In the early hours of September 7, 1995, Cal Ripken Jr., the unstoppable shortstop for the Orioles, left the Camden Yards clubhouse. After shaking hands with stadium workers, he got into a Lincoln Town Car, leaving behind a historic night that would consecrate him as the “Iron Man” of baseball.Three decades ago, Ripken revitalized the sport, severely affected by a labor strike that canceled the 1994 World Series. That night in Baltimore, filled with emotion and meaning, marked a before and after in the history of baseball. It was a story of discipline, commitment, and perseverance, qualities that also defined Lou Gehrig, whose record of 2,130 consecutive games played, had remained unmovable for 56 years.
“That whole night was surreal, those moments were so bright and good, it was like you were watching yourself, I felt like an out-of-body experience,” Ripken commented this week, days before the 30th anniversary of the game.
Cal Ripken Jr.Ripken’s record, baseball’s most unbreakable, is even more impressive today, where players resting is common to avoid injuries. After Ripken’s streak voluntarily ended at 2,632 games in 1998, the longest streak was held by Miguel Tejada with 1,152 consecutive games between 2000 and 2007. The longest active streak, as of Wednesday, is 761 games, belonging to Braves first baseman Matt Olson.Ripken’s 1995 season, in which he broke Gehrig’s record, began with a series in Kansas City. The night before Opening Day, Ripken participated in basketball games, demonstrating his competitive spirit. During that season, he dedicated himself to signing autographs for fans, recognizing the need to restore faith in the game after the strike.
“I remember the strike and the cancellation of the World Series, I remember the lockout in spring training that shortened that season [1995], I remember the feeling of the ugly side of baseball, and the fans always get hurt by that”, said Ripken.
Cal Ripken Jr.
The path to the 2,131 record intensified on Sunday, September 3, during a game against the Seattle Mariners. When the number on the scoreboard changed to 2,128, the entire Mariners team joined the crowd in the stadium to applaud Ripken. In the next game, against the California Angels, Ripken hit three hits, including a home run. The excitement was palpable.“I was in the on-deck circle when that banner fell in the fifth inning,” said Angels second baseman Rex Hudler.The following night, when the scoreboard changed to 2,130, the fans erupted in an ovation that stopped the game for more than five minutes. After the game, a ceremony was held on the field with gifts and special presentations.Three hours after the game, Ripken undressed in his locker, while two assistants packed his clothes for display in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He left the clubhouse at 1:48 a.m., overwhelmed by the experience. At 8:05 in the morning of day 2,131, he took his 5-year-old daughter, Rachel, to her first day of kindergarten, and then took a nap.The anticipation grew upon learning of the presence of President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and legends like Joe DiMaggio and Hank Aaron in the stadium that night. Infielder Jeff Huson, excited to be a starter, remembered how he prepared for the game. Cal’s younger brother, Billy, witnessed the historic moment from the front row. In the fourth inning, Ripken hit a home run, unleashing euphoria.En su juego de récord, Ripken recibió varias ovaciones y dio la vuelta al campo, bateando de 4-2 con un jonrón.The game was stopped in the fifth inning, at 9:20 p.m. Songs were played, balloons were released, and everyone in the Orioles’ bullpen joined Ripken in the dugout. The fans celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm. Ripken embraced his wife and children, and presented his jersey and cap to his children.
