Lot # 971: 1935 Lou Gehrig Testimonial Dinner Program

A deserving ballplayer was honored on April 14, 1935, when this Lou Gehrig Testimonial Dinner program was issued to a fortunate attendee. Hosted by the New York City Baseball Federation at the Hotel Biltmore, this prestigious event took place two days before the New York Yankees season opener. Gehrig's diamond heroics were already the stuff of legend by this time. Still, he managed to generate an even greater degree excitement, by turning in a Triple Crown winning season in 1934, which was likely the impetus for this testimonial celebration to kick off the 1935 campaign for the Yankees and their beloved captain Gehrig. The front cover illustration of Gehrig in a batting pose is credited as "Cartoon by RIPLEY - (Believe it or not!)", and the location and date are printed in front of the illustration. A vertical compacting fold at center limits the grade for this dinner program to Vg, though otherwise it is crisp, clean and attractive.

(Measures 5-1/2x8-1/2 inches)