As I was assembling one of my requisite Brett Favre columns, I got to thinking about his consecutive games streak. It’s a legendary feat, to be sure. But where does it stack up in the pantheon of all time iron-man greatness?

And so, as is my customary practice when faced with such a conundrum, I’ve decided to make a list. Here, my WannaBe Brethren, are the top four greatest streaks in the modern sporting era.

#4: Orel Hershiser’s 59 Scoreless Innings

In 1988, “The Bulldog” put together one of the greatest seasons of any pitcher in the history of the game. Following the Dodger’s victory in the Fall Classic, Hershiser was named the World Series MVP after starting Games 1 and 3 before coming in to secure the final out for Game 4. His 9-inning shutout in Game 7 placed both the world title and the award squarely in his grasp. But most amazing was his 59-inning scoreless streak. Think about that. That’s just over six and one half complete game shutouts in a row. An impossible feat, one that may never be matched.

#3: Lance Armstrong’s 7 Consecutive Tour de France wins

This was a no-brainer. I don’t even have much to say about it, to be honest. After persevering through all the trials and tribulations in his path, Lance managed to pedal his way to seven straight crowns on cycling’s biggest stage.

#2: Brett Favre’s Consecutive Start Streak

For 285 straight weeks during the football season, Brett Favre has crouched under center. It’s an amazing feat, and definitely worthy of all-time recognition. Battling through injury and personal demons, Number 4 has managed to answer the bell whenever he’s been called upon. Given the brutal nature of the NFL, this is a streak that will almost certainly never be broken.

#1: Cal Ripken’s 2,632 Games

I’ve drawn some flack for putting this ahead of Favre. But I stand by my decision, without hesitation. Baseball is a game of endurance, with each team playing 162 games each season. And no one will ever again be able to endure the way the Iron Man did. Cal Ripken played through poor seasons and a myriad of unheralded injuries to become the game’s greatest rock. 2,632 games – that’s approximately 16.25 baseball seasons. If I had to pick one mark in professional sports which will never, ever be broken, this would be it.

“Dishonorable Mention”: Eric Gagne’s Save Streak

84 straight games saved – it’s an impressive feat. This would have been on the list, if not for the steroid allegations leveled at dominating Canadian. I could have lived with that, even, had it not been for his total collapse in recent seasons. Besides, this is a record that I can see being broken one day.

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Tags | Baseball, brett farve, Cal Ripken, Eric Gagne, Lance Armstrong, Orel Hershiser, streakers