Cal Ripken Jr. Turns 49

Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. celebrates his 49th birthday today. Baseball's "Iron Man," Ripken revolutionized the shortstop position while playing in a record 2,632 consecutive games, all for the Baltimore Orioles.

[Manny Alexander]

The closest Ripken came to missing a game was after Kevin Costner slept with his wife. Ripken was emotionally distraught and his hand was probably hurting after administering a beating to the Postman. Luckily, the Orioles agreed to cancel the game that night and give Ripken a day to recover. True story.

[Rusty]

I never found Ripken to be that interesting. Good player and all, but he really only had two great seasons. The rest of the time, he was just an above-average player.

[Fred]

An inspiration to prematurely gray and balding men everywhere.

[just me]

Ripken is a wonderful player. Always enjoyed watching him. I played womens softball for 25 yrs and he has been an inspiration.