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 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

1921: Ruth's Extra-Base Hits

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

1922: Rogers Hornsby's Total Bases

In 1922, Rogers Hornsby had 450 total bases

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.

1926: World Series participation

In 1926 Lou Gehrig participated in the World Series.

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.

1927: AL MVP

In 1927, Lou Gehrig was named the American League (AL) MVP.

1930: Start of High RBI Streak

In 1930 Lou Gehrig began a three-season stretch where he had 509 RBIs between 1930 and 1932.

1930: High Batting Average

In 1930, Lou Gehrig had one of his six seasons where he batted .350 or better, with a high of .379.

1932: Miller Huggins Monument

In 1932 a monument was placed to Miller Huggins, which would eventually be followed by Babe Ruth's in 1949.

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.

April 30, 1934: Won AL Triple Crown

On April 30, 1934, Lou Gehrig won the AL Triple Crown.

1936: Time Magazine Cover

In 1936, Lou Gehrig was featured on the cover of Time magazine, which proclaimed him "the game's No. 1 batsman."

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.

1949: Babe Ruth Monument

In 1949 Babe Ruth monument was placed at Yankee Stadium.

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.