[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12754-S12756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING CAL RIPKEN, JR., ON BREAKING THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 
                RECORD FOR MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES PLAYED

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair recognizes the Senator from 
Maryland.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. I thank you, Mr. President.
  Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Arizona for yielding. He 
knows why I rise on the Senate floor today. It is because, in behalf of 
myself and Senator Sarbanes, as well as our colleagues from the other 
side of the Potomac, Senators Warner and Robb, I send to the desk a 
resolution congratulating Cal Ripken, Jr., on the occasion of breaking 
the Major League baseball record for consecutive games played, and I 
now ask for its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 167) congratulating Cal Ripken, Jr., 
     on the occasion of his breaking the Major League baseball 
     record for the highest total number of consecutive games 
     played.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the resolution?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I would also further like to thank the 
Republican leader, Senator Dole, for allowing the Senate to have no 
more votes after 5:30 last night so those Senators who were fortunate 
enough to have tickets to the game could get there to be there on time, 
to hear the national anthem sung, and Mr. Ripken's children throw out 
the ceremonial first ball and to see America as it really ought to be. 
So I would like to thank the majority leader for the courtesy that he 
extended to me and to the other Senators.
  Mr. President, it is with pride and enthusiasm that I rise today to 
honor a baseball hero, a Maryland hero, and an American hero. Last 
night Cal Ripken, Jr., broke baseball's endurance record. Cal Ripken 
played in his 2,131 consecutive ballgame, and in doing so, he broke Lou 
Gehrig's record in consecutive games played. Yes, Cal surpassed the 
great Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig, by playing 2,131 straight games. Cal has 
started every game as a Baltimore Oriole player since May 30, 1982.
  Now, Cal has achieved many honors already, in his career: Two league 
Most Valuable Player awards, 13 All-Star games, and two Golden Glove 
awards. These are just a few of his many accomplishments. His streak is 
astounding for the character and the commitment it represents. To the 
people from Maryland like me, the streak means so much more, though, 
than physical endurance and awards. For us, Cal's effort is a testimony 
to what someone can achieve when they put team interests ahead of self 
interests.
  Cal has not done this just for the sake of breaking a record; he 
broke that record because that is how he lives. He gives 100 percent 
every day. Ask any of the hundreds of Baltimore Orioles, who played 
with him over the last 14 years. Ask Cal's coaches who have seen him 
rededicate himself every day. Ask any of the thousands and thousands 
and even millions of Orioles fans for whom he stayed at the ballpark 
late at night, willing to sign autographs, appear at charity events and 
be 

