Ripken Jr. was drafted by the Orioles in 1978 and made his major league debut in 1981. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the game, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1982. He was also selected to the All-Star game in his first season, and went on to be named to 19 All-Star teams in his career.
Ripken Jr. was known for his durability, playing in 2,632 consecutive games, a record that still stands today. He was also a two-time American League MVP, winning the award in 1983 and 1991. He was a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
Ripken Jr. was a leader on the field and in the clubhouse, and was respected by his peers and fans alike. He was a key part of the Orioles' success in the 1980s and 1990s, leading the team to the playoffs six times.
Ripken Jr. retired in 2001 with a career batting average of .276, 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, and 1,695 RBIs. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, and his number 8 was retired by the Orioles. He is widely considered one of the greatest players in baseball history, and his legacy will live on for generations.
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