[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 137 (Wednesday, September 6, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H8543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1220
                  CAL RIPKEN, JR.'S MANY ACHIEVEMENTS

  (Mr. EHRLICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in tribute to a constituent 
whose achievement is the talk of the Nation.
  Tonight Cal Ripken, Jr., a native of Aberdeen, MD, will play his 
2,131st consecutive game with the Baltimore Orioles, breaking a 
longstanding record held by the legendary Lou Gehrig. It is fitting 
that Cal is the only player ever to accomplish this feat, because he 
uniquely represents the qualities for which Lou Gehrig will always be 
remembered--sportsmanship, fair play, and sheer love of the game.
  Fans across the Nation have started calling Cal the Iron Man. But 
endurance is only one aspect of his success. He was Rookie of the Year 
in 1982; MVP in 1983 and 1991; and played in 13 consecutive All-Star 
games. He has hit more home runs than any shortstop in major league 
history.
  Despite his fame, Cal Ripken takes precious time before and after 
every game to sign autographs, pose for pictures, or simply to chat 
with his fans--the way Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jackie Robinson once 
did. At a time when many fans are disillusioned by the big-business 
approach to baseball, Cal's sincere passion for the sport reminds us of 
a time when baseball was what it was always meant to be--a game.
  I urge all my colleagues to join with me and the citizens of Maryland 
as we salute Cal Ripken, Jr. His accomplishment is a timely 
illustration of what is best about our national pastime.

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