VERO BEACH, Fla. -- A moment of silence for Cal Ripken Sr. was observed before yesterday's Orioles game and flags flew at half-staff at the request of Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone.

Also to honor Ripken Sr., who spent 36 years with the organization as a player, coach, manager and scout, the Orioles wore a two-inch No. 7 on the right sleeve of their jerseys, and will continue to do so throughout the season.

Manager Ray Miller's relationship with Ripken Sr. dates back more than 25 years.

"He taught me just about everything I know about the game," Miller said yesterday. "For sure all the coaching principles and everything I've lived by."

Pub Date: 3/27/99