The Iron Horse

Born June 19, 1903 in New York City son of German Immigrants, Lou Gehrig would become one of the greatest players to ever play the game of baseball. Lou was one of four children to survive. Struggling to make ends meet Lou's parents worked a number of jobs and were adamant on Lou's education. Lou earned a football scholarship to Columbia but before his first semester began, New York Giants manager John McGraw advised him to play summer professional baseball.

Lou was signed to the Yankees in 1923 with a $1500 bonus. While holding the record for most consecutive game streak of 2130 games (a record that stood until Cal Ripken, Jr. broke it in 1995). Lou played with 17 different fractures on his hands that healed naturally while he continued to play. He played well despite many injuries. His endurance and strength earned him the nickname "Iron Horse."

The dead ball era belonged to Ruth and Gehrig who dominated baseball with their unbelievable ability to hit home runs; the Yankees were in a league of their own. Gehrig spent his whole career in New York the nation's media capital. Gehrig was once asked about playing in Ruth's shadow and he answered "It's a pretty big shadow; it gives me lots of room to spread myself." Ruth and Gehrig's relationship fell apart when Gehrig's mother criticized the way Ruth's daughter dressed. Ruth got word and did not speak to Gehrig until "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" six years later.

Lou continued to dominate baseball until 1938 when he began to lose strength and batting average fell below .300. During this period, Lou was struggling to make hits and getting on base. Lou's consecutive game streak ended in 1939 when he voluntarily took himself out of the game. Doctors later diagnosed Lou with a rare disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which is now known as The Lou Gehrig's Disease. He would never play baseball again.

On July 4, 1939 sportswriter Paul Gallico suggested recognition day for Lou Gehrig. With over 62,000 fans in attendance Lou Gehrig stood in Yankee Stadium holding back tears and called himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth. It was one of the most emotional moments in sports history. At the end of his speech Babe Ruth walked over and put his arms around him and spoke in his ears the first words they had spoken since 1934. Gehrig was elected in the baseball hall of that same year. Lou Gehrig passed away on June 2, 1941. Lou Gehrig is remembered as one of the most spectacular players of all time. Visit http://www.VintageSportsCardMemorabilia.com for more information on great heroes.

About the Author: Eddie Delgado is the owner and writer for http://www.VintageSportsCardMemorabilia.com