Okay...uh Ripken broke the record in 95, that year was a down year for him but only slightly. In 98, when he did finally miss a game, he batted .271 with a .331 OBP. Ripken wasn't the greatest Shortstop ever, but during the time he played, he was above average. Remember, only in the last few years has the shortstop become a power position. Players like Renteria and Ripken used to be the good players. Players like ARod and Tejada are special.