The Incredible Achievement of Lou Gehrig in 1934

Name: The Incredible Achievement of Lou Gehrig in 1934
Start: 1903-11-03
Location: Unspecified

The Historic 1934 Season of Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig’s Triple Crown Performance

In 1934, Lou Gehrig showcased his extraordinary talent as the first baseman for the New York Yankees, becoming the latest player in MLB history to clinch the American League Triple Crown. Gehrig ended the season with an astounding batting average of .363, hitting 49 home runs and driving in 165 RBIs. This remarkable feat not only displayed his resilience and skill but also cemented his name among baseball’s greats.

The Significance of the Triple Crown

The Triple Crown is awarded to a player who leads their league in three significant batting categories: batting average, home runs, and runs batted in. Lou Gehrig’s achievement in 1934 made him one of the few players in history to accomplish this remarkable goal, showcasing his strength as a hitter and his ability to perform at the highest level during an entire season.

Controversy and the MVP Award

Lou Gehrig vs. Mickey Cochrane

Despite towering individual stats and a historic season, Lou Gehrig did not earn the American League MVP award that year. Instead, the prestigious honor was awarded to Mickey Cochrane, catcher-manager of the Detroit Tigers. Cochrane finished the season with a batting average of .320, hitting just 2 home runs and driving 76 RBIs, which sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts about the criteria used for evaluating a player's value.

The Legacy of Gehrig’s 1934 Season

The 1934 season remains a pivotal moment in baseball history, highlighting the incredible skill of Lou Gehrig and the complexities of player evaluation. While he may have missed out on the MVP, his performance earned him a legendary status, and he would go on to become one of the most celebrated and respected figures in the sport's history.

Fun Fact

The Iron Horse

The nickname “Iron Horse” was given to Lou Gehrig due to his durability, having played in 2,130 consecutive games. This streak remained a record in Major League Baseball for over 56 years, until Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it in 1995.