[Big Six]

Boston Globe, June 13, 1941


GEHRIG REACHES 3000 HITS AS RED SOX WIN AGAIN
Boston's Late-Inning Hitting Heroics Secure 6-5 Victory

BOSTON--Few men have worn the Boston Red Sox uniform with as much class and distinction as Lou Gehrig has displayed since the day, nearly 20 years ago, when he first put it on.

Yesterday, Gehrig put an exclamation point on his long, illustrious career by collecting his 3000th major league hit. He and his Red Sox teammates made the day even more memorable by coming from behind to defeat the Chicago White Sox, 6-5.

Gehrig drew two walks before making history with a line-drive single off Chisox starter Bob Cooney in the sixth inning. Then, an inning later, Lou belted a majestic home run that tied the score, 5-5. Gehrig's blast set the stage for Fumio Fujimura's game-winning homer off Cooney in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Gehrig's cheerful, humble demeanor lent a charming touch to the post-game festivities, in which the first sacker's locker was surrounded by teammates and reporters bearing congratulations.

"I've been fortunate to play most of my career here, with the greatest bunch of teammates a fellow could have," Gehrig said with a grin. "The fans here in Boston are the best in baseball. We owe them a pennant, and that's what we're going to give them."

Gehrig's confidence stems from the fact that the Red Sox have opened up a nine-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the American League race. The fact that the Bosox batsmen won this game with timely slugging bodes well for a team that has largely relied upon the pitching feats of Ray Brown, Mike O'Farrell, and Jim Weaver so far this spring...

More on Gehrig:

Lou amassed 3000 hits in 8960 at-bats, for a lifetime batting average of .335. He is the eighth player to gain membership in the "3000 Club," and the third Red Sox star to achieve this feat. The others, of course, are Pat O'Farrell and Tris Speaker.

"When I was a young player, I was lucky enough to be the teammate of Pat O'Farrell and Tris Speaker. They both taught me a lot about hitting, and about what it took to be a big leaguer. Without them, I wouldn't be talking to you right now," Gehrig said, in salute to the other two Red Sox with at least 3,000 hits.

Gehrig is the all-time leader in runs batted in and walks, and ranks second in doubles and runs scored--all categories in which Pat O'Farrell once headed the list.

"I'm honored to be mentioned in the same breath as Pat O'Farrell," Gehrig told reporters. "He is one of the greats of the game."

So, too, are you, Mr. Gehrig.