![Orioles third baseman Cal Ripken and his son Ryan during...]()
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Orioles third baseman Cal Ripken and his son Ryan during a press conference after Ripken's last game.
![Liam Gresser, 10, of Breezy Point N.Y., catches a baseball...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Liam Gresser, 10, of Breezy Point N.Y., catches a baseball as part of an estimated 70,000 fans head to the Baseball Hall of Fame inductions of Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn.
![Cal Ripken during the pregame ceremony honoring his retirement. Cal...]()
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Cal Ripken during the pregame ceremony honoring his retirement. Cal looks at a model of his retired number which will be put outside Oriole Park
![Cal Ripken lines out to left field in his first...]()
Sun photo Doug Kapustin
Cal Ripken lines out to left field in his first at bat in his last game.
![Kelly Ripken reaches over to husband, Cal, during pregame ceremonies.]()
Sun photo Elizabeth Malby
Kelly Ripken reaches over to husband, Cal, during pregame ceremonies.
![Cal Ripken and mother, Vi, read the plaque dedicated to...]()
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Cal Ripken and mother, Vi, read the plaque dedicated to his father, Cal Ripken Sr., that has been placed in the Oriole dugout.
![Cal Ripken Jr. acknowledges the crowd after being introduced during...]()
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr. acknowledges the crowd after being introduced during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony today at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y. Among the Hall of Famers seated behind Ripken are fellow 2007 inductee Tony Gwynn (left) and former Orioles Eddie Murray, Earl Weaver and Brooks Robinson.
![Cal Ripken Jr. said Hall of Fame induction marks another...]()
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr. said Hall of Fame induction marks another beginning in his life. "The Streak is marked by a number -- a start and an end," Ripken said. "I truly believe there are no endings, just points at which we begin again. As I experience another new beginning with this induction I can only hope that all of us can reflect on how fortunate we are."
![It's OK, buddy: Brady Anderson (right) has a sheepish grin...]()
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
It's OK, buddy: Brady Anderson (right) has a sheepish grin as he and Cal Ripken walk off after Anderson's strikeout deprived Ripken of a final at-bat.
![It's a flash, flash, flash: Fans at Camden Yards light...]()
Sun photo by John Makely
It's a flash, flash, flash: Fans at Camden Yards light up the stadium as they record history - Cal Ripken's last at-bat.
![From left to right, Orioles Hall of Famers Jim Palmer,...]()
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
From left to right, Orioles Hall of Famers Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken Jr., Earl Weaver, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson and Eddie Murray pose for a picture after Ripken's induction in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Orioles greats and Hall of Famers Earl Weaver (back) and...]()
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
Orioles greats and Hall of Famers Earl Weaver (back) and Brooks Robinson wave to the crowd before the induction ceremony for Cal Ripken Jr.
![A fan's flash goes off as Cal Ripken bats in...]()
Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby
A fan's flash goes off as Cal Ripken bats in his last game.
![Baltimore, MD-Oct. 6, 2001--Cal Ripken chats with his mother prior...]()
Sun photo Kenneth K. Lam
Baltimore, MD-Oct. 6, 2001--Cal Ripken chats with his mother prior to the start of the festivities celebrating his last game. Staff photo by Kenneth K. Lam
![Cal Ripken takes in the pregame ceremony honoring his retirement.]()
Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby
Cal Ripken takes in the pregame ceremony honoring his retirement.
![Mom and Dad: With portrait of his late father in...]()
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Mom and Dad: With portrait of his late father in background, Cal Ripken comforts his mother, Vi, during ceremonies that included unveiling of Cal Ripken Sr. plaque in Orioles' dugout.
![Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos gets a program as he heads in...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos gets a program as he heads in for Cal Ripken Jr.'s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
![Cal Ripken Jr. wipes away tears as he talks about...]()
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Cal Ripken Jr. wipes away tears as he talks about his family during his Hall of Fame induction speech in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Cal Ripken Jr. gets a standing ovation from the fans at...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. gets a standing ovation from the fans at the begining of the Aberdeen Ironbirds and the Oneonta Tigers New York-Penn League game held at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Cal Ripken Jr. gets ready to tee off on the first...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. gets ready to tee off on the first hole of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Invitational held at the Leatherstocking golf course in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Former President Bill Clinton enjoys the pregame festivities honoring Cal...]()
Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby
Former President Bill Clinton enjoys the pregame festivities honoring Cal Ripken.
