Cal Ripken, you ain’t got nothing on
Ken Jennings.
The software engineer who won more than two million dollars on “Jeopardy!” was ousted after a run of 74 victories in a row, concluding the game show’s greatest streak ever and placing Jennings among the elite.
Ken Jennings and Barry Bonds.
Ken Jennings and Lance Armstrong.
Jennings was on such a streak that I can’t believe it’s over. I didn’t think that he would ever lose again. This streak was so fascinating that I still think it was rigged in some way, à la the rigged game shows of the 1950s.
But now I have a better theory: I think Jennings tanked it. And no, it isn’t really the greatest streak ever.
Here are some ideas:
Maybe Jennings wanted to hang out with his boy Ricky Williams and have the most intelligent, weed-influenced conversations imaginable.
Maybe Jennings watched some old-school NFL films and wanted to go out
on top like John Elway, Jim Brown or
Barry Sanders.
So in honor of his 74-game run, I’ve decided to put his streak up against some of the most impressive individual streaks in sports history.
1. Ken Jennings vs. the aforementioned Cal Ripken Jr.:
The numbers alone are the answer: 2,632 against 74. Let’s say that “Jeopardy!” aired 162 times a year, same as the number of games in a Major League regular season. Jennings would have to win the next 2,558 episodes — or for the next 15 and a half years — to equal Ripken. Or, let’s say that “Jeopardy!” aired 365 days a year. Jennings would need to win every episode until 2011 to even get close.
Verdict: Ripken. Do you really think I would pick Jennings in this case?
2. Ken Jennings vs. Johnny Unitas’
47 consecutive games with a touchdown streak.
In terms of numbers, Jennings has Unitas beat. But let’s remember what we’re talking about. A game show vs. the NFL. Alex Trebek vs. 11 defensive players every week. Yes, Trebek and that pen he wields can strike terror into the hearts of teachers and software engineers alike, but Deacon Jones standing on the opposite side of the ball wanting your head for a mantelpiece … yikes.
Verdict: The pen is mightier than the sword, but not an NFL defense.
3. Ken Jennings vs. Wilt Chamberlain’s seven straight NBA games with 50 points or more.
I’m sorry. This one is just laughable. Picture Jennings in those ’70s-stylie shorts and long tube socks.
Exactly.
Verdict: Chamberlain by NBA fashion
default.
4. Ken Jennings vs. Byron Nelson’s 11 straight PGA victories.
I know many people don’t think highly of golf, but this is an impressive record.
Against Jennings, I think it boils down to the technical skill of swinging a golf club and pressing that buzzer just at the right moment. It’s all about the timing, and between them, I think that it’s close. But after that, you have to factor in wind, conditions, equipment, trees and neurotic rules in golf. With the buzzer, it’s all about the thumb muscles.
Verdict: This is the closest one of the bunch, but I have to give it to Nelson.
5. Ken Jennings vs. Brett Favre’s 200 consecutive games started at quarterback.
Again, it’s the thumb thing. Favre played with a broken thumb last year. If Jennings plays with a broken thumb, game over.
Verdict: Favre.
6. Ken Jennings vs. Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.
One of the most revered individual streaks ever. Jennings has no chance. If DiMaggio had gotten a hit in his 57th game, he would have gone on to hit in 75 straight.
Verdict: Duh.
7. Ken Jennings vs. Lance Armstrong’s sixth Tour De France victories in a row.
Verdict: I don’t really need to debate this, do I?
Drum roll, please.
Final tally: 7-0, Sports World.
Ken Jennings, I give you props. Seventy-four in a row is impressive.
But you ain’t got nothing on the Ripken.

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