Remembering Cal Ripken, Jr. Breaking Lou Gehrig's Record to Become New MLB Iron Man

As we now live in a time where uncontrollable circumstances have forced baseball to stop in its tracks, it's a perfect moment to reflect on one man who seemingly could not be stopped from picking up his glove and headed out to the field.

On Sept. 6, 1995, Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. appeared in his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking a record previously held by Lou Gehrig.

The future Hall of Famer simply could not be stopped from playing the game he loved. In his 21 illustrious seasons, all of which he played in Baltimore, Ripken Jr. brought home numerous awards and broke many records. From holding the most American League All-Star selections at 19 to his two AL MVP awards, Ripken cemented himself as one of the most memorable faces in baseball.

Ripken's record breaking 2,131st game couldn't have come at a better time. MLB was embroiled in drama, as the season prior was forced to end championless when a labor dispute forced the cancellation of the World Series.

In spite of all of the surrounding issues the league faced, Ripken played on, and gave fans throughout the nation something to cheer for. Ripken would continue the record until he chose to sit out a game on Sept. 20, 1998, totaling 2,632 consecutive appearances.

The timing for remembrance is impeccable -- Ripken himself is officially on Twitter, and will be following along with ESPN's rebroadcast of his game on Tuesday night.

As baseball is threatened to be taken away from us now like it was then, there is no better time to reflect on "Iron Man" Cal Ripken Jr.'s insatiable desire to get out and play ball.