Sunday it will be the Hall of Class.

Following the past couple weeks of debauchery in sports, Sunday's Hall of Fame ceremony will be a timely reminder of why I love these silly games. Both players significantly contributed to my infatuation with baseball. What was not to love about these two?

Cal Ripken Jr. was there on September 6, 1995 following the strike year  to remind us about all that was good with the sport. Played in 2,632 consecutive games. No injury complaints, no "days off," just baseball. Rip obviously accomplished much more in his career, but for me he'll forever  be associated with bringing me back to baseball as a teenager with feigning interest.

Tony Gwynn was/is the anti-Barry Bonds, which just might make him my favorite non-Cub of all time. Fat, seemingly nonathletic, but worked harder than anyone to perfect the art of hitting. Gwynn was a virtuoso at the plate.

The list of reasons to admire these too is far too long to mention, but they share three traits that rise above all others.

Gwynn and Ripken played for the same team their entire career. The chances of Cooperstown welcoming two players in the same year that both played 19+ seasons with the same team is slim to none. Jacque Jones has a better chance of getting into the Hall. Cal and Tony played because they loved the game and share their passion with their respective communities. A trait lost on many today.

Cal and Tony were hyper competitive. Maybe too much, but you could never fault them for it. There are endless stories about the two engaging in any competition off the field. I've heard a great deal more about Cal and his basketball endeavors, but Gwynn also wanted to perfect anything he set his mind (and gut) to.

Most notably, the trait we all should tip our cap to on Sunday is that Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn exuded an abundance of class. It'll be refreshing to look back upon a trait that has subsided in sports, much needed during this foul period.