Two decades later, Ripken's record remains a testament to work ethic

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Baltimore Orioles Cal Ripken Jr. hits a base hit in the eighth inning of his record 2,131st consecutive …(Reuters) - Twenty years after breaking the record for consecutive games played, Cal Ripken, Jr. insists the reason the feat remains one of baseball's most cherished moments is because it involved a trait the average person can understand: a strong work ethic.

"So many people still share their own streak stories with me," Ripken said. "They'll say they work at a plant or a hospital and haven't missed a day in 31 years. Kids with perfect attendance, not just for one year but every year of school.

"People clearly relate the record with the importance of showing up," said Ripken,…