Cal Ripken, Jr., is the person more responsible for the resurgent popularity of baseball in the 1990s than any other individual. His pursuit of Lou Gehrig's consecutive games played record became the focus of national attention in 1995. In addition, his calm, good-natured, "average guy" demeanor and clear understanding of his place in history has made him a favorite of millions of baseball fans around the world.

Ripken was born August 24, 1960 in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and grew up in nearby Aberdeen, Maryland. He attended Aberdeen High School, earning All-County and All-State honors. Ripken was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round (48th overall) of the 1978 baseball draft. He rose quickly though the Orioles' minor league system, starting the 1982 the season as the Orioles' third baseman and moving to shortstop in June. That same year he was voted the American League...