[[Page S 12755]]
there for Baltimore and be there for the Orioles. Ask any of the 
millions of baseball fans who have watched him handle himself with 
dignity, who have watched him handle himself with gallantry on the 
playing field and off the playing field. We have watched him also treat 
others with dignity throughout his career. And, you know, if you ask 
Cal why he did it, he will tell you he wants to give his team the best 
chance of winning each and every game, and give the game the good name 
that it deserves.
  Mr. President, this celebration is not for Cal alone but also for the 
man who held that record for so many years. Lou Gehrig represented the 
same qualities that we look for in Cal Ripken. It is words like 
masculine virtue, honor, integrity, being with your team, standing up 
for what is right. The Lou Gehrig record had really helped create a 
Yankee dynasty, and Lou Gehrig was the major reason for that dynasty. 
Lou Gehrig was in a class all by himself. He will always be a champion 
and have a unique place in baseball.
  It was thought during Gehrig's time that the record would never be 
broken. However, I believe that if Lou Gehrig were alive today he would 
admire Cal Ripken and see a man following in his footsteps, putting 
pain and self-interest aside, and see a man working harder than anyone 
else. He would see Cal Ripken trying to be the best player and the best 
person he could be, and I believe that the ``Pride of the Yankees'' 
would tip his hat in respect for the ``Pride of the Orioles.''
  Mr. President, I believe that people in positions of public trust 
should serve as role models for young people. I believe this includes 
athletes and public officials. So, today, I am proud to say that some 
of Cal's greatest achievements have actually come off the field. He is 
a role model for kids. When so many are teaching the philosophy of 
``me, only,'' he represents the philosophy of ``we, together.''
  Also, he represents the philosophy of giving your time to your 
community. His efforts at raising financial resources to fight 
pediatric cancer at Johns Hopkins--on the night that he tied the Gehrig 
record, Baltimore raised over $1 million to give to Johns Hopkins for 
research on the Lou Gehrig disease. That is what Cal Ripken is. And, 
most important, Cal is a loving father, husband and son.
  It is fair to say that the streak does not end when Cal steps off the 
field. The field is only where it begins.
  So on behalf of all Marylanders and the Nation's baseball fans, I 
want to congratulate Cal Ripken for his achievement. Maryland and 
America are proud of him. Today is Cal's day. And in Baltimore and in 
his hometown of Aberdeen, it is ``Calleluia Day.'' So to commemorate 
his record, I am submitting this Senate resolution along with my 
colleagues to honor this remarkable achievement.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, last night, September 6, 1995, at Oriole 
Park at Camden Yards, not far from my home in Baltimore, Cal Ripken 
broke baseball's most enduring record of consecutive games played. In 
surpassing Lou Gehrig's streak of 2,130 games, Cal Ripken has secured a 
place in sports history, and in the hearts and minds of all who love 
baseball.
  This accomplishment is much more than an event to be chronicled in 
the record books; it is a tribute to Cal Ripken's dedication to 
excellence--excellence in athletics as well as excellence in 
sportsmanship. In a time bereft of heroes, we admire persons such as 
Cal Ripken who exemplify high standards. Cal plays for the love of the 
game. He does not play for the fame; he cares little about the glory. 
What he does care about is playing baseball to his fullest potential. 
His affection for the game shines like a beacon in the night. His love 
of the game and his dedication has led him to this record. Neither 
money nor fame could have guided him to such a pinnacle in his career.
  We call baseball our national pastime. But for many of us it is much 
more than that. It brings us back to an era where the players were 
larger than life and inspired us to the same greatness. When players 
like Gehrig rambled out onto the field they were more than men: they 
were heroes. At a time when people are searching for heroes, Cal Ripken 
stands proudly and quietly at the forefront of those we have to offer 
our children. He is a man of dignity, quiet workmanship, and humility. 
It is in keeping with these qualities that his children, Rachel and 
Ryan, threw out the first pitches to the game that would assure that 
their father crossed the threshold from extraordinary player to a 
legend.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that an editorial, lauding Cal 
Ripken's streak and his character, from the September 6, 1995, edition 
of the Baltimore Sun, as well as Cal Ripken's statement and excerpts 
from remarks presented by his teammate Brady Anderson, be printed in 
the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                [From the Baltimore Sun, Sept. 6, 1995]

                                Our Cal

       Somewhere in this favored city, we should like to think, 
     today a male infant is being born, and named Cal.
       Somewhere, as the possibilities grow, a court of law is 
     approving a grown-up's change of name to become Mr., Mrs. or 
     Ms. Calripken.
       Fielding still another dream--from a window at 2131 East or 
     West Baltimore Street, or 2131 Maryland Avenue, a banner 
     flies: black background, large yellow numeral 8.
       In the distance: north and east of Baltimore, traffic on 
     U.S. 40 is backed up for miles, by the street dancing in 
     Ripkentown, formerly Aberdeen.
       Politics enters, the governor of California vowing that, 
     once elected president, he will change the postal 
     abbreviation out there from CA to CAL.
       Hold on--back at that Baltimore maternity ward, it turns 
     out instead to be twins; girls, yet. Okay, their names will 
     be Callie and Vinnie.
       To be a Baltimorean is to feel, right now, exalted. Some 
     1,525 daily newspapers are still published in this country 
     and every last one, it may well be, will print a news story 
     tomorrow that is datelined Baltimore--a great-news, feel-
     wonderful story.
       The news is of a new endurance mark, one that won't be 
     outdone until the 2000s, if then; a mark set by a Baltimore 
     Oriole, by a man who as a major leaguer has played only for 
     our Orioles. Season after season, starting in 1982, our tall 
     shortstop has never missed a game. His bones refused to 
     crack; his joints, on being wrenched, simply unwrenched; his 
     sinews (no matter how hard he flung the ball over to first) 
     never tore. People applaud Cal's upbringing; a further help 
     from family is that while the Birds were on the road, no call 
     came to be present instead for wedding or funeral. The nation 
     that reads, or watches some announcer read, will long equate 
     the name Ripken with stoic, determined toughness.
       For there to be interest in continuity, a sport has to have 
     gone on awhile; only in the current century did baseball's 
     busy statisticians, checking for uninterrupted participation, 
     proclaim their first durability champ--at 727 consecutive 
     pennant-season games, Steve Brodie, centerfielder for the 
     1890s Baltimore Orioles. The original games-in-a-row search, 
     however, had to do with base hits. There the original 
     titleholder, at 44 games, proved to be Willie Keeler, 
     rightfielder for the 1890s Orioles.
       Is perseverance a municipal characteristic? Let others 
     say--watching us struggle, even now, to get the world to 
     spell Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr. correctly.
       With Cal Ripken, just as much off the diamond as on, 
     another quality shines. Put it this way, as the Camden 
     Warehouse banner signals 2131: What a city this would be, 
     what a state, were those of us watching and cheering to go 
     forth, afterward, bent on creating some kind of excellence 
     and decency streak of our own.
                                                                    ____

