Ripken, Cal, Jr. (1960-…), holds the record for the most consecutive games played by a major league baseball player. On Sept. 6, 1995, Ripken broke the previous record of 2,130 consecutive games held by Lou Gehrig. Ripken’s consecutive game streak began on May 30, 1982. Ripken chose not to play in the game of Sept. 20, 1998, ending his streak of consecutive games at 2,632.
In addition to his record for durability, Ripken also established himself as one of the finest shortstops in baseball. Ripken played his entire major league career with the Baltimore Orioles of the American League, beginning late in the 1981 season.
Calvin Edwin Ripken, Jr., was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, on Aug. 24, 1960. His father, Cal Ripken, Sr., was a major league manager and coach. Ripken holds or shares several major league and American League records for shortstops. He was named American League Rookie of the Year for 1982. He was also named the American League Most Valuable Player in 1983 and 1991. In 2000, Ripken became the 7th player in major league history to get 3,000 hits and 400 home runs during his career. He retired after the 2001 season. Ripken was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. Ripken wrote a children’s book about his 1988 season with Baltimore called The Longest Season (2007).
