About

He played his entire 17-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees, primarily as a first baseman. Gehrig's career spanned from 1923 to 1939, during which time he amassed numerous achievements and became one of the greatest players of all time. Gehrig's exceptional performance earned him the nickname "The Iron Horse" due to his record-breaking streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, a record that stood unbroken for 56 years. His consistency and powerful hitting skills made him a formidable force in the Yankees' lineup, complementing the legendary Babe Ruth. Gehrig also boasted an impressive batting average, hitting over . 300 for seven consecutive seasons. In addition to his on-field achievements, Gehrig was widely respected for his character and sportsmanship. Despite being renowned for his durability, Gehrig's career came to a tragic end when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1939, a devastating disease that would eventually bear his name. At the age of 36, Gehrig retired from professional baseball, giving his famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939. His speech, expressing gratitude and determination despite his illness, remains one of the most memorable moments in sports history. Beyond his playing career, Lou Gehrig's legacy also includes his contributions to ALS awareness and research. His public battle with the disease raised awareness about ALS and helped increase funding for research. Today, the disease is commonly referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease" in the United States. Tragically, Gehrig passed away on June 2, 1941, at the age of 37. Despite his short life, his impact on baseball and the fight against ALS is immeasurable. Lou Gehrig's accomplishments, both on and off the field, solidify his place in American sports history as one of the greatest athletes of all time.