On this date in New York Yankees history, the BBWAA elected Lou Gehrig to the Hall of Fame.
Gehrig played his final game on April 30, 1939, due to his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The legendary slugging Yankees first baseman ranks second all-time in WAR (112.4) in franchise history, only behind his teammate and fellow masher, Babe Ruth.
The Iron Horse was a six-time World Series champion, Triple Crown recipient, two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star and a batting champ. Gerhig’s 2,721 hits stood as a franchise record until Derek Jeter passed him in 2009.
Gehrig’s iron man streak of 2,130 consecutive games would stand until Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it in 1995. Gehrig was very likely playing the end of that streak with ALS, incredible.
Columbia Lou still ranks first in franchise history in RBI and triples, second in batting, on-base, slugging, OPS, hits, total bases, doubles and third in home runs, runs scored and games played.
Gehrig’s No. 4 was the first retired number in franchise history.
Larrupin’ Lou’s “Luckiest Man” speech on July 4, 1939, still rates as the most iconic speech in baseball history.
