UPDATE: In an extraordinary tribute, former Angels player and current broadcaster Rex Hudler reminisced about the unforgettable night of September 6, 1995, when Cal Ripken Jr. broke the legendary Lou Gehrig consecutive games record at Camden Yards. As Hudler reflects on the event, the Angels are reminded of both the joy of history and the sting of a late-season collapse.
Hudler, who played second base for the Angels that night, vividly recalls his attempts to secure a game-used baseball commemorating Ripken’s achievement. After being denied by plate umpire Larry Barnett, he nearly caught a foul ball that could have been a piece of history. “What are you doing? That was my ball!” Hudler exclaimed, recalling how Angels teammate Tim Salmon intercepted the catch.
The game became official after just five innings, marking Ripken’s 2,131st consecutive game. Fans cheered as Ripken took an iconic victory lap, high-fiving supporters and embracing teammates, a moment that lasted over 22 minutes. “When does that happen?” Ripken later mused on a podcast, reflecting on the historical significance of the event.
As Ripken celebrated, Hudler felt a sense of awe, standing at second base during the emotional victory lap. “I had been in this little dream… just enamored by what he was doing,” he said. The game eventually resumed, and Ripken hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, further solidifying his legendary status.
Despite the personal triumph, the Angels were grappling with a significant decline, having lost 29 of their last 43 games and blowing an 11-game lead in the American League West. “That was a painful swoon… but to be part of that Ripken celebration took the pain away,” Hudler reflected.
After the game, a thoughtful gesture from Ripken left Hudler speechless. An Orioles clubhouse attendant presented him with a signed bat featuring a personalized message from Ripken. “I was speechless, I didn’t know what to say,” Hudler recalled, highlighting the camaraderie and respect between players.
The emotional weight of that night is captured in Hudler’s personal memorabilia, including the signed baseball and bat, which now reside in a special shrine at his home in Kansas City. “I have never caught a ball more valuable than that,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of preserving those memories.
Reflecting on the historical significance, Hudler stated, “I looked at the schedule… and a light went off in my brain.” He had anticipated the magnitude of the games, securing rooms in Baltimore months in advance. His foresight allowed him to share the experience with friends, making it a meaningful event for all.
As the Angels continue to struggle following their record loss, Hudler’s memories of that night serve as a poignant reminder of both the highs and lows of baseball. With the season now winding down, fans are left to ponder what could have been, as Hudler’s experience intertwines with the legacy of Cal Ripken Jr.
These reflections serve as a testament to the enduring impact of baseball history, inviting nostalgia and engagement from fans everywhere. As Hudler’s story circulates, it highlights the human element of sports that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Angels’ season and the legacy of baseball greats like Cal Ripken Jr.
