About Lou Gehrig
Henry Louis Gehrig, also known as Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig, was an American professional baseball first baseman who played from June 19, 1903, until June 2, 1941. His estimated net worth was $4 million. On June 19th, 1903, in Manhattan’s East Harlem neighborhood, Lou Gehrig was born. His father, Heinrich Gehrig, was a sheet metal worker who struggled with alcoholism and was frequently out of work. His mother Christina supported the family financially by working as a maid. Of the four children, Lou Gehrig was the only one to live through infancy.
While participating in a high school game at Cubs Park, now known as Wrigley Field, on June 26, 1920, Gehrig first attracted widespread attention for his baseball prowess. He hit a grand slam at the age of 17 that was entirely unexpected.
Gehrig attended Columbia University after high school. In one illustrious game at Yankee Stadium, Gehrig fanned 17 batters in a losing effort. While there, a scout from the New York Yankees was drawn more to Gehrig’s left-handed power than to his pitching. Lou Gehrig signed on with the New York Yankees two months later.
Gehrig’s Time with the Yankees
On June 15, 1923, Gehrig made his formal debut with the Yankees as a pinch hitter. Two years later, he took the place of struggling first baseman Wally Pipp in the starting order. Gehrig would play for the Yankees for the next 2,130 games starting with that appearance. He continued to play despite being injured and ill, earning him the moniker “A. The Iron Horse
It wasn’t until Gehrig was 23 years old and batting in 1926 that he had a breakthrough offensive year.
16 home runs, 20 triples, and 112 RBIs for a total of 313. Throughout Gehrig’s career, these figures would serve as his benchmark until a sharp decrease in 1938. He was having trouble with routine daily activities like tying his shoes, and it appeared that his profession was beginning to catch up with his body. He worried that his situation might be more dire than just the end of his baseball career.
Gehrig’s Regression
Gehrig visited a physician to assess his health following a poor start in 1939. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS, following a battery of testing. The debilitating disease ALS inhibits the ability of the nerve cells to communicate with the muscles. Since then, ALS is more commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s illness
On May 2, 1939, Lou Gehrig ended his ironman run by leaving a game after receiving his diagnosis. A few time afterwards, he retired. On July 4 of that year, the Yankees honored Gehrig and named it a special day “”Lou Gehrig Day of Appreciation.” When Gehrig visited Yankee Stadium again, he addressed the fans with an impassioned speech. Major League Baseball made the decision to induct Gehrig into the Cooperstown Hall of Fame as soon as he retired. Gehrig became the first player to ever have his number (4), retired when the Yankees did it right away.
Numbers in Gehrig’s Career
Lou Gehrig’s career came to a close with impressive numbers: a career.
2,721 hits, 493 home runs, 340 batting average, and 1,995 runs batted in. He won the triple crown, was a six-time World Series champion, seven-time All-Star, two-time AL MVP, and the only player to ever hit four home runs in a one game.
Strong Playing Method
Lou Gehrig is primarily remembered for his amazing strength and stamina. He and Babe Ruth may have been the greatest hitting duo in Major League Baseball history, and he was a mainstay in the lineup. He acquired the moniker because of his capacity to perform under severe discomfort “A. The Iron Horse
Profession Highlights:
played in 2,130 straight games, a then-record number, from 1925 to 1939.
One of the greatest hitters in baseball history was in between, batting.340 with 493 home runs while combining with Babe Ruth to form what is arguably the best 1-2 punch in history.
Has 13 seasons in a row with at least 100 runs and 100 RBI, with 139 runs and 148 RBI on average.
In 1931, you set an AL record with 184 RBI. Gehrig has three of the top six RBI seasons in history.
six World Series titles (hitting .361 with 10 homers).
hit 23 grand slams in his career.
Following Retirement:
was forced to retire at the age of 34 after being diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
On July 4, 1939, at Yankee Stadium, he delivered a legendary speech in which he referred to himself as the “luckiest man on the face of the earth” following a rousing applause from the crowd.
was the first athlete to ever have the number 4 on his uniform retired.
passed away on June 2, 1941.
Vital Statistics:
- Born: June 19, 1903 in New York.
- Died: June 2, 1941
- Teams: New York Yankees (1923-39)
- Inducted into Hall of Fame: 1939
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 200
- Batted: Left
- Threw: Left
- Primary position: First baseman
