I was watching a ball game the other day and on came an ad that featured Cal Ripken Jr. I was in a local watering hole and so could not hear what he was saying as he snagged foul ball after foul ball as a spectator in the stands (and he is still wearing his jersey)

Then it flashed up that this was a new contest from Major League Baseball called “Stay in the Game Sweepstakes.” This is the kind of sweepstakes that I like, just enter and cross your fingers, so it is a level playing field for me.

The event is cosponsored by One A Day vitamins as well as the Cal Ripken Jr. and the purpose of the promotion appears to encourage people to stay in shape, particularly as they get older, and that if you have not been exercising it is not too late to start, judging by the accompanying video.

The One a Day partner is also donating to Cal Ripken Sr.’s Foundation that brings baseball and softball programs to disadvantaged youths in America and also helps teach them life lessons. There is nothing on the web page that exactly explains the purpose of the promotion, which is too bad, particularly if it is for a good cause.

The prizes look pretty good- first place is a round trip for five to the 2013 MLB All-Star Game with Cal Ripken Jr. That will include round trip airfare, 5 VIP gift bags, 3 night stay for you and your posse, $500 in cash as well as tickets to the 2013 MLB Home Run Derby. Each week prior to the awarding of the grand prize a $100 gift card that can be used on the MLB web site will be awarded so you too can have a Cal Ripken Jr. jersey if you so wish! Or the classic Billy Ripken baseball card.