On this day in baseball history, the 2nd of June, three events of note occurred, a retirement, a passing, and a career birth.

Babe Ruth calls it a career:

On this day in 1935, Babe Ruth, arguably the greatest ballplayer who ever lived, officially called it a career, finishing an OFF THE CHARTS UNBELIEVABLE career. In 1935, he played for the Boston Braves, hoping to one day become the team’s manager, which the Yankees weren’t interested in doing for him. In just 28 games, Ruth only hit six home runs for a .181 Average. While the Braves decided not to offer him a managing job, he’d be one of the five first members of the Hall of Fame the following year.

Lou Gehrig Dies at 37:

On this day in 1941, sixteen years to the date he famously replaced Wally Pip, and just 17 days before his 38th birthday, Lou Gehrig passed away at his home in Riverdale. Upon hearing the news Babe Ruth and his wife showed up at the house to console Eleanor Gehrig. Then, Mayor LaGuardia ordered flags flown at half-staff all around the city, and all ballparks across the country did the same.

Mariners select Ken Griffey Jr., #1 overall:

On this day in 1987, the Seattle Mariners selected George Kenneth Griffey Jr with the first overall pick in the 1987 MLB draft. Before Griffey, the Mariners in an ugly dome stadium had nothing to offer and were looking for a player to build around, getting people to the ballpark and not having to leave Seattle. Griffey, the son of longtime major leaguer Ken Griffey Sr, was projected to go #1 overall for weeks leading up to the draft, and he signed just coming out of high school. Less than two years after being drafted, he’d be a full-time player for the Mariners. With all his success as arguably the best player in his era, the Mariners got better, and their performance regarding attendance skyrocketed. Had the Mariners not selected Griffey, the Seattle Mariners wouldn’t have existed much longer.

References:

  1. Babe Ruth via Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth#Retirement
  2. Lou Gehrig via Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Gehrig#Death
  3. Ken Griffey Jr. via Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Griffey_Jr.#Draft_and_minor_leagues