Lou Gehrig, one of baseball’s greatest players, left an indelible mark on the sport not only through his remarkable career but also through his courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that later bore his name. Lou Gehrig’s Day in baseball commemorates his legacy, celebrates his contributions to the game, and raises awareness for ALS. Here’s a look at the history of Lou Gehrig’s Day and the enduring impact of “The Iron Horse.”
Lou Gehrig: A Legendary Career
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Henry Louis Gehrig, known as Lou Gehrig, was born on June 19, 1903, in New York City. He began his Major League Baseball career with the New York Yankees in 1923, quickly establishing himself as a formidable first baseman. Known for his powerful hitting and unwavering consistency, Gehrig became an integral part of the Yankees’ lineup.
The Iron Horse
Gehrig’s nickname, “The Iron Horse,” stemmed from his incredible durability and work ethic. From 1925 to 1939, Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for 56 years until Cal Ripken Jr. broke it in 1995. His career achievements include a lifetime batting average of .340, 493 home runs, and 1,995 runs batted in (RBIs). Gehrig was a seven-time All-Star, a two-time American League MVP, and helped lead the Yankees to six World Series titles.
The Diagnosis and Farewell Speech
ALS Diagnosis
In 1939, Gehrig began to notice a decline in his physical abilities. After a series of tests at the Mayo Clinic, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on his 36th birthday, June 19, 1939. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.
The Farewell Speech
On July 4, 1939, the Yankees held a special Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. In front of a packed stadium, Gehrig delivered one of the most poignant and memorable speeches in sports history. Despite his diagnosis, Gehrig expressed gratitude for his life and career, famously stating, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” His humility, grace, and bravery left an enduring impact on fans and the baseball community.
Lou Gehrig’s Day: A Tribute to a Legend
Inception of Lou Gehrig’s Day
To honor Gehrig’s legacy and raise awareness for ALS, Major League Baseball announced the inaugural Lou Gehrig’s Day on June 2, 2021. The date is significant as it marks both the anniversary of Gehrig’s debut as the Yankees’ starting first baseman in 1925 and the day he passed away in 1941. Lou Gehrig’s Day aims to celebrate his contributions to baseball, highlight his courageous battle with ALS, and support efforts to find a cure for the disease.
Commemorative Activities
On Lou Gehrig’s Day, MLB teams across the league participate in various activities to honor Gehrig. Players, coaches, and umpires wear commemorative patches and wristbands. Ceremonies are held to recognize individuals and organizations dedicated to ALS research and support. Fans are encouraged to learn more about ALS and contribute to fundraising efforts for research and patient care.
Continuing the Fight Against ALS
Lou Gehrig’s Day has become a platform for raising awareness about ALS and supporting those affected by the disease. The ALS community, including patients, caregivers, researchers, and advocates, comes together to share stories and promote the ongoing fight against ALS. By keeping Gehrig’s memory alive, the baseball community continues to inspire hope and drive progress toward finding a cure.
Lou Gehrig’s speech became one of the most famous speeches in sports history, and is still watched and listened to this day. Lou Gehrig was an excellent ballplayer, a Hall of Fame player, but his legacy off the field will forever be greater than his contributions on the field. That’s how you know he is and will forever be a legend.