![In his first at bat, Cal Ripken hit a line...]()
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
In his first at bat, Cal Ripken hit a line drive caught by the left fielder.
![Cal Ripken Jr. makes his Hall of Fame induction speech, wiping...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. makes his Hall of Fame induction speech, wiping away tears when he started to talk about his family.
![Former President Bill Clinton congratulates Cal Ripken during the pregame...]()
Sun photo by John Makely
Former President Bill Clinton congratulates Cal Ripken during the pregame ceremony honoring his retirement.
![Before last night's game, Cal Ripken stands during the National...]()
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Before last night's game, Cal Ripken stands during the National Anthem, which was punctuated with a fireworks display over a flag on loan from Fort McHenry.
![The last spotlight: After delivering a farewell speech after the...]()
Sun photo by Doug Kapustin
The last spotlight: After delivering a farewell speech after the game, Cal Ripken walks off the field, watched by (from left) Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Frank Robinson and Earl Weaver.
![The largest crowd in Hall of Fame history gathered to...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
The largest crowd in Hall of Fame history gathered to watch the Baseball Hall of Fame induction of Cal Ripken Jr and Tony Gwynn.
![Cal Ripken waves to the crowd after getting a standing...]()
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Cal Ripken waves to the crowd after getting a standing ovation following his last at bat as an Oriole.
![Baltimore, Md.--Oct. 6, 2001--Terri Foote of Hampden holds a sign...]()
Sun photo Karl Merton Ferron
Baltimore, Md.--Oct. 6, 2001--Terri Foote of Hampden holds a sign for Baltimore Orioles third baseman Cal Ripken at Oriole Park at Camden Yards to honor him on his final game before his retirement Sat., Oct. 6, 2001. . Staff photo by Karl Merton Ferron ELECTRONIC IMAGE (DSC_0014.JPG)
![Ted Mebust, 7, of Cooperstown selling his handmade "Cal Rocks"...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Ted Mebust, 7, of Cooperstown selling his handmade "Cal Rocks" on the route heading to where Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn were to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
![A lifesize portrait of Cal Ripken is unveiled during the...]()
Sun photo by John Makely
A lifesize portrait of Cal Ripken is unveiled during the pregame ceremony honoring his retirement.
![Baltimore, MD-Oct. 6, 2001--Cal Ripken stands in the dugout under...]()
Sun photo Kenneth K. Lam
Baltimore, MD-Oct. 6, 2001--Cal Ripken stands in the dugout under the watchful eye of the media, prior to the start of the ceremonies celebrating his last game. Staff photo by Kenneth K. Lam
![Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. hold their plaques after...]()
AP photo
Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. hold their plaques after their induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Cal Ripken Jr. and former San Diego Padre Tony Gwynn...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. and former San Diego Padre Tony Gwynn hold their Baseball Hall of Fame plaques after their induction in the the Baseball Hall of Fame.
![Collectors' item: For the final time, a manager wrote in...]()
Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam
Collectors' item: For the final time, a manager wrote in "Ripken" on a lineup card.
![Rachel and Ryan Ripken put their heads on a stuffed...]()
Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby
Rachel and Ryan Ripken put their heads on a stuffed Oriole doll during the pregame ceremony.
![Touched: Cal Ripken reaches out to fans as he's driven...]()
Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby
Touched: Cal Ripken reaches out to fans as he's driven on a last lap around the field at Oriole Park.
![Cal Ripken Jr. is pictured on the second hole of...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. is pictured on the second hole of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Invitational held at the Leatherstocking golf course in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Cal Ripken acknowledges the fans as they give him a...]()
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Cal Ripken acknowledges the fans as they give him a standing ovation following his last at bat.
![Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson and Willie Mays share a...]()
Sun photo by Lloyd Fox
Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson and Willie Mays share a laugh before the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
![Fans try to get Cal Ripken Jr.'s autograph today after...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Fans try to get Cal Ripken Jr.'s autograph today after he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the begining of the Aberdeen Ironbirds and the Oneonta Tigers New York-Penn League game held at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Camden Yards as pregame ceremonies begin]()
Sun photo by Doug Kapustin
Camden Yards as pregame ceremonies begin
![Oriole Cal Ripken before the pregame ceremonies honoring his retirement.]()
Sun Photo John Makely
Oriole Cal Ripken before the pregame ceremonies honoring his retirement.
![Cal Ripken Jr. gets a handshake from former coach Andy Etchebarren...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. gets a handshake from former coach Andy Etchebarren at the beginning of the Aberdeen Ironbirds and the Oneonta Tigers New York-Penn League game held at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles Hall of Famer Cal...]()
Kenneth L. Lam / Baltimore Sun
Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., is introduced as the Orioles celebrates its 60th anniversary with a post game ceremony.
![Cal Ripken Jr. holds his plaque after being inducted into...]()
AP photo
Cal Ripken Jr. holds his plaque after being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Cal Ripken Jr. holds his Baseball Hall of Fame plaque along...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. holds his Baseball Hall of Fame plaque along with former San Diego Padre Tony Gwynn after their induction.
![Cal Ripken Jr. throws out the ceremonial first pitch along...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. throws out the ceremonial first pitch along with his daughter, Rachel (left), at the begining of the Aberdeen Ironbirds and the Oneonta Tigers New York-Penn League game held at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y.
![Cal Ripken listens to the National Anthem while looking at...]()
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Cal Ripken listens to the National Anthem while looking at the flag in the outfield of Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
![Cal Ripken Jr. and his wife, Kelly, arrive at the...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Cal Ripken Jr. and his wife, Kelly, arrive at the Baseball Hall of Fame Gala held at the Hall of Fame.
![From left, Baseball Hall of Fame president Dale Petroskey and...]()
Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.
From left, Baseball Hall of Fame president Dale Petroskey and chairman of the board Jane Fobes Clarke and baseball commissioner Bud Selig join Cal Ripken Jr. on the stage during the induction ceremony.
![Actor Richard Gere and his son attended the Baseball Hall...]()
LLOYD FOX / Baltimore Sun
Actor Richard Gere and his son attended the Baseball Hall of Fame inductions of Cal Ripken Jr and Tony Gwynn.
![Baltimore, Md--Oct. 6, 2001--(FOR MORGANS STORY ON MEMORABILIA) Robert Oler...]()
Sun photo Doug Kapustin
Baltimore, Md--Oct. 6, 2001--(FOR MORGANS STORY ON MEMORABILIA) Robert Oler in the left field stands waits hopefully to catch a Cal Ripken homerun. He caught the last home run that Cal hit at Camden Yards. Staff photo by Doug Kapustin
![Cal Ripken addresses the crowd after his final game.]()
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Cal Ripken addresses the crowd after his final game.
BIO: With his dogged march to become baseball’s Iron Man, Orioles Hall of Famer Cal Ripken captured the imagination of baseball fans everywhere as the sport tried to recover from a work stoppage that wiped out the 1994 World Series. But Ripken had already been a cherished son to Baltimore fans for many years when he broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games record on Sept. 6, 1995.
Raised in Harford County, Ripken was the son of longtime Orioles coach Cal Ripken Sr. He grew up around the team that would draft him. Ripken burst on the major league scene, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1982 and claiming the American League MVP in 1983, when he caught the last out in his only World Series.
Even as the club’s fortunes diminished, Ripken remained one of the game’s most respected players, winning another MVP in 1991, finishing his career with more than 3,000 hits and entering the Hall of Fame with one of the highest voting percentages ever in 2007. With his stadium complex in Aberdeen and numerous business interest related to baseball, Ripken remains one of Baltimore’s favorite sports figures more than a decade after he retired from the Orioles.
BORN: Aug. 24, 1960, in Harve De Grace, Md.
PROFESSIONAL: Shortstop and third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, 1981-2001
