Lou Gehrig Question

[yanks12025]

Just have a quick question about Lou Gehrig. I always thought he got inducted into the hall of fame after his passing, but I noticed he was inducted in 1939 and he died in 1941. So does anyone know how Gehrig reacted to be inducted into the hall?

[Wymers Auction]

Just have a quick question about Lou Gehrig. I always thought he got inducted into the hall of fame after his passing, but I noticed he was inducted in 1939 and he died in 1941. So does anyone know how Gehrig reacted to be inducted into the hall?

I do not know his reaction, but his waiting period was waived which allowed him to go into the hall in 1939 the same year as his retirement.

[David Atkatz]

He had a lot on his mind at the time. Judging by his published letters, he didn't give the HoF much thought.

[sayhey24]

I could be wrong, but I don't think Gehrig was inducted in 1939. I believe he was elected late in 1939, after that year's induction ceremonies. There may not have been an induction in 1940, so I think he may have actually been inducted after his death.

Greg

[scmavl]

He was inducted, but there was no special ceremony for him. I believe the special vote was in December of '39 if memory serves.

[bigtrain]

I believe that that is correct. He is considered inducted in 1939 but it was in a special election held after the regular induction and there were no inductees in 1940 or 1941. Roberto Clemente is the only other person named in a special election.

[murphusa]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_Hall_of_Fame_balloting,_1939