Frequently in life, your interests in converge in unexpected ways, and I guess that is one of the things that keep this mortal existence halfway exciting. Today I am thinking about Cal Ripken, Jr., and specifically, about the recent news that he has been appointed “ Special Sports Envoy ” for the State Department, a strange position that is kind of a “goodwill ambassador” thang. Presumably he’ll make a fair number of trips around the world, meeting with regular people, teaching kids about baseba…