                        Text of Ripken's Speech

       After last night's record-breaking game, Cal Ripken 
     delivered the following speech:
       When the game numbers on the warehouse changed during fifth 
     innings over the past several weeks, the fans in this 
     ballpark responded incredibly. I'm not sure that my reactions 
     showed how I really felt. I just didn't know what to do.
       Tonight, I want to make sure you know how I feel. As I grew 
     up here, I not only had dreams of being a big-league 
     ballplayer, but also of being a Baltimore Oriole. As a boy 
     and a fan, I know how passionate we feel about baseball and 
     the Orioles here. And as a player, I have benefited from this 
     passion.
       For all of your support over the years. I want to thank 
     you, the fans of Baltimore, from the bottom of my heart. This 
     is the greatest place to play.
       This year has been unbelievable. I've been cheered in 
     ballparks all over the country. People not only showed me 
     their kindness, but more importantly, they demonstrated their 
     love of the game of baseball. I give my thanks to baseball 
     fans everywhere.
       I also could express my gratitude to a number of 
     individuals who have played a role in my life and my career, 
     but if I try to mention them all, I might unintentionally 
     miss someone and take more time than I should.
       There are, however, four people I want to thank especially. 
     Let me start by thanking 

[[Page S 12756]]
     my dad. He inspired me with his commitment to the Oriole tradition and 
     made me understand the importance of it. He not only taught 
     me the fundamentals of baseball, he taught me to play it the 
     right way, the Oriole way. From the very beginning, my dad 
     let me know how important it was to be there for your team 
     and to be counted on by your teammates.
       My mom, what can I say about my mom? She is an unbelievable 
     person. She let my dad lead the way on the field, but she was 
     there in every other way--leading and shaping the lives of 
     our family off the field. She's the glue who held our lives 
     together while we grew up, and she's always been my 
     inspiration.
       Dad and Mom laid the foundation for my baseball career and 
     my life, and when I got to the big leagues, there was a man--
     Eddie Murray--who showed me how to play this game, day in and 
     day out. I thank him for his example and for his friendship. 
     I was lucky to have him as my teammate for the years we were 
     together, and I congratulate him on the great achievement of 
     3,000 hits this year.
       As my major-league career moved along, the most important 
     person came into my life--my wife, Kelly. She has enriched it 
     with her friendship and with her love. I thank you, Kelly, 
     for the advice, support, and joy you have brought to me, and 
     for always being there. You, Rachel and Ryan are my life.
       These people, and many others, have allowed me, day in and 
     day out, to play the American game of baseball.
       Tonight I stand here, overwhelmed, as my name is linked 
     with the great and courageous Lou Gehrig. I'm truly humbled 
     to have our names spoken in the same breath.
       Some may think our strongest connection is because we both 
     played many consecutive games. Yet I believe in my heart that 
     our true link is a common motivation--a love of the game of 
     baseball, a passion for our team, and a desire to compete on 
     the very highest level.
       I know that if Lou Gehrig is looking down on tonight's 
     activities, he isn't concerned about someone playing one more 
     consecutive game than he did. Instead, he's viewing tonight 
     as just another example of what is good and right about the 
     great American game. Whether your name is Gehrig or Ripken: 
     Dimaggio or Robinson; or that of some youngster who picks up 
     his bat or puts on his glove: You are challenged by the game 
     of baseball to do your very best day and day out. And that's 
     all I've ever tried to do.
       Thank you.
                                                                    ____


                           Anderson's Tribute

       Excerpts from the speech Brady Anderson delivered on behalf 
     of Orioles players after last night's game:
       For 14 years, Cal Ripken has played for the Orioles with 
     skill, determination and dedication. His inspiration has 
     always been a love for the game, his teammates and the 
     devoted fans of Baltimore.
       The record which has been broken today speaks volumes about 
     a man who never unduly focused on this achievement, but 
     accomplished it through years of energy, incredible inner 
     resources and an unflagging passion for the sport.
       But fame is a dual-edged sword, and his is no exception. 
     Incredible pressure has been placed on Cal as it became 
     increasingly apparent that this achievement could be 
     realized. In breaking this record, he surpasses the playing 
     streak of Lou Gehrig, an exceptional baseball player.
       I know Cal is honored to be in the company of such a 
     legend, just as we know that each man's accomplishments and 
     contributions enhance, rather than diminish, the other's; for 
     what finer tribute can one player give to another than his 
     uncompromising excellence?
       Cal, you have inspired many teammates; you have delighted 
     million of fans; you have given the nation uncountable 
     memories. Your pride in and love for the game are at a level 
     few others will reach. Cal, thank you.

