A Shortstop In China – a documentary chronicling Cal Ripken, Jr.’s inaugural overseas diplomatic assignment as US Goodwill and Sports Ambassador – will be broadcast tonight in high-definition on the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) immediately following the Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees post-game show.

From the official website:

A Shortstop in China features Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., on his first diplomatic trip as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy for the State Department. This one-hour documentary. . .showcases Cal’s efforts to create a personal dialogue with youth around the world through the universal language of sports. The feature also provides a unique glimpse into the unprecedented economic and political growth of an emerging global powerhouse.

Along with footage from the 11 [baseball] clinics Cal and former Oriole B.J. Surhoff held from Beijing to Guangzou, the documentary also features Cal accepting his appointment from former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and a variety of interviews. . . .

Here is the extended trailer:

A DVD of the documentary is expected to be released shortly.