Larry Pressler: “I join with all Americans to applaud the tremendous achievement of Baltimore Orioles shortstop, Cal Ripken, Jr. Tonight…”

“I join with all Americans to applaud the tremendous achievement of Baltimore Orioles shortstop, Cal Ripken, Jr. Tonight, Cal will play in his 2,131st consecutive major league baseball game, eclipsing the previous record set by the immortal Yankee great, Lou Gehrig, in 1939. I commend Cal not just for the singular distinction of being baseball's all-time iron man, but the way he achieved it: with class and with dignity. His approach to baseball is the approach hard-working Americans take to their professions--each and every day he goes out and tries to do his best not just for himself but for his coworkers, his team. He doesn't try to be flashy or flamboyant. He quietly and consistently goes out and gets the job done. And for nearly 13 seasons without missing a game, he has done just that--he got the job done. Cal also recognizes that being a baseball player also means being a role model to millions of youngsters. Cal plays his life off the field the same way he plays on the field--with tireless energy and quiet excellence. He devotes time to numerous charities in his community. He spends countless hours signing autographs and working with young people on how to be both good ballplayers and good citizens. Most important, Cal Ripken is a husband and father of two children. When asked about how important this day is to him, Cal was said to have replied that it was indeed a big day because he was driving his daughter, Rachel, to her first day at school.”