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 (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

1930: Gehrig's High Batting Average

In 1930, Lou Gehrig had a high batting average of .379.

1930: Gehrig's Productive Season

In 1930, Lou Gehrig had one of his most productive seasons, contributing to a three-season stretch (1930-1932) where he recorded 509 RBIs.

1931: Gehrig's AL Record for RBIs

In 1931, Lou Gehrig recorded 185 RBIs, which remains the AL record as of 2025.

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.

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.

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 related to his illness. He was the youngest player to be so honored at the time.

1955: Lou Gehrig Memorial Award First Presented

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

1972: Koufax Surpasses Gehrig

In 1972, Sandy Koufax surpassed Lou Gehrig as the youngest player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

September 6, 1995: Cal Ripken Jr. Surpasses Gehrig's Consecutive Games Record

On September 6, 1995, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games, a record that had stood for fifty-six years. Ripken ultimately finished with 2,632 consecutive games.

1999: Gehrig Receives Most Votes on All-Century Team

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

1999: Gehrig Ranked Sixth Greatest Player by Sporting News

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

2008: "The Pride of the Yankees" Honored by AFI

In 2008, the American Film Institute (AFI) honored "The Pride of the Yankees" as the third-best sports movie.

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2010: Alex Rodriguez Ties Gehrig's Record

In 2010, Alex Rodriguez tied Lou Gehrig's major-league record of 13 consecutive seasons with 100 or more RBIs.

July 28, 2013: Special Tribute for Gehrig at Hall of Fame

On July 28, 2013, Lou Gehrig and 11 other deceased ballplayers received a special tribute during the induction ceremony held during "Hall of Fame Induction Weekend" in Cooperstown, New York.

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.