MLB Logo icon

Top moments of Cal Ripken Jr.'s career

June 1978: Drafting the hometown kid

The Orioles selected the Havre de Grace native, who attended Aberdeen High School, in the 2nd round of the Draft.

This browser does not support the video element.

1982 and '83: From ROY to MVP

Ripken followed up his '82 AL Rookie of the Year honor by winning AL MVP his sophomore campaign ('83).

This browser does not support the video element.

Oct. 16, 1983: World champs!

The best end to an incredible year? Catching the final out of the World Series, helping the O's to their 3rd championship.

This browser does not support the video element.

1991: Another MVP season

Ripken collected a ton of hardware in '91, winning the Home Run Derby, the ASG MVP, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger and his 2nd AL MVP Award.

This browser does not support the video element.

Sept. 5: 1995: Tying the Iron Horse

Having played every game since May 30, 1982, Ripken tied Lou Gehrig with his 2,130th consecutive game played, a mark thought untouchable.

This browser does not support the video element.

Sept. 6, 1995: Breaking the unbreakable

On the most memorable night in Camden Yards history, Ripken broke Gehrig's record, taking a celebratory lap around the warning track.

This browser does not support the video element.

July 15, 1996: A move to third

After playing only short since 1983, Ripken shifted over to third, which became his primary position from '97 to 2001.

This browser does not support the video element.

Sept. 20, 1998: The streak ends

At 2,632 consecutive games, Ripken decided it was time to end his streak. Ryan Minor replaced Ripken at third for a home game vs. the Yanks.

This browser does not support the video element.

Sept. 2, 1999: Long ball No. 400

Ripken became the 1st Orioles player to hit 400 homers, swatting a 3-run blast vs. Tampa Bay. He hit 31 more HRs before retiring.

This browser does not support the video element.

April 15, 2000: 3,000th career hit

Ripken recorded hit No. 3,000 with a single in Minneapolis to become only the 7th AL/NL player to join that club and also reach the 400-HR mark.

This browser does not support the video element.

July 10, 2001: An All-Star sendoff

The '01 All-Star Game in Seattle was all about Cal. He briefly moved back to shortstop, belted a homer and then earned his 2nd ASG MVP honor.

This browser does not support the video element.

Oct. 6, 2001: The end of an era

A farewell tour that lasted more than 3 months ended with Ripken stepping to the plate for the final time in Baltimore, already a hero to many.

July 29, 2007: Immortalized in Cooperstown

Ripken was inducted into the Hall of Fame in his 1st year of eligibility, receiving almost 99% of votes on BBWAA ballots.

Watch his speech here