This Day in Yankees History — June 26: From Day Games to Stadium Nights

1. 1920 – A Teenage Legend Begins: Lou Gehrig at Wrigley

On June 26, 1920, a 17-year-old Lou Gehrig crushed a home run at Wrigley Field not as a Yankee, but as a high schooler playing for New York’s Commerce High School in a national championship game. Though this wasn’t a professional game, it was held in a major league stadium. That shot rumored to have left the park signaled the emergence of a once-in-a-generation talent. Gehrig would return to Wrigley several times during his Yankees career, including in the 1932 World Series, building a legacy that began, fittingly, with a thunderous swing on June 26.

2. 1939 – Yankees Debut Under the Lights

June 26, 1939, marked the Yankees’ first-ever night game. They faced the Philadelphia Athletics at Shibe Park under floodlights, a dramatic departure from the traditional afternoon ballgames. The Yankees lost 3–2, but history had been made. Though they wouldn’t host a night game at Yankee Stadium until 1946, this contest was the start of a transformation in the baseball viewing experience.

3. 1944 – A Wartime Charity: The Polo Grounds Tri-Corner Showdown

In support of the World War II effort, a remarkable exhibition game took place on June 26, 1944, at the Polo Grounds. The Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants competed in a round-robin format with proceeds going toward war bonds. Over 50,000 fans attended, contributing more than $56 million in bond purchases. The Dodgers won the contest, but the event stood out for its patriotism and unity during a time of global conflict.

4. 1960 and 1966 – Mid-Century Wins

On June 26, 1960, the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Indians 6–2. This win came during a strong offensive season and highlighted the steady presence of stars like Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra. Then on June 26, 1966, the Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox 7–2, a midseason game featuring key contributions from a team in transition after its early-60s dynasty run.

5. 1987 – Miracle Rally at Yankee Stadium

Wade Boggs’s 25-game hitting streak ended that day, but the spotlight belonged to the Yankees. Trailing 9–0, they staged one of the greatest comebacks in team history to defeat the Red Sox 12–11 in 10 innings. Fans at Yankee Stadium witnessed a revival of spirit that encapsulated the grit and never-quit attitude the franchise is known for.

6. 1988 – The Beach Boys Serenade the Stadium

June 26, 1988, saw a different kind of headliner take the field: the Beach Boys. Yankee Stadium transformed into a summer concert venue as thousands of fans enjoyed a night of harmony and hits, showing how the Stadium could double as a cultural stage as well as a ballpark.

7. 2005 – Subway Series Drama and Giambi’s Heroics

On June 26, 2005, with the Mets poised to sweep the Yankees in the Bronx for the first time, Jason Giambi delivered a walk-off two-run single in the bottom of the ninth. The rally spoiled the Mets’ momentum and revived the Yankees’ rivalry narrative with a dramatic flourish.

8. 2024 – Subway Series Blowout and Judge’s Milestone

June 26, 2024, saw the Yankees fall 12–2 to the Mets at Citi Field, but it wasn’t without a bright spot Aaron Judge hit his 30th home run of the season. Despite the loss, Judge’s consistency reminded fans why he remains the heart of the franchise’s power lineup.

9. More Than Box Scores: Cultural Significance & Evolving Legacy

The Evolution of Night Games: From Shibe Park in 1939 to LED-lit nights at Yankee Stadium, evening baseball has redefined the sport’s rhythm and reach.

Wartime Unity: The 1944 tri-team benefit game remains one of baseball’s most moving acts of patriotism.

Entertainment Takes the Field: The Beach Boys’ 1988 concert proved the Stadium could host music history as well as baseball milestones.

Rivalries Rekindled: Giambi’s 2005 heroics embody the passion and pulse of cross-town drama.

Legends Remembered: Lou Gehrig’s first blast, Jeter’s November home run, and more all echo through June 26.

10. Why June 26 Resonates for Yankees Fans

This date ties together moments of promise, pride, and transformation from Lou Gehrig’s youth, to Jason Giambi’s grit, wartime unity, and electric night games. It is not merely a point on a calendar it is a gateway through which Yankees lore continues to pass.