With unwavering passion for the game, Baltimore Orioles “Iron Man” Cal Ripken, Jr. (1960–) played in a record 2,632 consecutive games—surpassing Lou Gehrig’s mark in 1995 and redefining what persistence looks like on a ballfield.

A shortstop who could hit, Number 8 paired work ethic with humility, earning All-Star honors across decades and finishing among the rare players with 3,000 hits and 400 home runs. “I’m satisfied, content, and complete,” he said on stepping away from the game—grateful for the journey.

Born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and raised in a family steeped in the Orioles, Ripken carried forward fundamentals learned from his father, a longtime coach and manager. He showed generations that showing up every day can be a kind of quiet heroism.

After his playing days, he turned that spirit toward youth and community, sharing “The Ripken Way” of baseball—teaching skills, character, and the joy of the game.

Asked how he hoped to be remembered, he offered something simple and bright: by living his dream and trying to make a difference.