Today in Performance Sneaker History: Cal Ripken Ends Record-Setting Playing Streak in Nike Cleats

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Complex Original

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Cal Ripken, Jr.'s famed consecutive games played record is unarguably one of the grandest achievements in sports history. On September 6, 1995, Ripken did what many thought to be impossible when he surpassed Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 straight games. The event drew national attention for its significance and cemented Ripken as the "Ironman." To this day, his endurance-challenging streak remains untouched.

After breaking the mark in '95, Ripken continued the streak for another three years. Then, on September 20, 1998, as the Baltimore Orioles faced the New York Yankees, Ripken voluntarily ended his streak at 2,632 straight games. Speaking with the Associated Press after the game, Ripken said, "I think the time is right. I was going to take the last day of the season off in Boston, but I thought about it a long time and decided if this is going to end, let it end where it started in Baltimore."

Although he's not known for a signature sneaker line, Ripken wore adidas early in his career and had switched to Nike before his record-setting mark in 1995. Although Ripken's '98 style has long since been discontinued, you can shop Nike's current baseball selection here.

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Today in Performance Sneaker History: Cal Ripken Jr. Breaks Lou Gehrig’s Consecutive Game Streak in Nike Cleats