Cal Links
Cal Ripken Jr.'s record still influential to current Baltimore Orioles - ESPN
Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy, Darren O'Day, Steve Johnson, and Buck Showalter share their memories of 2131. Pretty fun. As a side note, it's shocking to me that Hardy once played 150 games in a row.
A Conversation with Cal - Baltimore magazine
Cal Ripken's reflection back on 2131 and his career. Sometimes it's hard to believe he's been retired for 15 years.
How much do you know about Cal Ripken Jr. and his consecutive games streak? - Baltimore Sun
Quiz yourself on how much you remember about The Streak. I got 9 out of 10.
Twenty Years After 2,131, Cal Ripken Jr. Reflects On The Streak | PressBox Online
Paul Folkemer's take on the annivesary of The Streak and yesterday's events. (I know that's super generic but the Press Box website is being weird and I can't actually read it. But it's there and I'm sure it's good)
Ripken hurt before 20th anniversary celebration of 2131 game | FOX Sports
Don't be too hard on Cal for not throwing from the mound last night, as earlier in the day he had a bicycle accident and injured his shoulder. Really.
Finally, enjoy this video from the Orioles showing a tribute to Cal Ripken and his first pitch to former teammate and BFF Brady Anderson:
This Day in History
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have seven former Orioles as birthday buddies, most of whom you care nothing about. They are: Marv Throneberry, Dave Criscione, Jason Hammel, Rex Hudler, Nate Snell, John Finn, and the awesomely-named Drungo Hazewood. Today would have been the 67th birthday of teacher and astronaut Christa McAuliffe. Today is also Keanu Reeves's birthday (51), star of the classic film Point Break, as well noted beautiful people Mark Harmon (64) and Salma Hayek (49).
On this day in 1945, Japan formally surrendered to the Allies, ending World War II. The Japanese had unofficially surrendered back in mid-August, but I guess it takes some time for things to be arranged.
In 1959, Ford introduced the Ford Falcon, one of the first American made compact cars. It got 30 miles to the gallon!
And in 1969, the first ATM was open for business at Chemical Bank in Rockville Center, New York. Today there are well over a million ATMs, with a new one installed somewhere every five minutes. That reminds me, I need to pick up some cash on my way home tonight.