Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 31, 1994 TAG: 9408020028
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: BALTIMORE LENGTH: Long
Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees from 1925 to 1939, a record that seemed unbreakable - until Cal Ripken came along.
The 33-year-old Baltimore Orioles shortstop is scheduled to play in his 2,000th straight game Monday night in Minnesota, a feat no player other than Gehrig has achieved.
So what will they call Ripken?
``I think I would be uncomfortable with a nickname,'' Ripken said. ``I don't consider myself an `iron man,' even though some of the things I've accomplished would lend themselves to a name like that.
``Nicknames kind of sum up your identity. Maybe I haven't had a nickname because it's not my style.''
Ripken is content simply showing up for work, doing his job and going home to his wife and two children. He chooses to have his locker pressed into the far corner of the clubhouse, next to an exit so he can elude reporters.
``I have all the respect in the world for Cal. He's a class guy,'' Oakland Athletics reliever Dennis Eckersley said. ``Not that you want him to hit a home run off you, but it doesn't bother me when he does well. He doesn't show you up. He's a true professional.''
Ripken has more home runs than any shortstop in baseball history. He's started in 11 straight All-Star Games, has won two MVP awards and has averaged 92 RBI in his 12 full seasons.
But when they put up his plaque in the Hall of Fame, his amazing streak is sure to be mentioned first. Ripken started at third base for Baltimore on May 30, 1982 - and he has not missed a game since.
During that time, more than 3,100 major-leaguers have gone on the disabled list. The next longest current streak in the majors is held by the Florida Marlins' Jeff Conine, who has played in 264 successive games through Friday night.
``It has become my identity of sorts,'' Ripken said. ``The fact of the matter is, playing all these games gets a lot of attention - whether I'm hitting well or not hitting well.''
In 1991, when he hit .323 with 34 home runs and 114 RBI, no one wondered whether Ripken was tired from playing in all those consecutive games. One year later, when he hit .251 with 14 home runs, his critics said Ripken was hurting the Orioles by playing without rest.
This season, the critics are silent. Ripken's batting average hasn't been below .300 since April 23, and he is battling Rafael Palmeiro for the team lead in RBI.
``The one consistent thing about this whole streak is when I'm not hitting as well as I can, people say the reason for that is that I'm tired and need a day off,'' Ripken said. ``I still think it's unfair criticism, but I'm mature enough to realize that's the way it's going to be.''
As long as Ripken stays healthy and Johnny Oates is Baltimore's manager, the streak will endure.
``I know the streak is important to him. It's important to me, and it's important to baseball,'' Oates said. ``The way he's playing, I don't foresee him hurting the ballclub by being in the lineup. Even if he goes into a slump at the plate, he can beat you with his glove.''
Gehrig missed two starts and left the game early 69 times during his streak. Ripken has started every game (none as a designated hitter) and has departed early 58 times.
One thing he never would do is play at the risk of hurting the team.
``It's a team game, and every one of us relies on each other to have success,'' Ripken said. ``So when I start the season, my goal is to play in every game - one at a time. You always have to ask yourself: `Can I play today? Can I contribute today? Can I help the team?' You answer, `Yes, yes, yes' and then you play.
``When you have an injury or if some things force yourself to re-evaluate, then you ask yourself those same questions. There hasn't been a time when I had an injury that I thought I was going to hurt the team by going out there and playing.''
For all his lofty numbers, Ripken's work ethic is what stands out.
``I don't think you can do anything to get more respect from your peers than what Cal's done, as far as being ready to play every day,'' Oakland manager Tony La Russa said. ``Not only is he physically and mentally ready, but he's also good enough to be in the lineup every game. He's a very unique person.''
Ripken never set out to challenge Gehrig's record. It's just that he played one season after another without missing a game, and all of a sudden he had one whale of a streak.
``Most people assume that I have some obsession about playing every day or some obsession about the streak from the very beginning. That is totally incorrect,'' Ripken said. ``People say I'm after Gehrig's streak, but by no means did I ever set out to do that.
``I've always been a baseball fan, and I knew Lou Gehrig's name only because of his tremendous abilities and because the Yankees were such a powerhouse.
``This whole thing started because I was the type of player that wanted to play every day. I never think of it as a negative.''
After all these years, Ripken still gets a kick out of playing.
``Cal hasn't missed a game in 12 years, and he looks like I did when I was 12 years old, playing Little League games,'' Oates said. ``I'd wear my uniform to school, I was so excited about playing. That's exactly how Cal was 12 years ago, and that's just how he is today.''
by CNB