Lou Gehrig's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Lou Gehrig.

Lou Gehrig, nicknamed "The Iron Horse," was a legendary New York Yankees first baseman, playing 17 seasons in MLB. Known for his exceptional hitting and durability, he was a seven-time All-Star, one-time Triple Crown winner, and two-time AL MVP. Gehrig contributed to six World Series championships and maintained impressive career stats, including a .340 batting average and 493 home runs. Famously, he played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record unbroken for decades. 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 his number 4 was the first ever retired by the Yankees.

Sections (5)

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

1921: Record

In 1921, Babe Ruth had 119 extra-base hits.

1922: Total Bases

In 1922, Rogers Hornsby had 450 total bases.

April 18, 1923: Sets Columbia Strikeout Record

On April 18, 1923, Lou Gehrig struck out 17 Williams Ephs batters as a Columbia pitcher, setting a team record. On the same day, scout Paul Krichell observed Gehrig's powerful hitting.

1927: Greatest Seasons

In 1927, Lou Gehrig had one of his greatest seasons, hitting .373 with 47 home runs and 175 RBIs, helping the Yankees to a 110-44 record and a World Series victory.

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 game, accomplishing the feat on June 3 against the Philadelphia Athletics. However, John McGraw's retirement announcement got the main headlines.

August 17, 1933: Breaks Consecutive Games Streak

On August 17, 1933, Lou Gehrig played in his 1,308th consecutive game, surpassing 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 against the Washington Senators, becoming the second player to reach the milestone after Babe Ruth.

September 7, 1938: Gehrig stole his last two bases

On September 7, 1938, Lou Gehrig stole the last two bases of his career.

September 27, 1938: Gehrig's last extra-base hit

On September 27, 1938, Lou Gehrig had his last extra-base hit, which was a home run.

April 30, 1939: End of Consecutive Game Streak

Lou Gehrig appeared in every game for the Yankees until April 30, 1939.

December 7, 1939: Gehrig elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

On December 7, 1939, Lou Gehrig was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in a special election during a winter meeting of the Baseball Writers' Association.

1939: Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1939, Lou Gehrig was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and had his uniform number 4 retired by the New York Yankees, becoming the first MLB player to receive this honor.

July 6, 1941: Monument Dedicated to Gehrig at Yankee Stadium

On July 6, 1941, the Yankees dedicated a monument to Lou Gehrig in center field at Yankee Stadium, honoring him as a great ballplayer.

1941: Monument dedicated

In 1941, a monument in Lou Gehrig's honor was dedicated by the Yankees, prominently featuring in Monument Park at the new Yankee Stadium.

1955: First Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Presented

In 1955, the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award was first presented to an MLB player who best exhibits Gehrig's character and integrity, created by the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

1969: Greatest First Baseman

In 1969, the Baseball Writers' Association of America voted Lou Gehrig the greatest first baseman of all time.

September 6, 1995: Record Surpassed

On September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games played.

1995: Record Surpassed by Cal Ripken Jr.

In 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games played.

1999: MLB All-Century Team

In 1999, Lou Gehrig was the leading vote-getter on the MLB All-Century Team, chosen by fans.

1999: Gehrig receives most votes on All-Century Team

In 1999, Sixty years after his farewell to baseball, Lou Gehrig received the most votes of any baseball player on the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, chosen by fan balloting.

1999: Gehrig Ranked Sixth by Sporting News

In 1999, editors at Sporting News ranked Lou Gehrig sixth on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players".

2008: AFI Honors The Pride of the Yankees

In 2008, the AFI honored "The Pride of the Yankees" as the third-best sports movie.

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March 2021: MLB Declares Lou Gehrig Day

In March 2021, Major League Baseball declared June 2 to be Lou Gehrig Day, commemorating his contributions and legacy.

2022: Gehrig Named on New York Mount Rushmore of Sports

In 2022, as part of their SN Rushmore project, Sporting News named Lou Gehrig on their "New York Mount Rushmore of Sports", along with Babe Ruth, Walt Frazier, and Lawrence Taylor.