Final answer:
Lou Gehrig's 23 career grand slams record, set on August 20, 1938, was surpassed by Alex Rodriguez, another New York Yankee, on September 20, 2013, after maintaining for 75 years. This reflects the rich history of the Yankees franchise and its legacy of iconic players, including Babe Ruth, who had major impacts on the game of baseball and American culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
On August 20, 1938, Lou Gehrig hit his 23rd career grand slam, setting a remarkable record which would last for 75 years. The player who surpassed Gehrig's legendary record also played for the iconic New York Yankees, known throughout baseball history for their illustrious players and numerous World Series championships. It was Alex Rodriguez, often referred to as 'A-Rod,' who finally broke this longstanding record with his 24th career grand slam on September 20, 2013.
Throughout the early 20th century, figures such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig turned the Yankees into a powerhouse, contributing to the spectacle and popularity of baseball. Ruth was an exceptional hitter who originally pitched for the Boston Red Sox before making a famous switch to the Yankees, sparking the famed rivalry between the two teams. His hitting prowess earned him nicknames like 'Sultan of Swat' and transformed baseball into a high-scoring game, culminating in his own record of 60 home runs in 1927. Ruth's cultural impact and sensational athletic achievements helped forge a path for other superstars like Gehrig and, later on, Rodriguez, to rise to prominence in Major League Baseball.