Cal Ripken Jr.
Aug. 7, 1995
Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. (born August 24, 1960), nicknamed "The Iron man", is an American former baseball shortstop and third baseman who played 21 years in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles (1981–2001). A 19-time All-Star and two-time American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP), Ripken is best remembered for breaking Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games played, a record that had stood for 56 years and many deemed unbreakable. Ripken surpassed the mark on September 6, 1995, by playing his 2,131st consecutive game.
Born in Maryland, Ripken grew up travelling around the United States as his father, Cal, Sr., was a player and coach in the Orioles' system. After a fine career at Aberdeen High School, Ripken was drafted in the second round of the 1978 Major League Baseball Draft. He reached the major leagues in 1981 with the Orioles, whom he would play his entire career with. Ripken voluntarily ended his 17-year streak at 2,632 games in 1998. One of his position's most offensively productive players, Ripken tallied 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, and 1,695 runs batted in during his career, and he won two Gold Glove Awards for his defense.
Ripken is considered one of the best shortstops and third basemen in baseball history. At 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), 225 lb. (102.27 kg), he pioneered the way for taller, larger shortstops to be successful at those positions. His durability was demonstrated in his record 2,632 games played. He is a member of the 3,000 hit club and holds the record for most home runs by a shortstop. He was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Ripken is a best-selling author and the President and CEO of Ripken Baseball, Inc., whose goal is to grow the love of baseball from a more grassroots level. Since his retirement, he has purchased three minor league baseball teams. He also is extremely active in charity work, something he has participated in throughout his career.
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