obviously there has been a lot of changes in technology and conditioning in the last 100 yrs, but i would contend they have all helped hitters more than pitchers. with the exception of arm surgery and new pitches developed. use of video and weight training are a benefit to both sides but much moreso to batters, imo. i dont see why ripkens streak couldnt potentially be broken. at some point, who knows how early, he was only playing everyday because of the streak.