Cal Ripken, Oil on canvas painting

Cal Ripken holds the major league record for consecutive games played. From May 30, 1982, through September 19, 1998, the durable shortstop played in 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, breaking Lou Gehrig's mark of 2,130. At 6’4”, Ripken also created a new archetype as a power-hitting shortstop. In 1982, he won Rookie of the Year honors with 28 homers and 93 RBI.  The following season he was named the American League MVP, the first player to earn such back-to-back honors. When he retired in 2001, Ripken ranked in the top 20 all-time in hits, doubles, RBI, total bases and games played.