THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 6, 1995 TAG: 9509060598
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB MOLINARO
DATELINE: BALTIMORE LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
In order to make history, Cal Ripken was under no obligation to hammer a pitch over the fence, or even past an infielder Tuesday night. He wasn't under any pressure to rap out three hits, including a home run.
The moment the fans had come for, the moment when Ripken joined hands with Lou Gehrig's ghost, had been scheduled since 1989, the halfway point of The Streak.
Tying Gehrig's consecutive game mark is a remarkable feat, if one lacking in the drama department. Ripken helped by sending a souvenir into the leftfield bleachers. Now the memorabilia sharks will have something to feed on.
Ripken will not be remembered for his bat, though, but for his tenacity. While appearing in 2,130 consecutive big-league baseball games, he has played 99.2 percent of all innings. Remarkable.
``When you see it every day, it stops becoming amazing,'' said Orioles outfielder Brady Anderson, who has played behind Ripken for eight years.
Maybe what's truly amazing, then, is the reaction Ripken's accomplishment has elicited from other players.
``It's a lot more moving than I imagined,'' said Anderson. ``When you see the opposing manager and the players in the other dugout applauding, that's what moves me most.''
Following the Orioles' 8-0 victory over the California Angels, most of the crowd could not be moved - from their seats. Neither could the Angels players, who remained in their dugout for the postgame festivities that included, via the centerfield Jumbotron, David Letterman reading a Top 10 List (Top 10 Reasons Cal Ripken Needs a Day Off).
Celebrity watchers were awarded with appearances by Tom Selleck, Bonnie Blair, Hank Aaron, Johnny Unitas, David Robinson and even Joe Smith, who received as large an ovation as anyone when he presented Ripken with a Maryland jersey.
But if everyone wants to share in Ripken's moment, perhaps only his peers can truly appreciate what he's done.
``A fan who comes to a couple of games a year can't quite grasp the meaning,'' said Gary DiSarcina.
The Angels' shortstop was having an All-Star season when he tore a ligament in his left thumb sliding into second. These things happen. To everyone but Ripken.
``There are so many things that can stop you from playing everyday,'' said DiSarcina. ``Poor performance, injuries, a death in the family. That's why the players respect him so much. That's why we gave him a standing ovation.''
The last Orioles manager to remove Ripken from the lineup threw out the ceremonial first ball Tuesday. Earlier, Earl Weaver sounded almost apologetic about benching the rookie Ripken for the second game of the May 29, 1982 doubleheader.
``There was no streak then,'' he explained.
With a big smile, Weaver said, ``Gosh, I'd feel bad if he had fallen 20 games short of the record.''
No manager who came after Weaver has interferred with Ripken's work ethic. No one has had to, not because of injury, in any case.
``Great genetics,'' Orioles trainer Richie Bancells said before No. 2,130. ``But the way he goes about playing the game keeps him healthy. He never has to get into condition because he's never out of condition.''
Even so, Bancells marvels at Ripken's health.
``I think there's a lot of luck involved,'' he said. ``If you take away the injury question, and just think of illness, it's pretty remarkable. He's played under the weather a few times, but he's never come to work with a virus or the flu.''
Genetics, luck, desire. Ripken's record encompasses all of these. Baseball, it goes without saying, could do worse than to clone him.
Said Weaver, ``Nobody is ever going to forget Lou Gehrig, the pride of the Yankees. That will still bring tears to your eyes 30 years from now. And maybe 30 years from now Cal Ripken's story will be just as great.''
It already looks pretty great from here. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cal Ripken acknowledges the crowd after tying Gehrig's
consecutive-game record.
by CNB