Ripken Has a Ball Breaking Gehrig’s Record

Cal Ripken Jr., the nonstop shortstop of the Baltimore Orioles, appeared in his 2,131st consecutive game Wednesday night, breaking a major league record once thought unassailable.

In extending an endurance streak that began on May 30, 1982, the 35-year-old Ripken surpassed baseball immortal Lou Gehrig, the former first baseman and Iron Horse of the New York Yankees.

With President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore joining a sellout crowd of 46,272 at Camden Yards, Baltimore’s 4-2 victory over the Angels was clearly secondary to the record.

When the game became official after the top of the fifth inning and banners hanging from the B&O; Warehouse behind the right-field bleachers were updated from 2,130 to 2,131, sustained cheers and applause produced a 22-minute, 15-second celebration.

During that time, Ripken repeatedly emerged from the dugout to wave acknowledgment, frequently tapping his heart to reply to the crowd’s message in kind. He took off his uniform shirt and gave the keepsake to his wife, Kelly, who was sitting near the dugout. He then hoisted his 2-year-old son, Ryan, in his arms and he kissed his 5-year-old daughter, Rachel. (The Ripken children had thrown out the ceremonial first ball before the start of the game.)

Later, when the crowd refused to let the mid-game celebration end, Ripken circled the playing field, slapping the hands of fans along the way.

Ripken had earlier hit his 15th home run of the season--his third of the three-game series--providing a run that would prove to be the game-winner.

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