Washingtonpost.com: Belle Now Leads Majors in Consecutive Games



	Box Score Gallery From The Post "I think it's time," Cal Ripken tells Manager Ray Miller. After more than 16 years and 2,632 consecutive games played, Ripken sat one out. Thomas Boswell: Ending the streak was in the best interests of the team and its future. Analysis: It's clear Cal Ripken has spending more time than usual pondering his baseball mortality. Even the Yankees were a little shocked. From the AP In Oklahoma, Ryan Minor's family watches as he replaces a legend. Dispute cost viewers nationally the chance to see the game. It's been a heck of a year for baseball. Ripken's decision stuns fans at Camden Yards. On Our Site Take a look back at the highlights of Ripken's record- setting streak in our special section. Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record on Sept. 6, 1995. The Streak Ends Section Orioles Section Orioles Memories Baseball Section

Belle Now Leads Majors in Consecutive Games

By Nancy Armour
Associated Press
Sunday September 20, 1998; 11:54 p.m. EDT

CHICAGO – Albert Belle now leads the majors in consecutive games played, and it'll take almost 15 years for him to catch Cal Ripken.

"That's one streak I don't think he has to worry about anybody breaking. That's incredible," Belle said, laughing. "That's one record I've never thought about."

Ripken took himself out of the lineup Sunday night, ending his streak of consecutive games at 2,632. That leaves Belle, who played in his 327th consecutive game Sunday, with the major league lead.

Belle, 32, hasn't skipped a game since the day after the Cleveland Indians clinched the pennant in 1996, and he doesn't plan to take any days off in the near future.

"I'm pretty sure I'll play until we clinch or if I'd get suspended," he said. "Those are the only two reasons not to play."

Ripken's streak is a testament to how strong the Baltimore Orioles third baseman is – both physically and mentally. Ripken's streak began May 30, 1982, and has outlasted three presidents, eight managers and many players' careers. He broke Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 straight games on Sept. 6, 1995.

He's played with a broken nose, a swollen knee and countless other minor aches and pains.

"Think about it. I'm sure he's been banged up and had people harping on him about it, and he still played," Belle said in a telephone interview from Minneapolis. "It's pretty amazing."

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