May 30, 1982.- September 6, 1995The consecutive games played streak by Cal Ripken started on May 30, 1982. On September 6, 1995 Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record when he played in game number 2131. Cal would finish his career with 2,632 consecutive game over a 16 year period. Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games set in 1939 was played over a 14 year period..