Lou Gehrig: The Iron Horse of Baseball

When the Yankees’ Lou Gehrig stepped to the plate on June 1, 1925, few could have known they were witnessing the start of history. Over the next 2,130 consecutive games, Gehrig never missed a start. Nicknamed the Iron Horse for his strength and endurance, his record stood for 56 years and became one of baseball’s most enduring achievements.

By 1938, Gehrig’s batting average fell below .300 for the first time, and he began suffering from unexplained physical weakness. He was later diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare degenerative disease that would come to bear his name.

A six time World Series champion and two time American League MVP, Gehrig was unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939. On July 4 of that year, the Yankees held Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day. Before 61,000 fans, he delivered his now famous Luckiest Man speech. The New York Times called it one of the most touching scenes ever witnessed on a ball field.

On June 2, 1941, sixteen years and one day after his historic streak began, Lou Gehrig died. The nation mourned an American hero.