Cal Ripken breaks Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streakBaseball has been America's sport and pastime since the time it was created. Since 1839, when the sport became known as "baseball", there have been many memorable moments throughout its past. One of the most memorable moments in baseball history occurred on September 6, 1995 when Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak. This record is arguably one of the hardest records to break due to all of the uncontrollable factors present in baseball and the players' lives. Cal Ripken Jr. was born on August 24, 1960 in a small town in Maryland called Havre. of Grace. Cal was born to Calvin Sr. and Viola Ripken, neither of whom knew he would grow up to be the man he is today. Over the years, Cal earned the nickname "Iron Man" due to his persistence in attending every Major League game and not missing a single one. Cal Ripken made his Major League Baseball debut in 1981 while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Later that season, Cal was named Rookie of the Year for his outstanding performance and attitude toward the game. Since Cal Ripken's first day in the major leagues, he has been a spectacular player to watch and root for. Cal Ripken has acquired many records throughout his career, but the most spectacular and honorable record Cal holds is the streak of consecutive games played. This record was previously held by Lou Gehrig who lasted for 56 years. Lou had played 2,131 consecutive games which, at the time, would never be interrupted until Cal came along. Major League Baseball defines the rules for this sequence in Section 10.23(c) of the Official Baseball Rules. The rule... middle of paper ... Aseball's new Iron Man. » Ultimately, Ripken's streak ended on September 19, 1998 when he opted to remove himself from the lineup. When asked why he ended his streak, he replied: "I was going to take the last day of the season in Boston, but I thought about it for a long time and decided that if it had to be finish, let it end where it began.” in Baltimore. His 17-year streak ended with 2,632 games, which to this day is considered unbreakable. Ripken received the nickname “Iron Man” and it has become a part of his life. Cal Ripken said, “The streak of consecutive games played became my. identify; This is who I became. Ripken will forever go down in the history books as one of the best players in baseball history. His consecutive game record will stand for many years to come and that moment on September 6, 1995 will never be forgotten..