Photos: Derek Jeter Breaks Lou Gehrig's Yankees Hit Record

MYFOXNY.COM - Derek Jeter broke Lou Gehrig's record of most hits by a New York Yankee with a single in the 3rd inning of Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles.

He smacked his 2,722th hit down the right-field line, just out of reach of Orioles first baseman Luke Scott.

"For those who say today's game can't produce legendary players, I have two words: Derek Jeter," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement. "Game in and game out, he just produces. As historic and significant as becoming the Yankees' all-time hit leader is, the accomplishment is all the more impressive because Derek is one of the finest young men playing the game today."

Back on Wednesday, Jeter tied the Iron Horse with his third hit of the game.

"You try to enjoy this," Jeter said after the game Wednesday.

Gehrig's final hit was on April 29, 1939. He was forced into retirement because of what later was revealed to be a fatal disease -- ALS. The illness now bears his name.

The Iron Horse had held the team record for hits since Sept. 6, 1937, when he passed Babe Ruth.