| | Associated Press
TORONTO -- Cal Ripken was a designated hitter for the first
time in his career on Tuesday night.
Ripken, who broke Lou Gehrig's mark of 2,130 consecutive games
in 1995, didn't want to take a day off.
"I'd much rather DH than not play at all," Ripken said before
Baltimore's game against Toronto.
The streak, which spanned 17 seasons, ended at 2,632 on Sept.
20, 1998.
Ripken, 39, played just 86 games last season because of back
problems. He had season-ending back surgery last September.
"This is the situation we're dealing with because of the back
surgery," Ripken said. "I'd like to play more than 86 games.
We're trying to do things that will allow me to play the most."
The Orioles had approached Ripken about DHing in the past, but
Tuesday's game seemed like the perfect opportunity with left-hander
David Wells on the mound and with the hard artificial turf at
SkyDome.
"Last year was unacceptable," Ripken said. "So if it means I
have to DH here or there, I'll do it. I will see how it helps." | |
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