Ripken and Orioles celebrate 30 years of the historic game 2131

BALTIMORE – Cal Ripken Jr. relived an emotional moment at Camden Yards, this time with a special tour. The legendary shortstop, Hall of Fame member, paraded in a red convertible from right field, passing through the warning track in center field, to home plate. The Orioles celebrated the 30th anniversary of the night Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games record, reaching the impressive figure of 2,131 and starring in a memorable lap around the field on 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.

These were Ripken’s words to the crowd, in a speech before Saturday night’s game against the Dodgers. “Trying not to be too philosophical, that night was a celebration of an old Orioles principle: that we show up every day to face any challenge that comes our way, to count on each other.”

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

Although the 25th anniversary of this historic moment was in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic prevented a celebration of the occasion. Despite the rain, the pre-game ceremony on Saturday went ahead without major delays. Just like three decades ago, Whitney Houston’s song “One Moment in Time” echoed in the stadium as Ripken took his victory lap. Several former teammates were present for the commemoration, including Hall of Fame members Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Mike Mussina, and Harold Baines. Commentators Chris Berman and Jon Miller, who narrated game number 2,131, were also present. Ripken received the ceremonial pitch, thrown by his son Ryan.

I’ve been told this record is now unbreakable. I would always say that if I could do it, certainly someone else can.

Cal Ripken Jr.

Ripken’s famous lap in 1995 came after the top of the fifth inning, when the record-breaking game became official. After the top of the fifth inning on Saturday, Ripken walked onto the field and received a huge ovation.