Lou Gehrig 2,130 Consecutive Games Played
The Iron Horse's 2,130-game streak stood for 56 years as a monument to durability.
Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees held the Major League Baseball record for consecutive games played with 2,130, a streak that stood for 56 years until Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it.
Quick Facts
- Player
- Lou Gehrig
- Team
- New York Yankees
- Record type
- Consecutive Games Played
- Status
- Retired (Unbroken Record)
Lore & Background
Gehrig's streak started as a pinch-hitter on June 1, 1925. The next day, June 2, 1925, he started at first base in place of Wally Pipp, who had a headache and asked out of the lineup. On July 14, 1934, Gehrig, suffering from an attack of lumbago, was listed in the Yankee lineup at shortstop. He batted in the top of the first inning to preserve the streak, singled, and was promptly removed from the game. Gehrig's streak was ended by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the disease that would take his life. His physical abilities rapidly declining, Gehrig voluntarily removed himself from the lineup on May 2, 1939, saying he was doing it for the team. He never played again, dying in 1941.
Reader's Guide
A consecutive game playing streak is extended if the player plays one half inning on defense, or completes a time at bat by reaching base or being put out. A pinch running appearance only shall not extend the streak. If a player is ejected before complying, the streak continues.
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