Record breaking week for major league baseball

Cheryl Wagstaff Another Padre was in the spot- that Henderson reached this seastaff writer light on Sunday. It was Ricky son. Earlier in the season he broke Henderson.Hefoundhimselfwith Babe Ruth's career record for Last week was history in the making for Major League Baseball. It bid farewell to two of its legends, had one player reach the 3,000 hit mark and had another

On Satmday, ~t. 6th, baseball's Iron Man, Cal Ripken Jr., played in his last game. He became baseball's Iron Man in 199,5 and he set the new record for consecutive games played at 2,632 on Sept. 20 1998, smpassing Lou Gehrig.

That was not his only milestone. He also hit over 400 homeruns, became a member of the 3,000 hit club, was a gold glove shortstop and made 18 consecutive all-star appearances.

Not only was Ripken a star player, but he was also a class act. He never declined an autograph. In fact he would stand for hours signing them. He was a consummate professional when baseball needed him the most after the 1994 strike,, and he stayed with the Baltimore Orioles for his entire 20 year career.

The next day baseball bid -farewell to another one of its greats, Tony Gwynn. He, like Ripken, played his entire career for one team. Gwynn played for the San Diego Padres for 20 seasons.

In those 20 seasons of work, Gwynn managed to get 3,140 hits and maintain a batting average of .338.

2,999 hits after Saturday's game. He did not want to steal the spotlight during Guynn's last game so he decided not to play. However, most walk, and, on Thursday Ty Cobb's career runs record with a homer for Number 2,246. Perhaps the most exciting story that has come out of the 2001 set a new homerun record.

MLB season is Barry Bonds breaking Mark McGwire's home run record. McGwire smpassed Roger Maris' record in 1998 with 70 homeruns. This year Bonds surpassed both of them with 73.

After Bonds' performance this year, he could be looking toward his record fourth MVP award. His 177 walks this season broke Ruth's other walk record, which was set in 1923.

Bonds' slugging percentage is .860, which is by far the best in baseball history. Ruth's record of .847 was set in 1920.

And Bonds' on-base percentage on .515 would be the best in the majors since 1957.