Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig, an American baseball legend, had a career that is one of the most remarkable in the history of Major League Baseball. Born on June 19, 1903, in New York City, Gehrig's passion for baseball was ignited during his childhood and he later honed his skills at Columbia University. He made his debut for the New York Yankees in 1923, setting the stage for a career that would span over 15 years.
Gehrig is best known for his impressive streak of playing 2,130 consecutive games, a record which stood unbroken until 1995. This achievement earned him the nickname "The Iron Horse". His prowess as a first baseman was unparalleled, earning him seven All-Star selections and six World Series titles with the Yankees. Gehrig also claimed two Most Valuable Player awards and was the Triple Crown winner in 1934, leading the league in home runs, runs batted in, and batting average.
However, Gehrig's illustrious career was cut short by a rare neurological disorder, now commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Despite his illness, Gehrig displayed immense courage and dignity. On July 4, 1939, he delivered a farewell speech at Yankee Stadium, famously describing himself as "the luckiest man on the face of the earth". Lou Gehrig passed away on June 2, 1941, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of baseball fans and players alike.