Cal Ripken, Jr., the future Hall of Fame shortstop and 3rd baseman of the Baltimore Orioles, spent 21 years in the majors and set standard for achievement that will never be surpassed. At his retirement following the 2001 season, Ripken's honors, accomplishments, and presence had begun to exceed what had become his legend. A member of the 3,000 hit club, the 5,000 total base club, a 19 time All-Star and the 1990 Baseball MVP, he also holds the record for most consecutive starts at shortstop (2,216) and is among the top players with the most games played with a single team . . . and of course, there is The Streak." Ripken will always be known for "The Streak." On May 30, 1982, He played. And on September 19, 1998, He played. And in the 17 years that came between, he played 2,630 consecutive games before voluntarily ending his run on September 20, 1998. He played in 501 straight games after breaking Lou Gehrig's existing record on September 6, 1995. Many feel his record of 2,632 games can never be broken. Born August 24, 1960 in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Ripken was selected 48th overall pick in the June free agent draft of 1978. In 1982, after ascending through the minor league ranks, he started the season as the Orioles' third baseman, and was shortstop by June. That season he was voted the American League Rookie of the Year. In 1983, he was selected as both the American League Most Valuable Player and the Major League Player of the Year as part of the World Series Champion Baltimore Orioles. In the 1990 season Ripken's string of 95 consecutive games without an error set a major league record for shortstops. A streak that lead to nine additional major league fielding records. In 1991, He became the second player in major league history to be named the league's Most Valuable Player, Major League Player of the Year, All-Star Game MVP, and winner of a Gold Glove in the same season. And yet, no year was as special as 1995. On September 6, 1995 Ripken played in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking the record established by Lou Gehrig in 1939. That year he was acknowledged by the Associated Press and United Press International as Male Athlete of the Year; by The Sporting News as Major League Player of the Year; and by Sports Illustrated as Sportsman of the Year. But Cal Ripken is more than just an athlete. He is the embodiment of the ideals we hold most sacred: excellence, loyalty and dedication in a world of indifference and apathy, and consistency in the face of adversity. Cal Ripken is a hero, an everyday man living an extraordinary existence. Both on and off the field he has given so much of himself while asking for so little. A generous philanthropist, his history of community involvement exemplifies the same type of dedication and commitment he's famous for on the field. The Kelly and Cal Ripken, Jr. Foundation, established in 1992, expands upon the Ripkens' charitable and personal giving. The Foundation has supported The Johns Hopkins Children's Center, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and the Baltimore School for the Arts, just to name three. Ripken has been the recipient of Major League Baseball's "Bart Giamatti Caring Award" and "Roberto Clemente Award" in recognition of his standing as a unique citizen and an outstanding player."
