Career Timeline of Lou Gehrig: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Lou Gehrig made an impact.

Lou Gehrig, nicknamed "the Iron Horse," was a legendary New York Yankees first baseman (1923-1939) known for his hitting and durability. He achieved a .340 batting average, 493 home runs, and 1,995 RBIs. A seven-time All-Star, Triple Crown winner, and two-time AL MVP, he contributed to six World Series championships. His consecutive games played record stood for 56 years. Tragically, his career ended prematurely due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, and the Yankees retired his number 4, a first in MLB.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

April 18, 1923: Gehrig strikes out 17 batters

On April 18, 1923, Columbia pitcher Lou Gehrig struck out 17 Williams Ephs batters, setting a team record. The same day Yankee Stadium opened and Babe Ruth hit a home run. Yankees scout Paul Krichell attended and was impressed with Gehrig's powerful left-handed hitting.

April 29, 1923: Signed with the Yankees

On April 29, 1923, Lou Gehrig, who was a student at Columbia University, signed with the New York Yankees.

June 15, 1923: Major League Debut

On June 15, 1923, Lou Gehrig made his major-league debut as a pinch hitter, marking the beginning of his career with the New York Yankees.

June 1, 1925: Gehrig replaces Pipp in lineup

On June 1, 1925, Lou Gehrig replaced Wally Pipp in the Yankees' lineup after Pipp took himself out of the game due to a headache. Gehrig went on to play in every game until April 30, 1939.

1925: Gehrig and Ruth as Teammates

In 1925, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth played as teammates.

1931: Gehrig and Ruth Tie

In 1931, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth tied at 46 home runs.

August 17, 1933: Breaks Consecutive Game Record

On August 17, 1933, Lou Gehrig played in his 1,308th consecutive game against the St. Louis Browns, surpassing Everett Scott's record for the longest consecutive games played streak. Scott was present as a guest of the Browns.

April 30, 1934: 300th Home Run

On April 30, 1934, Lou Gehrig hit his 300th home run versus the Washington Senators, becoming the second player to reach this milestone after Babe Ruth. He also won the AL Triple Crown in 1934.

1934: Gehrig Hits More Home Runs Than Ruth

In 1934, Lou Gehrig hit 49 home runs compared to Babe Ruth's 22.

1935: Ruth Plays Handful of Games Before Retiring

In 1935, Babe Ruth played a handful of games before retiring.

September 27, 1938: Gehrig Hits Last Home Run

On September 27, 1938, Lou Gehrig hit his last home run.

April 30, 1939: Gehrig's Consecutive Game Streak Ends

Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak came to an end on April 30, 1939. This was after 2,130 consecutive games played since June 1, 1925.

May 2, 1939: End of Consecutive Game Streak

On May 2, 1939, Lou Gehrig voluntarily took himself out of the lineup, ending his consecutive game streak. This decision was due to an undiagnosed ailment that was later confirmed to be amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

July 4, 1939: Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day was held at Yankee Stadium. During the event, Gehrig delivered his famous speech declaring himself the "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth."

October 1939: Gehrig Accepts Appointment as NYC Parole Commissioner

In October 1939, Lou Gehrig accepted Mayor La Guardia's appointment to a ten-year term as a New York City parole commissioner.

January 2, 1940: Gehrig Sworn in as NYC Parole Commissioner

On January 2, 1940, Lou Gehrig was sworn into office as a New York City parole commissioner, a position to which he was appointed by Mayor La Guardia in October 1939.