This is a copy of the scorecard from Cal Ripken, Jr. 2,131st consecutive game. It was Wednesday September 6, 1995. The Angels were in Baltimore to play the Orioles and Camden Yards was standing room only. The President and Vice President of the United States both were in the stands and the second largest television audience to ever watch a baseball game were rivetted to their screens. The occasion: Cal Ripken, Jr. was about to do the impossible - surpass Lou Gehrig’s 56-year-old record of consecutive games played. When the umpire called out, “Play Ball!” the book opened on Cal’s 2,131st game, and a new record had been set.

It’s impossible to imaging the thoughts that went through Cal’s head as he took his customary place at shortstop. One thing was for sure, when he stood at the same position on May 30, 1982, he had no idea that it would be the start of the pursuit of one of baseball’s most hallowed records. Over the next 2,130 games Cal took his place in the Orioles lineup, through injuries and sickness, inclement weather and pennant races. For over 15 years, if the Orioles were playing, so was Cal. When he began his streak, he did not have it in his mind to break Lou Gehrig’s record. No, playing every game was just the “Ripken Way,” the time-honored baseball work ethic instilled in he and his brothers by their father, Cal Ripken, Sr.

This 4-page scorecard has the first page showing both the Angels and Orioles lineups with the handwritten official scoring. This page is 8 ½ x 11 inches. The next two pages are 8 ½ x 14 inches with one page being “VISITING CLUB PLAYERS” and their lineup, while the other page has “HOME CLUB PLAYERS” and their lineup. Both lineups were originally handwritten and both documents also have the “PITCHER’S SUMMARY” with the corresponding VISITING CLUB and HOME CLUB pitchers. The final page is mostly blank with only two line-itemed notes “CLARK FACED 1 BATTER IN 8th” and “2131”. These copies have recently been signed by Cal (on the top of 3 of the 4) in blue pen and these come directly from the personal collection of Cal Ripken, Jr. and a signed LOA from Cal will accompany these items.

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