Lou Gehrig was one of the most important Yankee players in the early 20th century, playing 17 seasons for the team from 1923-1939.  Lou Gehrig’s success and longevity earned him the nickname, “The Iron Horse.”

On this day, August 17th in 1933, Lou Gehrig played his 1,308th consecutive game.  The accomplishment surpassed the mark set by shortstop Everett Scott. Gehrig went on to completely smash the previous record and eventually brought the consecutive game streak up to 2,130 games.

At the end of his career, Gehrig accompanied his consecutive game streak with 6 World Series victories, 2 American League MVP awards, 7 All-Star appearances and the record for most grand slams all times.  Gehrig was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 and was posthumously honored with spots on the Major League Baseball All-Century and All-Time teams.