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		Tuesday, June 19 Updated: June 23, 11:08 AM ET Going, going ...
		Cal Ripken Jr. was a power-hitting shortstop long before A-Rod, Jeter and Nomar came along. "The reality is that players can't play forever." Funny though, but when it came to Cal Ripken, you never thought that to be the case. But it was Ripken who uttered those words Tuesday, when he made it official that he would be sitting down for good after the season. Ripken's career, which included a record 2,632 consecutive games played, will now culminate with a farewell tour in the coming months. In looking back at Ripken's Hall of Fame resume, ESPN The Magazine's Tim Kurkjian writes that his legacy goes beyond The Streak. Follow the Ripken Farewell Tour Caple: This really hurts | Neyer: Where Ripken ranks Numbers | ESPN experts | Photo gallery | Quotes Covering Cal's career Murray: Old school is fine, thank you You can have the players with all the style, I'll take a man of substance like Cal Ripken Jr. writes Classic sportswriter Jim Murray. Users: Retirement was right move for memorable Ripken ESPN.com users sound off on Ripken's decision to retire at the end of the season. Dan Patrick: Cal calls it There is nothing shocking about the announcement of Cal Ripken Jr.'s retirement. The only shock is that he has now set himself up for a farewell tour, which seems so out of character. Sheep's Clothing: Ripken's Walkoff Cal Ripken Jr.'s work ethic was really more like a joy ethic. Nobody loved baseball more. Kreidler: Staying put suited Ripken And for now for something completely different: a Hall of Fame career all spent with the same team. Ticket demand soars for Ripken's last game If you want to see Ripken in the next couple of months, you had better be prepared to pay for it. A shortstop that could hit The shortstop position may never be the same because of a manager named Weaver and a player named Ripken. Relive The Streak Some said Lou Gehrig's streak would never be matched. Ripken did it and then some. Looking back at some of the highlights from Ripken's streak. Sept. 20, 1998: The Streak ends The story from the night Ripken decided to sit down after 16 years and 2,632 consecutive games. April 18, 2000: 3,000th hit The story from the night when Ripken reached another exclusive milestone: the 3,000-hit club.		More from ESPN... AUDIO/VIDEO  Cal Ripken Jr. announces he will retire at the end of the season. RealVideo:  | 28.8  ESPN The Magazine's Tim Kurkjian reports from Baltimore concerning Cal Ripken Jr.'s announcement. RealVideo:  | 28.8  ESPN Tools Email story   Most sent stories