Lou Gehrig: The Iron Horse of Baseball

Lou Gehrig was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He was known for his durability, hitting prowess, and leadership. Gehrig played for the New York Yankees for 17 seasons and helped the team win six World Series championships. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1939 and died two years later at the age of 37.

Lou Gehrig (Baseball Superstars)

by Ronald A. Reis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4119 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	130 pages

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Early Life and Career

Gehrig was born in New York City on June 19, 1903. He began playing baseball at an early age and quickly developed a reputation as a gifted hitter. In 1923, he signed a minor league contract with the Yankees and made his major league debut the following year.

Gehrig quickly became a star player for the Yankees. He was known for his powerful bat and his ability to hit for average. He also had a strong arm and was a good fielder. Gehrig played first base for the Yankees and was a key member of the team's "Murderers' Row" lineup.

The Iron Horse

Gehrig earned the nickname "The Iron Horse" because of his durability. He played in over 2,100 consecutive games, a record that stood for over 50 years. Gehrig's streak began on June 1, 1925, and ended on May 2, 1939. He was the first player to ever play in over 2,000 consecutive games.

Gehrig's durability was due to a combination of factors, including his physical strength, his mental toughness, and his ability to avoid serious injuries. He was also fortunate to have a supportive family and a strong team around him.

Leadership

Gehrig was also a natural leader. He was respected by his teammates and was always willing to help them improve their game. Gehrig was also a great ambassador for baseball and helped to popularize the sport around the world.

Legacy

Gehrig's legacy lives on through the Lou Gehrig ALS Foundation, which raises money to support research and patient care for people with ALS. The foundation was established in 1941 by Gehrig's wife, Eleanor.

The Lou Gehrig ALS Foundation has funded groundbreaking research that has led to new treatments for ALS. The foundation also provides support to patients and their families, including financial assistance, counseling, and educational resources.

Lou Gehrig was a great baseball player and a great man. His legacy will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Here are some additional facts about Lou Gehrig:

• Gehrig was a seven-time All-Star.
• Gehrig won the Triple Crown in 1934.
• Gehrig was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.
• Gehrig's number (4) was retired by the Yankees in 1939.
• Gehrig appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1938.

Lou Gehrig (Baseball Superstars)

by Ronald A. Reis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4119 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	130 pages

FREE