1925

1 September 1925 dated check drawn on the account of the American League Base Ball Club at Yorkville Bank is signed on the front by Hall of Famers Ed Barrow and Jacob Ruppert. "Louis Gehrig" name is typed in the "Pay To The Order Of" line and it represents a portion of the paltry $3,750 he was paid that year. It was Gehrig's first full season as a member of the Yankees, taking over for Wally Pipp at first base when he was sidelined by a headache. Lou would hit .295 with 20 home runs proving himself worthy of a permanent roster spot to Management. It would come to be among the more consequential decisions in the history of 20th Century baseball. Taking the field for the Yankees on 1 June 1925, Gehrig assumed first baseman duties; a role he would fulfil without interruption until 30 April 1939. Over the course of that span he appeared in every game the Yankees played - a remarkable streak which stretched to 2,130 consecutive games. It ranks among the greatest feats in sporting history, surpassed only by Cal Ripken Jr. some 56 years later. It is highly likely that no player will ever again approach these numbers.
Check has a vertical fold and light toning (touch more pronounced at areas) with bank cancellation punch holes along the top. Other wear is relatively modest however there small chips to either corner on the left edge. Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA with the autographs graded PSA/DNA 7.5NM+: NM+