Where is he?
May 3, 1939
CHICAGO — Yesterday in baseball, the unthinkable happened.
New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig had played in 2,130 consecutive games. He did not play yesterday in Detroit.
When something happens every day for nearly 14 years, you become so accustomed to it that when it fails to occur, you are shocked. It feels like the sun did not shine yesterday.
The streak began June 1, 1925, with a pinch-hitting appearance. The next day, Gehrig replaced Wally Pipp at 1B in the Yankees starting lineup. He has been there since.
The Yankees had an off day on May 1 and had last played April 30 in New York against the Washington Senators. Gehrig went 0–4 with a strike out in that game against pitcher Joe Krakauskas. The Bombers won 5–3.
For the season, Gehrig is hitting just .176 (6–38). His only extra base hit was a 2-run triple April 25 in a win against the Athletics. In fact, that was his last base knock and RBI. He also singled in that contest, marking the only time this year he has recorded a multiple-hit game.
To say the least, these numbers represent an extremely un-Gehrig like performance. This is a player many consider to be the second-greatest player of all-time behind his long-time teammate Babe Ruth. Some would argue that if you remove Ruth’s early career success on the mound with the Red Sox, perhaps Gehrig is the better player. You can find Yankees fans who would say that Gehrig was the more “clutch,” and therefore, the more valuable of Yankees players.
All this talk sounds ridiculous for a 35-year-old athlete after missing just 1 game. The slump may just be an anomaly. It may just be, as many have suggested, the pressure to keep the streak going. Maybe it is lumbago, which caused Gehrig enough pain to withdraw from some games early last season. Maybe it is a gall bladder condition for which he refused surgery, but did receive treatment for in the off-season.
“I have given my best to the club and the game, and I deserve the chance to work out my current difficulties,” stated Gehrig to the New York Times.
Gehrig has been frustrated with his performance on the year and the inability to play up to his high self-imposed standards. According to the Times, Gehrig approached manager Joe McCarthy at the Book-Cadillac Hotel that morning and stated his desire to bench himself, ending his consecutive game streak at 2,130. He will also not be available to pinch hit.
“I asked him if he really felt that way,” said McCarthy. “he told me he was serious. He feels blue. He is dejected. I told him it would be as he wished. Like everybody else I’m sorry to see it happen. I told him not to worry. Maybe the warm weather will bring him around.
“We’ll miss him. You can’t escape that fact. But I think he’s doing the proper thing,” McCarthy told reporters later. The Yankees did win the game, beating the Tigers 8–7.
Gehrig himself spoke with reporters a bit later and confirmed his decision and the rationale. “I haven’t been a bit of good to the team since the season started. I’m aware of the fact I am doing the Yankees no good defensively or on the attack,” Gehrig replied.
Gehrig was asked to carry the pregame lineup card to home plate. At that point, Tiger radio announcer Ty Tyson informed the crowd that Gehrig was pulling himself from the lineup, ending his streak. According to reports, the news at first was greeted with stunned silence by the 11,379 in attendance, then a “deafening cheer.” Gehrig tipped his cap to the fans in appreciation while trying to keep his composure.
Ellsworth (Babe) Dahlgren took Gehrig’s position at first base. Dahlgren has waited in Gehrig’s wings for 3 years. McCarthy said he had no present intention of transferring young OF Tommy Henrich to 1B. Henrich started yesterday’s game in CF replacing Joe DiMaggio. The all-star DiMaggio sustained a foot injury on April 29 and was hospitalized. He is projected for an extended recuperation.
When Gehrig will start another game is undetermined. The present plan is to keep him on the bench. Expectations are that warmer summer weather will have a beneficial effect upon his tired muscles.
I can only wish Lou Gehrig the very best. It will be great for baseball when he returns to the Yankees starting lineup. The New Yorkers are scheduled to play at Comiskey Park May 7–9. We hope to see the “Iron Horse” fielding grounders around the first sack.
The Monty Stratton benefit game May 1 at Comiskey was a huge success. A crowd of 25,594 attended and helped raise $29,875.25 to benefit Stratton’s recovery. It was more than just a gesture by the Cubs and White Sox.
The crowd gave a standing ovation to Stratton who threw out the ceremonial first pitch himself. Despite the odds, the optimistic Stratton is talking about a comeback.
Another standing O awaited Cubs starter Dizzy Dean whose brave effort deserved a better fate. Three unearned runs in the 3rd inning sealed his fate in a 4–1 Pale Hose victory. “There’s no use kidding myself. [My arm] really hurts,” Dean told the Davenport (Iowa) Daily Times. “It’s sore as the deuce up here [at the shoulder].”
Here’s hoping this wasn’t the last time Dean took to the hill to entertain the fans.
