The signature is written entirely on a somewhat flat horizontal plane. The letter "C" is larger than life and surrounds the letter "a" on top and below. The pen rises to begin the letter "a," which flows into what seems to be the letter "l," but looks more like a "e" owing to its small size. It continues down in a smooth curve until it meets up with the beginning of the "r." There is no space between the end of the "a" and the beginning of the "r." This creates a continuous flowing line that represents a ripening fruit or vegetable. Below the "C" is the word "RIPENED" with two lines coming off of it. The first goes straight down and ends at the bottom corner of the letter "C." The second line turns slightly left and goes across the page, stopping at the right edge of the paper near where it would stop if it were written out as one word. After these letters there are some numbers: "999" and then "AND MORE." Finally, at the very bottom, just above where it says "RIPENED CALF BALES," there is a little smiley face. This is not your typical writing style, but it is Ripken's own unique way of signing his name. It became popular after he retired from baseball in 1999 and even has its own Wikipedia entry!