Ripken answers fan Email Richie Herkenhoff from Belfair, Wash. Q: I'm 11 years old and would like to know if you have any recommendations on how I can increase my power at the plate? A: "Every day, I make sure I get plenty of practice at the plate. I also hit off of a tee each day. Besides that, I would also suggest altering your stance. I do this a couple of times each season, until I find some consistency. It never hurts to experiment a little at the plate. Most importantly, you need to learn what works for you. Part of developing in baseball is learning about yourself." Robert Boyer from Greensboro, N.C. Q: What do you see yourself doing after your playing career ends and what type of work would you have gone into if you hadn't become a baseball player? A: "I've been looking into a few different areas of business, and even thought a little about maybe one day owning a baseball team. As for the second part of your question, I never really thought about what I would do besides play baseball - I knew from a young age that the major leagues would be my goal. If baseball didn't work out, I would have gone to college. And from there, who knows what might have happened?" Craig Audette from Raynham, Mass. Q: Could you explain the difficulties associated with playing every game during the course of a season, every season? A: "Of course ther are some difficulties - sometimes more mentally than physically. I never set a goal to play every game every season. I take it one day at a time, doing the best I can each and every day. Looking back on the cumulative effort, it doesn't seem so bad. Once you've played 162 games straight, it doesn't seem like such a large mountain to climb. Playing every day is just an approach - something taught to me by my dad, and also by learning baseball "the Orioles Way." Basically, show up prepared to help your team every day. If the manager puts you in, then so be it." Bart Benson from Birmingham, Ala. Q: What's your opinion on how useful Certified Athletic Trainers are to professional sports and personally to your career? A: "Trainers are an integral part of a team - now more so than ever before. As sports have evolved, owners are even more concerned about protecting their investment; players work out harder and longer; and training facilities and equipment have become more sophisticated. The Trainers have a tough job keeping up with all of that, but they manage. Richie Bancells, the Orioles' Trainer, has played a major role in helping to keep me on the field. Without his help every now and then, I would have a tough time playing every day." Jennifer Gates from Houston, Texas Q: Who's had the biggest influence in your baseball career? A: "My dad was probably the earliest - and most important - influence on me. He was in pro ball the entire time I was growing up, so I had the chance to learn from him and all of the players he coached or managed. As a kid, I really admired Brooks Robinson. And when I finally reached the majors myself, Eddie Murray played a key role in molding me into the type of player I am today."