In 1923, a young player from New York broke into the big leagues with the hometown Yankees. He joined a team that was the defending American League Champion, loaded with excellent players, and led by perhaps the most charismatic player ever, Babe Ruth. As such, Lou Gehrig had a bit role on the 1923 and 1924 teams. On June 1, 1925, Gehrig pinch hit, and on the next day, in a story that lives in the lore of baseball, first baseman Wally Pip had a headache, and was replaced at first by Gehrig.

Lou, often referred to as the Iron Horse, would start every game until 1939, amassing a record of 2,130 consecutive games played. The record would stand for over 50 years until broken by Cal Ripken, Jr. in 1995. Lou Gehrig, who would ultimately succumb to illness, remains one of the most revered players to put on a baseball uniform.