This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Tuesday, May 2, 1939

Gehrig's games streak ends

Before a game against the Tigers in Detroit, Lou Gehrig told manager Joe McCarthy that he was pulling himself from the lineup "for the good of the team." The star's then- record streak of games played, which began in 1925, ended at 2,130. Babe Dahlgren replaced Gehrig at first base and had two RBIs in the Yankees' 22-2 win. Gehrig, battling ALS, didn't play another game after the Yankees' April 30th loss to the Washington Senators. The New York native played just eight games in 1939 and announced his retirement on June 21, but he remained the Yankees' honorary captain for the rest of that season. Gehrig's record held until 1995, when Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it.