Literally and figuratively, Gehrig was flying high in the spring of 1928. He was a World Series champion and coming off one of the most statistically remarkable seasons a player has ever had.
The Photo of the Day from RMY Auctions pictures the Iron Horse at the peak of his career.
The 6 ½ x 8 1/2” Acme News photo includes the caption, still attached to the back and dated March 4, 1928. It’s among 325 vintage photos up for bid this month, several of which feature Gehrig. On that same day, a 216-pound Babe Ruth, now 35, reported to camp in St. Petersburg to begin his 14th season in professional baseball.
Just five months earlier, Gehrig and Ruth led the ‘Murderer’s Row’ Yankees to a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gehrig’s numbers in 1927 were jaw-dropping. He hit .373, with 218 hits, including 47 homers, while setting what was then an RBI record of 175. His slugging percentage was .765.
Gehrig and the Yankees would enjoy yet another banner year in 1928, winning the American League pennant and sweeping the Cardinals to complete a back-to-back championship run. Nine members of the team would eventually be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Auction bidding concludes Sunday at RMYAuctions.com.
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Notes: Nashville, Edwardsville Shows; ASG Means Business for Seattle Shop; 1/1 Acuna, Gehrig HS Football Program at Auction
