Henry Louis Gehrig, commonly known as Lou Gehrig, was an American professional baseball player who was born in 1903 and passed away in 1941. Gehrig primarily played for the New York Yankees team in Major League Baseball (MLB) and is widely regarded as one of the greatest first basemen in the history of the sport.
Gehrig's career with the Yankees, spanning from 1923 to 1939, was characterized by remarkable achievements and consistency on the field. He was known for his incredible durability, playing in a record-setting 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for over five decades. With a batting average of .340, he showcased exceptional hitting skills and had the ability to hit for both power and average. Gehrig slugged 493 home runs, including 23 grand slams, and amassed an impressive total of 1,995 runs batted in (RBIs).
Nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his remarkable durability, Gehrig was a team player known for his humility and work ethic. He was a key member of the dominant Yankees teams of the 1920s and 1930s, winning six World Series championships and earning two American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards (1927 and 1936).
Tragically, Gehrig's career and life were cut short when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's disease." He retired from baseball in 1939 and passed away from the disease in 1941 at the age of 37. Gehrig's legacy extends far beyond his baseball achievements, as he remains an enduring symbol of determination, sportsmanship, and courage in the face of adversity.
