Ripken

Ripken is a surname most closely associated with American professional baseball, particularly in connection with the Baltimore Orioles. The name is most widely recognized through the Ripken family, whose members have had a lasting impact on the sport.

Cal Ripken Jr. (born 1960) is the best-known bearer. A former Major League Baseball player who spent his entire MLB career with the Orioles, he appeared at shortstop and third base. Known as "The Iron Man" for his durability, Ripken set the record for consecutive games played at 2,632, a mark that broke Lou Gehrig’s long-standing streak in 1995. He earned the American League MVP Award in 1991 and helped the Orioles win the 1983 World Series. Ripken retired with more than 3,000 career hits and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006 on the first ballot.

Cal Ripken Sr. (1935–1999) was a former Major League Baseball player who later became a longtime Orioles coach and manager. He is the father of Cal Ripken Jr. and played a key role in shaping the leadership and development within the Orioles organization during his years with the team.

Billy Ripken (born 1960), Cal Ripken Jr.’s brother, also played in Major League Baseball as an infielder. After his playing career, he pursued broadcasting and coaching roles, contributing to baseball coverage and player development.

Beyond these figures, Ripken remains most prominently associated with baseball culture in the United States, particularly through the legacy of the Orioles and the accomplishments of the Ripken family.