Lou Gehrig's Streak Begins: 2,130 Games Played
Lou Gehrig pinch-hit for Pee Wee Wanninger on June 1, 1925, beginning a consecutive game streak that would reach 2,130 games over 14 seasons. Gehrig replaced first baseman Wally Pipp in the starting lineup the following day and never relinquished the position. He played through broken fingers, back spasms, and headaches that were likely early symptoms of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that would kill him. His streak ended on May 2, 1939, when he removed himself from the lineup after batting .143 in eight games. Gehrig's farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939, where he called himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth," is considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. He died on June 2, 1941, at age 37. Cal Ripken Jr. broke his record in 1995.
June 1, 1925
101 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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