BALTIMORE -- On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game, baseball’s “Iron Man” was preparing for an emotional Saturday night. The 65-year-old Orioles legend knew the memories would flood back as he returned to the field at Camden Yards, the site of one of the biggest moments in sports history on Sept. 6, 1995.
“You try to prepare yourself, because sometimes, you get caught off-guard with the emotion,” Ripken said Friday afternoon. “I remember the first time around thinking about my mom [Violet], who was helpful. That kind of works you up a little bit. And 30 years later, you’d think that you’d get used to it, but it kind of brings up those memories, freshens them up a little bit.”
Ripken kept his emotions in check Saturday, when he was celebrated during a pregame ceremony prior to the Orioles' wild walk-off 4-3 victory over the Dodgers. But for O’s fans in attendance -- as well as those watching from afar -- it was a special night that evoked plenty of strong feelings and memories of the past.
Unlike the night of Sept. 6, 1995, Ripken didn’t run a lap around the warning track and greet fans, which occurred during a 22-minute standing ovation amid the fifth inning, when the game -- and the streak longer than Lou Gehrig’s previous mark -- became official.
“We don’t have time for that,” Ripken said with a grin.
Instead, Ripken was driven around the warning track in a red Corvette Convertible, as he was postgame the night of “2,131.” He waved to the large crowd of fans who packed the stands. He pointed to one in right-center field holding a sign reading, “30 years later, Cal is still my hero.”
Ripken got a drive-by high-five from Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. Then, when the Corvette parked in front of the first-base dugout, Ripken got out and met with current O’s players. He chatted with Gunnar Henderson for a moment. He grabbed the shoulders of Ryan Mountcastle. He shook hands with Adley Rutschman and Colton Cowser.
Finally, Ripken walked the orange runway laid from the warning track to the field. He met with a star-studded group featuring, in order: ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman; former O’s broadcaster Jon Miller; former Orioles players Larry Sheets, Bobby Bonilla, Rafael Palmeiro, Ben McDonald, Al Bumbry, B.J. Surhoff and Brady Anderson; and Baseball Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Harold Baines, Mike Mussina, Jim Palmer and Eddie Murray, each of whom played for Baltimore at one point except Griffey.
As Ripken took the podium near the pitcher’s mound, he was accompanied by his wife, Laura, his son, Ryan, and more members of his family.
“You know, I really didn’t like anniversaries very much. But now that Junior is a senior, I think they’re kind of cool,” Ripken said to begin his speech.
Throughout the weekend, Ripken shared memories from his historic night and told stories about his record streak. He also made sure to dish out plenty of credit, as has always been the case for the Havre de Grace, Md., native who grew up in the area and never left.
Ripken made sure to point out how Saturday was also the 29-year anniversary of Eddie Murray hitting his 500th career home run at the same ballpark. Ripken again thanked “the biggest influences in my life,” his late parents, including his father, former Orioles manager Cal Ripken Sr.
“They’re not physically with us anymore, but I can assure you, they’re still looking out for me,” Ripken said. “Dad saying, ‘Take it one day at a time.’ And Mom saying, ‘You better show up.’”
Thirty years prior, Ripken caught a ceremonial first pitch from his daughter, Rachel (5 at the time), and his son, Ryan (2). On Saturday, Ryan returned as a 32-year-old to do it again.
Initially, Ripken set up well in front of home plate. But he was urged by Ryan to back it up, and then, Ryan delivered his pitch, before then hugging his dad and receiving a large ovation.
“I still can’t believe that’s 30 years ago. My dad hates me saying it. I go, ‘Hey, you’re 65,’” Ryan said. “It’s crazy to think. I’m 32. It’s in the blink of an eye. It’s crazy how fast life can move.”
Ripken’s streak -- which reached 2,632 before he voluntarily ended it on Sept. 20, 1998 -- will likely never be broken. It will be honored and remembered more times in the future, as well.
But during Ripken’s closing remarks, he welcomed the idea of a future “Iron Man” emerging.
“I’ve been told this record is unbreakable now,” Ripken said. “I would always say, ‘If I could do it, certainly somebody else can.’ And this might surprise some, but I hope someone passes me someday and that I, and all of you, have the pleasure of seeing it.”