There are eight simple reasons for everything Hall of Fame baseball player Cal Ripken Jr. has achieved in his life.

The 46-year-old legend, known as the “Iron Man” after setting a Major League Baseball record for 2,632 consecutive games played, visited Ohio State’s Mershon Auditorium Wednesday evening to speak about how he got where he is today.

Ripken talked about his eight-step program to success that includes consistency, conviction and life management. He also addressed mentoring Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and spoke hesitantly on the issue of steriods in baseball and its effect on Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro.

“There has to be control over your life where little few have control.” Ripken said as he described his eight steps, which will soon be made into a book. “You have to achieve balance when things change around you.”

A packed crowd of about 900 seemed to hang on Ripken’s every word as they listened to the message given by the player who broke the record of legend Lou Gehrig.

Adam Zurmehly, a freshman in electrical engineering, felt that Ripken’s knowledge was diverse.

“Knowing what he’s accomplished makes you feel like you can do great things yourself,” Zurmehly said.

Ripken briefly mentioned his recent mentoring of Alex Rodriguez and his struggle to be accepted by the fans and media in New York.

Ripken said his mentoring of Rodriguez closely resembles a moment in the movie “Bull Durham,” when Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) walks to the mound to tell Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins) a few brief words of encouragement.

“Alex has got to play’em one day at a time,” Ripken said referring to the scene.

With each trait there was story that defined how Ripken was able to move on and continue to stay positive in the midst of a run, when many people cheered and criticized him.

The topic of steroids in today’s game of baseball was a also mentioned in reference to potential Hall of Famers McGwire and Palmeiro.

“It’s not my place to judge,” Ripken said. “We all make decisions and the truth is going to come out no matter.

“One positive thing that has come from the (steroid) issue is a stronger relationship between the Players Association and the owners who have been able to come together in unprecedented ways,” he said.

Jose Castillo can be reached at [email protected].