Full Name : Ludwig Heinrich Gehrig or Henry Louis Gehrig
Born : June 19, 1903
Hometown : New York City
Height : 6'
Weight : 200 lbs
Bats : Left
Throws : Left
Major League Baseball debut : June 15, 1923 for the New York Yankees
Family : parents, Heinrich Gehrig, Christina Fack; wife, Eleanor Twitchel
Primary Position : FB (First Baseman)
Lou Gehrig was born on June 19, 1903, and it was on this day that a baseball legend entered the world. As a youngster, Gehrig suffered from financial poverty since his parents did not have steady jobs. His mother frequently encouraged him to pursue a career as an architect since his uncle was successful in that business. However, Gehrig had other aspirations.
In college, Gehrig served as a fullback for Columbia University before stepping foot on the baseball field. Scouts considered him a phenomenal pitcher, and in one performance he managed to strike out 17 batters. His professional career did not begin until 1923 when he joined the New York Yankees. It took a few years for the young athlete to adjust to the major league level, as Gehrig did not make significant contributions to the New York organization until 1926. During that season, Lou batted .313, belted 16 long balls, and drove in 112 RBI's. Unfortunately, the Yankees went on to lose to the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series that same year.
1927 served as a career year for Gehrig, and it has been regarded by many as one of the best offensive seasons by any player in major league history. He finished up batting an astounding .373, knocking out 47 home runs, and driving in an amazing 175 RBI's. His stunning performance helped earn the Yankees a World Series victory. Many consider the 1927 Yankee lineup, which included the infamous Babe Ruth, as one of the greatest lineups in baseball history.
Together, Gehrig and Ruth put up stellar numbers that made the Yankees the toughest team to beat in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Ruth almost always had the edge in the home run races, but Gehrig put up a worthy fight. The two played together on the Yankees for roughly ten years, and their competitive nature filled the seats at Yankee Stadium in New York.
June 3, 1932 was a historic day in Gehrig's career, as he belted 4 home runs in one game. He would have hit a fifth, but center fielder Al Simmons made an amazing leaping catch. This game was only one of the 2,130 consecutive games that Gehrig played in during a span of 14 years. The only other MLB athlete who played in more consecutive games was Cal Ripken Jr., who set the record at 2,632.
When Gehrig's streak ended in 1939, it became evident that he was suffering from serious health conditions that limited his performance. Right before his 2,131 game, Gehrig scratched himself from the lineup card, as he knew that his health would not allow him to compete. Eventually, he would be diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or rapidly increasing paralysis.
Gehrig's fans and teammates all respected him for his devotion to the game. Yankee manager Joe McCarthy, who shared a fond relationship with Gehrig, was saddened when he heard that one of his favorite superstars would no longer be able to compete. The number 4 has been retired in his honor. On June 2, 1941, Gehrig passed away in his home, and today a monument has been dedicated to him in center field at Yankee Stadium. As a Hall of Famer, stupendous athlete, and remarkable citizen, there is no question that Gehrig will always be recognized as an influential figure.
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