Position by position ranking of the top three defensive players in 1996 and of all time.

Talks about the results of an informal survey which aimed to identify the most-underrated every-day players in Major League Baseball. Derek Bell of the Houston Astros judged to be the most underrated in the National League; Mike Bordick of the Oakland Athletics snaring the dubious honor in the American League; Information about the careers of both ballplayers.

Evaluates four top prospects whom baseball people are excited about and hope to get a glimpse of when Major League Baseball rosters are expanded in September 1996. Vladimir Guerrero, outfielder in the Montreal Expos' system; Dmitri Young, first baseman in the St. Louis Cardinals system; Mike Cameron, outfielder in the Chicago White Sox system; Nomar Garciaparra, shortstop in the Boston Red Sox system.

Traces those baseball players who will most likely join the 500-homer club, which has a membership of 14. Cleveland's Eddie Murray, as of July 1996, hit 490 home runs; Jose Conseco, Red Sox; Barry Bonds, Giants; Fred McGriff, Braves; Mark McGwire, A's; More; Injury hinders the possibility of joining the 500-homer club; Too muscular, too quick bodies prone to injury.

Postulates that Major League Baseball players are overemphasizing hitting home runs. Large contracts given to players like Cecil Fielder with high long ball totals despite the fact that they do not hit for average and often strikeout; Leadoff hitters with high strikeout totals to start out the season; This attitude possibly the reason why few players have put up impressive runs batted in (RBI) totals.

Discusses baseball's Triple Crown, which sweeps the homer, RBI and batting titles in one season. Difficulty of winning the Triple Crown; Suggestion that baseball should come up with an annual award for the player who comes closest to winning; Various players in the running including Dante Bichette and Larry Walker of the Colorado Rockies; Boston's Carl Yastrzemski, the last player to win the Triple Crown in 1967.

Discusses the retirement of Tiger outfielder Kirk Gibson on August 11, 1995 at the age of 38. Suggestion that he cared less about personal statistics than anyone in baseball; Persona; Speculation as to why he retired; What he may best be remembered for.

Focuses on the performance of American baseball players in the 1995 season. Pirate lefthander Denny Neagle; Blue Jays' Paul Molitor; Dodger Todd Worrell; John Flaherty.

Predicts that Atlanta Brave third baseman Chipper Jones, 23, Atlanta's best all-around player so far in 1995, is going to be a star, and names other players who bear watching. Red Sox pitcher Vaughn Eshelman; White Sox second baseman Ray Durham; Dodger pitcher Hideo Nomo; Expo pitcher Carlos Perez; Twin outfielder Marty Cordova.

Focuses on the first replacement players to appear in a major league baseball game in the 1995 season. Brewer reliever Ron Rightnowar; Red Sox outfielder Ron Mahay; Their performances; How they were received by teammates; Their comments.

Discusses the role of designated hitter Eddie Murray in the resurgence of the Baltimore Orioles since the trade which brought him to the team on July 21, 1996, and evaluates his place in Major League baseball history with regard to his home run and hit-into-double-play totals. Cincinnati Reds reliever Lee Smith, who needed five more appearances as of mid-August 1996 to establish the record for the most career appearances by a pitcher who has never pitched in the World Series.

Talks briefly about two Major League Baseball players. The fact that Francisco Cordova, a rookie pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, can throw harder without shoes on; Cecil Fielder, the sizable first baseman for the Detroit Tigers, finally stealing a base in the 1,097th game of his career, breaking Russ Nixon's record.

Reports on performances of baseball players in the United States. Red Sox's Mike Macfarlane's grand slam; National League hits and homeruns; American League teams with three outfielders who all hit over .300.

Offers baseball news briefs. Pitching ability of Houston's Shane Reynolds; Comments by Indian pitching coach Mark Wiley on Cleveland closer Jose Mesa; How Pirate rookie catcher Angelo Encarnacion used his mask to scoop up the ball.

Presents situations that show American baseball coaches' feelings about replacement players. Treatment toward Joel Chimelis of the San Francisco Giants; Dave Pavlas of the New York Yankees; Rick Reed of the Cincinnati Reds; Jamie McAndrew of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Reports on problems being experienced by the New York Yankees baseball team in the 1995 baseball season. Obscene gesture made by player Jack McDowell to spectators following a loss to the Chicago White Sox team; Accusations that Danny Tartabull was faking a rib cage injury; Squabbling over the contract of outfielder Darryl Strawberry.