Photograph by Michael O'Neill, Walter Iooss, Jr.

"He would play all the games he could, as hard as he could. In a sport accustomed to celebrating freaks of different and unique abilities, Ripken was instead a freak of disposition. He just like to play baseball."

Text by Richard Hoffer
Issue Date: December 18, 1995

In an era when millionaire players sit out games because of stubbed toes and blistered fingers, Cal Ripken Jr. became baseball's Iron Man. On September 6, 1995, the Baltimore Orioles shortstop broke Lou Gehrig's 56-year-old record of 2,130 consecutive games played. Ripken's class and work ethic helped baseball win back fans who were alienated from the game during the 1994 strike.

Cal Ripken Jr. Sports Illustrated Covers Gallery