"Striking out Ruth and Gehrig in succession was too big an order"

Carl Hubbell's quote is a recommendation to 2 of the most iconic baseball players of perpetuity, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Hubbell was a pitcher for the New York Giants in the 1930s and was understood for his ability to set out batters. In this quote, Hubbell is expressing his appreciation for Ruth and Gehrig's batting skills, keeping in mind that it was an uphill struggle to strike them out in succession. He is suggesting that it was a difficulty to get them both out in the exact same game, as they were both such talented hitters. This quote is a testimony to the success of Ruth and Gehrig, and the problem of getting them out. It also speaks to Hubbell's own ability as a pitcher, as he had the ability to achieve this accomplishment.