Calvin “Cal” Ripken Jr., nicknamed “The Iron Man,” is an American former professional baseball shortstop and third baseman who played his entire 21-season career for the Baltimore Orioles. He is most famous for his record-breaking streak of 2,632 consecutive games played, which shattered a mark many thought was unbreakable. A 19-time All-Star and two-time MVP, Ripken is considered one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, known for his consistent excellence, durability, and quiet leadership.

Name: Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr.

Date of birth: August 24, 1960

Height: 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m)

Place of birth: Havre de Grace, Maryland, U.S.

Family:

• Parents’ names: Cal Ripken Sr. (father, a longtime player, coach, and manager in the Orioles organization) and Violet “Vi” Ripken (mother).
• Siblings: Billy Ripken (brother, also a former MLB player), Fred Ripken, and Ellen Ripken.
• Spouse: Married to Laura Ripken. Previously married to Kelly Geer.
• Children: Rachel Ripken and Ryan Ripken (a former professional baseball player).

Profession: Retired Professional Baseball Player, Author, Philanthropist

Nationality: American

College or university attended:

• Aberdeen High School, Aberdeen, Maryland. (Drafted directly out of high school).

Biography and What Famous For: Born into a baseball family, Cal Ripken Jr. grew up around the sport. His father, Cal Sr., was a career baseball man for the Baltimore Orioles, and this environment shaped Cal Jr.’s future. After a stellar high school career, he was drafted by his hometown Orioles in 1978.

Ripken made his Major League debut in 1981 and won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1982. The very next year, in 1983, he won the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and led the Orioles to a World Series championship. He would win a second AL MVP award in 1991. Ripken redefined the shortstop position; at 6’4″, he was much taller than the typical player at that position and combined outstanding defense (winning two Gold Glove Awards) with significant power, hitting 431 career home runs.

Ripken is almost universally known for what is simply called “The Streak.” On May 30, 1982, he played the first game of what would become a record-shattering run of consecutive games played. On September 6, 1995, he played in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking the 56-year-old record held by the legendary Lou Gehrig. The moment was celebrated with a memorable 22-minute ovation from the Camden Yards crowd and is considered one of baseball’s most iconic moments, helping to heal the sport after a contentious players’ strike. Ripken voluntarily ended his streak on September 20, 1998, after playing in 2,632 straight games, a record that is considered one of the most unbreakable in all of sports.

He retired after the 2001 season and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 on his first ballot with 98.53% of the vote. Since retiring, he has dedicated himself to youth baseball through Ripken Baseball and philanthropy through the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.

Have participated (Selected Achievements and Career Highlights):

Career Highlights:

• MLB record 2,632 consecutive games played.
• 19-time MLB All-Star
• 2× American League Most Valuable Player (1983, 1991)
• World Series champion (1983)
• American League Rookie of the Year (1982)
• 2× Gold Glove Award (1991, 1992)
• 8× Silver Slugger Award
• 3,184 career hits and 431 career home runs
• Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (2007)
• Baltimore Orioles No. 8 jersey retired (2001)

Team:

• Baltimore Orioles (1981–2001)