1927 American League MVP. Led American league in Games (155), Total Bases (447), Doubles (52), RBI (175), Extra-Base Hits (117), Times on Base (330).
1934 American League Triple Crown Winner. Led American League in Batting Average (.363), On-Base Percentage (.465), Slugging Percentage (.706), Games (154), Total Bases (409), Home Runs (49), RBI (165) and Times on Base (321).
1936 American League MVP. Led American League in On-Base Percentage (.478), Slugging Percentage (.696), Games (155), Runs (167), Home Runs (49), Base on Balls (130) and Times on Base (342).
Contrary to what's shown in the film "Pride Of The Yankees", Lou's wife Eleanor and Lou's mother hated each other intensely. So much so that when Lou died, Eleanor refused to give his mother some of his personal effects (i.e.: clothes, baseball gear, etc.) for keepsakes. And when "Pride" was made, Eleanor refused to share the money she was paid as a technical consultant despite the fact that Lou's parents were relatively poor. The only thing Eleanor did for his parents was put them on a small monthly "allowance". All of this comes from Lou Gerhig's biography "Luckiest Man" by Johnathan Eig.
Died exactly sixteen years to the day after he replaced Wally Pipp at first base.
Held the record for most consecutive games played until September of 1995, when Cal Ripken broke it.
His "Luckiest Man" speech on July 4, 1939 is still regarded as one of baseball's most inspiring moments. That day to honor him at Yankee Stadium is also significant because it was the also the first-ever Old Timer's Day held by a Major League team. At the conclusion of his speech, which many believe was unwritten and unrehearsed, he was embraced by Babe Ruth. This ended a feud that had been going on for several years between the 2 former teammates, most likely having started as friction between their wives.
His disease is best known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
His locker was left vacant by Yankee management out of respect for the late Yankee Captain until it was relocated to Baseball's Hall of Fame Museum in Cooperstown, New York after the Yankee Stadium renovation of 1974-75.
Hit 23 grand slam home runs during his career, still a major league record.
In 1934, he became the first professional athlete to appear on a box of Wheaties cereal.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, 1939. Played for the American League's New York Yankees, 1923-1939.
Interred at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York, ironically just a few hundred yards from Babe Ruth, who is buried at Gate Of Heaven Cemetery. Over 60 years after his death fans continue to leave mementos at his and Eleanor's memorial. The date of birth on his headstone erroneously reads "1905".
Lou had the worst luck in having the spotlight taken from him. He not only played in Babe Ruth's shadow for over a decade; When Ruth was retired only one year, the New York Yankee spotlight was then put on an exciting rookie in 1936, Joe DiMaggio. On June 3, 1932 Lou hit 4 home runs in a game, perhaps the greatest and rarest batting achievement in a game there is. This national front page news was relegated to secondary status by the overshadowing news of long time New York Giant manager John J. McGraw's retirement announcement that same day.
Lou was scouted by legendary New York Giants manager John McGraw when he was still in college. Despite Lou's massive home run power, McGraw passed on Gherig because he wasn't a good fielding first baseman. McGraw was an "old fashioned" manager who vocally disapproved of home run hitters.
Made major league debut on 15 June 1923.
Member of 1923, 1927-28, 1932 and 1936-39 World Series Champion New York Yankees teams. Member of 1926 American League Champion New York Yankees team.
Member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
Named to 7 American League All Star Teams (1933-39).
Never wore a hat or overcoat, even on the coldest of days.