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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.