29 years ago this month, Cal Ripken Jr. set a remarkable record, exemplifying the Iron Man persona of the 20th century. But times have changed, especially for baseball players in North America. Amid this evolution, let’s take a closer look at the contemporary Iron Man – Matt Olson.
Matt Olson is closing in on his fourth career season of 162 games played. (Dale Zanine / USA Today)
That’s Matt Olson, a standout player whose consistency has earned him the title of Iron Man in the 21st century. Adamantly anchoring the Atlanta Braves for three seasons, Olson’s presence at first base in every game is a testament to his durability, playing 473 games — the most by any player in baseball since 2022.
Furthermore, Olson’s feat extends beyond his time with the Braves, recently surpassing 600 consecutive games played. While he may not replicate Ripken’s legendary streak, Olson’s upcoming record of playing 477 games as a first baseman, matching Pete Rose, marks a significant milestone in baseball history.
Amidst load management strategies and a shift towards matchup-based lineups, Olson’s unwavering commitment to taking the field daily raises questions about the future of Iron Man feats in baseball. With Olson primed to make his mark alongside historic names like Gehrig and McCormick, his dedication to the game transcends statistical milestones.
GO DEEPER
Could any baseball feat today match the power of Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak? Here are 7 to consider
