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 celebrated New York Yankees first baseman (1923-1939). Known for his hitting and exceptional durability, he achieved a .340 career batting average with 493 home runs and 1,995 RBIs. A seven-time All-Star, Triple Crown winner, and two-time AL MVP, Gehrig contributed to six World Series championships. He famously played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for 56 years. His career was tragically cut short by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now often called 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

June 26, 1920: Grand Slam at Cubs Park

On June 26, 1920, Lou Gehrig, playing for Commerce High School, hit a grand slam completely out of Cubs Park (now Wrigley Field) in Chicago, garnering national attention.

April 18, 1923: Strikeout Record

On April 18, 1923, Lou Gehrig struck out seventeen Williams Ephs batters to set a team record as a Columbia pitcher.

April 29, 1923: Signed with the Yankees

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

June 15, 1923: MLB Debut

On June 15, 1923, Lou Gehrig made his major-league debut as a pinch hitter for the New York Yankees at age 19.

1923: Started with the Yankees

In 1923, Lou Gehrig began his seventeen-season career with the New York Yankees.

1923: Returns to Hartford Senators

In 1923, Lou Gehrig returned to the minor-league Hartford Senators to play parts of two seasons.

1924: Limited Playing Time

In 1924, Lou Gehrig saw limited playing time, mostly as a pinch hitter.

1924: Continues with Hartford Senators

Lou Gehrig continued with the minor-league Hartford Senators in 1924.

June 1, 1925: Replaces Wally Pipp

On June 1, 1925, Lou Gehrig replaced Wally Pipp at first base due to Pipp's illness, beginning Gehrig's streak of consecutive games.

1926: Breakout Season

In 1926, Lou Gehrig had his breakout season, batting .313 with significant contributions in doubles, triples, home runs, and RBIs. He also played in the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

1927: Greatest Season

In 1927, Lou Gehrig had one of the greatest seasons by any batter in history, achieving high numbers in batting average, hits, RBIs, and extra-base hits. He also helped the Yankees win the World Series.

1932: Four Home Runs in a Game

In 1932, Lou Gehrig became the first player in the 20th century to hit four home runs in a single game, playing against the Philadelphia Athletics.

August 17, 1933: Consecutive Games Record

On August 17, 1933, Lou Gehrig played in his 1,308th consecutive game, breaking Everett Scott's record for the longest consecutive games-played streak.

April 30, 1934: 300th Home Run

On April 30, 1934, Lou Gehrig hit his 300th home run versus the Washington Senators.

September 27, 1938: Last Home Run

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

April 30, 1939: Last Game

Lou Gehrig's streak ended April 30, 1939.

October 1939: Appointment as 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.

1939: Decline in Spring Training

During the 1939 spring training, it became evident that Lou Gehrig's physical abilities were declining significantly, impacting his power and base running.

January 2, 1940: Sworn into Office

On January 2, 1940, Lou Gehrig was sworn into office as a New York City parole commissioner.

1955: Lou Gehrig Memorial Award

In 1955, the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award was first presented to an MLB player who best exhibits Gehrig's character and integrity, both on and off the field.