Ripken and Orioles: 30 Years of Historic Game 2131 and MLB Record

Cal Ripken Jr. Celebrates 30 Years of Historic Record at Camden Yards

BALTIMORE – Cal Ripken Jr. relived the excitement of his iconic Camden Yards tour, this time with a special touch to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his historic consecutive games record. The legendary Hall of Fame shortstop was transported in a red convertible from the right field corner, traveling along the warning track to home plate. The celebration organized by the Orioles commemorated the night Ripken surpassed Lou Gehrig’s record, reaching 2,131 consecutive games and giving those present an unforgettable night in Baltimore.

I’ve had 30 years to reflect on that wonderful night of 2,131, and I still think it couldn’t have gone better.

Cal Ripken Jr.

Ripken expressed it this way to the crowd during a pre-game speech on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Without being too philosophical, that night was a celebration of a fundamental principle of the Orioles: showing up every day to face any challenge, trusting each other,” he added.

Ripken set the record on September 6, 1995, and extended it to 2,632 before finally missing a game in 1998.

Although the twenty-fifth anniversary was celebrated in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic limited the festivities. Despite the rain, the pre-game ceremony on Saturday took place with minimal delay. Just like three decades ago, Whitney Houston’s song “One Moment in Time” echoed in the stadium as Ripken completed his lap. Several former teammates, including Hall of Fame members like Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Mike Mussina, and Harold Baines, were present for the commemoration. Commentators Chris Berman and Jon Miller, who narrated game number 2,131, were also present. Ripken received the ceremonial first pitch from his son Ryan. “I’ve been told this record is now unbreakable,” Ripken, now a member of the Orioles’ ownership group, commented. “I’ve always said that if I could do it, surely someone else can too.”