Lasting Legacy of Lou Gehrig: A Look at the Influence on History
A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Lou Gehrig across different fields.
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.
1932: Miller Huggins Monument
In 1932 a monument was placed to Miller Huggins, which would eventually be followed by Babe Ruth's in 1949.
1935: Ruth's final season with the Yankees
1935 was Ruth's final year with the Yankees, retiring after a few games.
December 7, 1939: Election to Baseball Hall of Fame
On December 7, 1939, Lou Gehrig was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in a special election related to his illness.
1939: Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1939, Lou Gehrig was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and had his uniform number retired by the Yankees.
July 6, 1941: Monument Dedication
On July 6, 1941, the Yankees dedicated a monument to Lou Gehrig in center field at Yankee Stadium.
1941: Monument Dedicated
In 1941, a monument in Lou Gehrig's honor was originally dedicated by the Yankees.
1942: Release of "The Pride of the Yankees"
In 1942, the film "The Pride of the Yankees" was released, starring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig.
1949: Babe Ruth Monument
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.
April 19, 1956: "The Lou Gehrig Story" TV Episode
On April 19, 1956, "The Lou Gehrig Story" was featured on an episode of the CBS anthology TV series Climax!
1969: Greatest First Baseman
In 1969, the Baseball Writers' Association of America voted Lou Gehrig the greatest first baseman of all time.
1972: Youngest Player in Hall of Fame
In 1972, Sandy Koufax became the youngest player to enter the Hall of Fame.
1976: Publication of My Luke and I
In 1976, Eleanor Gehrig and Joseph Durso wrote the autobiography My Luke and I.
1978: "A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story" TV Movie
In 1978, the TV movie "A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story" aired, starring Blythe Danner and Edward Herrmann.
March 6, 1984: Eleanor Gehrig's Death
On March 6, 1984, Eleanor Gehrig died on her 80th birthday and was interred with Lou Gehrig.
1994: Birthplace Memorialized
Lou Gehrig's birthplace in Manhattan at 1994 Second Avenue is memorialized with a plaque.
September 6, 1995: Ripken Breaks Record
On September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games played.
1995: Consecutive Game Record Broken
In 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed Lou Gehrig's record for most consecutive games played, which had stood for 56 years.
1999: All-Century Team Selection
In 1999, Lou Gehrig received the most votes of any baseball player on the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
1999: Ranked Among Greatest Players
In 1999, Sporting News ranked Lou Gehrig sixth on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players".
2004: All Star Baseball 2004
In 2004, Lou Gehrig's digital likeness and the opening quote of the "baseball's Gettysburg Address" were featured in All Star Baseball 2004.
2008: "The Pride of the Yankees" Honored
In 2008, the AFI honored "The Pride of the Yankees" as the third-best sports picture ever made.
July 28, 2013: Hall of Fame Tribute
On July 28, 2013, Lou Gehrig and eleven other deceased ballplayers received a special tribute during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
March 2021: Lou Gehrig Day Established
In March 2021, Major League Baseball declared June 2 as Lou Gehrig Day.
2022: New York Mount Rushmore of Sports
In 2022, Sporting News named Lou Gehrig on their "New York Mount Rushmore of Sports".
