June 2, 1941
Loe Gehrig, first baseman for the New York Yankees, died at his home. He would have turned 38 on June 19.
Gehrig, known as the “Iron Horse” of baseball for his many accomplishments that included playing in 2,130 consecutive regularly scheduled baseball games during his 14 year career, and being selected most valuable player in the American League twice.
Gehrig retired from baseball on May 2, 1939 after he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known today as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Following his retirement he worked for sometime as a member of the New York City Parole Commission.
During his time with the New York Yankees, Gehrig and his teammates played in an exhibition match against the Scranton Miners on August 27, 1931. The game took place at Brooks Field before a crowd of 7,000 baseball fans. The Yankees would end up winning the game in seven innings with a score of 9-6. The game was stopped in the seventh due to heavy rain and was called after the field was in no condition for play following the storm.
Gerhig is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gehrig.
While in Scranton, Gehrig had run in with young fan. Here is that story –
June 4, 1941 – The Scranton Times
Here are some images from the team’s visit to Scranton in 1931 –
On Aug 27, 1931, the New York Yankees were in Scranton to play a game against the Scranton Miners. Top image left to right: Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Ben Chapman. Bottom image show Gehrig in characteristic pose at home plate with Chick Outen, Scranton catcher, behind the plate. Times Tribune Archives
The Scranton Republican – Aug 28, 1931
Babe Ruth pauses beside the body of one time New York Yankee teammate, Lou Gehrig, at Christ Episcopal Church in the Bronx, New York, June 3, 1941. (AP Photo)
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
