Celebrating Lou Gehrig's Legacy

Lou Gehrig, the iconic first baseman for the New York Yankees, left an indelible mark on baseball history. Known as "The Iron Horse" for his incredible durability, Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for 56 years until Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it in 1995. Teaming with Babe Ruth, Gehrig helped lead the Yankees to six World Series titles, consistently delivering remarkable performances. He had 13 consecutive seasons with over 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored, highlighted by his 1934 Triple Crown win and an American League record of 185 RBIs in 1931.

Gehrig's career was tragically cut short by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that would come to bear his name. In 1939, after a slow start to the season, he voluntarily took himself out of the lineup, ending his consecutive games streak. Diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic, Gehrig faced his fate with remarkable courage. His farewell speech on July 4, 1939, at Yankee Stadium, where he declared himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth," remains one of the most poignant moments in sports history. That same year, the Baseball Writers' Association of America unanimously elected him to the Hall of Fame, bypassing the usual waiting period.

Gehrig's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. At the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, his story is celebrated through various exhibits and educational programs. Artifacts like his 1937 All-Star Game bat, his farewell trophy from 1939, and personal items donated by his family offer a glimpse into his life and career. Gehrig's example of sportsmanship, dedication, and resilience continues to inspire new generations, cementing his place as one of baseball's greatest figures.

The Yankees’ Sweet Deal for Babe Ruth

On January 5, 1920, the New York Yankees announced the acquisition of Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox for $100,000, payable in four installments. However, the financial dynamics of this deal reveal a fascinating story. Along with the sale, Yankees co-owner Jacob Ruppert extended a $300,000 loan to Red Sox owner Harry Frazee, using Fenway Park as collateral. Frazee, a theatrical producer, was financially strained due to his other ventures and welcomed this arrangement.

The Yankees agreed to increase Ruth’s salary to $20,000 per year, with the Red Sox reimbursing $5,000 annually. This effectively reduced the Yankees’ financial burden, making the actual cost of Ruth $98,375. Moreover, Frazee's loan repayment terms were favorable to Ruppert, yielding him substantial interest over 13 years until the debt was cleared in 1933 by new Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey.

In essence, the Yankees not only secured Ruth’s legendary talent but also managed a lucrative financial arrangement, turning what appeared to be a hefty investment into a remarkably advantageous deal. This transaction significantly contributed to the Yankees' dominance and remains one of the most talked-about trades in baseball history.

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