Cal Ripken Jr.

The Iron Man — Cal Ripken Jr played 2,632 consecutive games from 1982 to 1998, breaking Lou Gehrig's record that had stood for 56 years and was considered unbreakable. A shortstop of 6ft 4in who proved that large players could succeed at the position and permanently changed how teams scouted the role. Two-time AL MVP and 19-time All-Star who remained an elite defensive player even as his consecutive games streak extended into legend. His night breaking Gehrig's record at Camden Yards in 1995 — in which he was moved to tears by a standing ovation — is one of baseball's most emotional moments.

Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr. was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland in 1960. Baltimore Orioles selected him 48th overall in the 1978 MLB Draft. His 21-season career — spent entirely with the Orioles — produced 431 home runs, a .276 batting average and the most celebrated consecutive games streak in professional sport: 2,632 games played from May 30, 1982 to September 20, 1998, surpassing Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 on September 6, 1995 — a night celebrated across America. He won two AL MVP awards (1983, 1991) and a World Series championship with Baltimore in 1983. He was named to 19 All-Star games. He won two Gold Gloves. He revolutionised the shortstop position — at 6ft 4in and 225 pounds, he was larger than any shortstop before him but moved with exceptional fluency and demonstrated that a powerful hitter could also play the most demanding defensive infield position. He hit 431 career home runs — more than any other shortstop in MLB history at the time of his retirement. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 with 98.5% of the vote. He is considered one of the most beloved players in baseball history for his consistency, durability and professionalism.

Power-hitting shortstop with exceptional fielding range and strong arm

Redefined the shortstop position and became symbol of durability and consistency

• World Series Champion (1983)
• NL MVP 2x
• Gold Glove 2x
• Hall of Fame (2007)
• 2,632 consecutive games record