1925 New York Yankees Ticket Stub - 7th Game of Gehrig's Consecutive-Games Streak - Possibly Earliest Known Streak Ticket

Sold For:

$1,440

Year:

1925

Auction:

2019 Spring

Lot #:

2067

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

New York Yankees ticket stub, issued for a game against the St. Louis Browns at Yankee Stadium on June 7, 1925, which represents the sixth game in Lou Gehrig's eventual streak of playing in a then-record 2,130 consecutive games. Encapsulated and certified as "Authentic" by PSA. This is the earliest ticket we have ever seen from Gehrig's consecutive-game streak and we have never heard of another that predates it. Gehrig's streak began on June 1, 1925, when he pinch hit for Paul "Pee Wee" Wanninger in the eighth inning of a game against the Washington Senators at Yankees Stadium. The next day, after Wally Pipp is "beaned" during pre-game batting practive, Gehrig gets his first start at first base and the rest, as they say, is history. All the Yankees' games from June 1, 1925 through June 6th were of little significance at the time, so there was no motivation for fans to save the ticket stubs. It's basically a miracle that the offered ticket survived and we would be shocked if an earlier ticket from Gehrig's consecutive-game streak ever surfaced. The ticket stub (1.25 x 3 inches) features the number "23b" within a black circle, indicating that it was for the 23rd home game of the season. A number of moderate creases are evident throughout, as is a small tear along the base. In Good to Very Good condition overall. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).