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, the front page of today's Washington Post 
says it all: ``History Embraces Ripken.'' As an original cosponsor of 
the resolution just submitted by my friend and colleague from Maryland, 
Senator Mikulski, I applaud Cal Ripken, Jr.'s magnificent 
accomplishment.
  Last night's recordbreaking achievement by Ripken restored America's 
love for and pride in our national pastime, but it was not just a 
victory for baseball. What we are celebrating is not just Ripken's 
2,131st consecutive game, or the home run which punctuated it so 
perfectly.
  Rather, Cal Ripken, Jr.'s achievement is about greatness, about the 
essence of being and being an American. Cal Ripken, Jr. is a modest 
hero, a humble role model, a decent citizen, a caring father, a loving 
husband. He is committed to his craft, his community, and his country.
  Yes, history has embraced Cal Ripken, Jr. But, more importantly, he 
has reminded Americans to celebrate all that is good about themselves 
and their country.
  Congratulations to Cal, to his family, and to a Nation of friends who 
share his ideals.
  Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the extraordinary 
accomplishments of Cal Ripken, Jr. As we all know, last night at Oriole 
Park at Camden Yards, Cal Ripken broke a record that was once 
considered unbreakable.
  From 1982 until today, the one constant in the ever-changing world of 
baseball has been the presence of No. 8 in the Baltimore Orioles line-
up. In an era where job insecurities increasingly permeate our society, 
Cal Ripken's breaking of Lou Gehrig's long-standing record while 
playing for the same team during the entire streak, seems even more 
remarkable.
  Without a doubt, this new record has reinvigorated American's 
interest in baseball. And the fact that the record-holder is such a 
solid, decent, and humble man adds extra luster to this unprecedented 
achievement.
  While this record is an extraordinary testament to Cal Ripken's 
dedication to the game of baseball, his actions during the closing days 
of this streak are even more telling. In the early morning of September 
6, 1995, as Cal stood poised on the edge of baseball immortality, he 
accompanied his daughter Rachel to her first day of school. And when 
asked which event held more significance--the breaking of Lou Gehrig's 
record or his daughter's first day of school--Cal responded that in his 
house, Rachel's first day of school was undoubtedly the most important 
occasion.
  I congratulate Cal Ripken, his wife Kelly, daughter Rachel, and son 
Ryan. Cal Ripken has made Americans remember why baseball is our 
national pastime--and how much true heroes mean to us.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. I urge all of my colleagues to join in the celebration 
by adopting this resolution.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the resolution.
  The resolution (S. Res. 167) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, is as follows:
                              S. Res. 167

       Whereas on May 30, 1982, Cal Ripken, Jr. became the regular 
     starting shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles baseball club;
       Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has not missed a single day of work 
     in the intervening 14 years;
       Whereas on September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken, Jr. played in his 
     2,131st consecutive Major League Baseball game, breaking the 
     long-standing record held by the great Lou Gehrig;
       Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has been a first-rate role model 
     for the young people of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and 
     the United States;
       Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has been named by America's 
     baseball fans to 13 American League All-Star teams;
       Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. was named the American League's 
     Most Valuable Player for the 1983 and 1991 seasons;
       Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. was a member of the 1983 World 
     Series Champion Baltimore Orioles baseball team;
       Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. was named the Most Valuable Player 
     in the 1991 All-Star game;
       Whereas Cal Ripken, Jr. has twice been awarded baseball's 
     most prestigious award for excellence in fielding, the Gold 
     Glove Award, for the 1991 and 1992 seasons;
       Whereas in the distinguished career of Cal Ripken, Jr., he 
     has demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic, and dedication 
     to his profession, his family, and his fans; and
       Whereas the humility, hard work, desire, and commitment of 
     Cal Ripken, Jr. have made him one of the best-loved and the 
     most enduring figures in the history of the game of baseball: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the United States Senate congratulates Cal 
     Ripken, Jr. for his outstanding achievement in becoming the 
     first player in the history of Major League Baseball to 
     compete in 2,131 consecutive games.

  Ms. MIKULSKI. I move to reconsider the vote, and I move to lay that 
motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Thank you, Mr. President.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  

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