There isn’t a person in the country that doesn’t know the name of Lou Gehrig. A baseball icon that never let the stardom go to his head, he became one of America’s most famous players. His record breaking averages were only overshadowed by the ALS illness that he brought to the forefront of medical attention.

Lou was born in 1903 from hardworking German immigrant parents and of the four children in the family, he was the only survivor. His mother emphasized the importance of a good education and work ethics. Always excellent in sports, he had a football scholarship to Columbia University. However, when baseball scout saw him play, he was brought into the Yankees team.

Gehrig suffered many injuries that would have put any other player on the bench, but he continued to play. Doctor’s were astounded at Lou’s endurance and fellow players began to call him the “Iron Horse”. By 1925, Gehrig began a 12 year run of hits over .300. He was side to side with Babe Ruth in the top sports headlines. In 1932, Gehrig hit four homeruns in a single game and became the first in American League history to carry that title.

Lou set an astonishing number of records over his playing history: the 15th highest batting average of .340; achieving a level on five situations of over 400 total bases placing him with this honor of only 13 others in history; in one season he accomplished more than one hundred extra base hits- a record held by a total of seven men; over 147 runs batted in- which wasn’t broken until 1977; and his 1934 record of 184 runs batted in, which remains the top in the American League. This was just the beginning of his success in baseball, as the records he held continued to grow.

In 1938, after an array of symptoms that slowed his performance in his games and a misdiagnosis, Lou found out he had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis); an uncommon degenerative disease. Gehrig knew his baseball career was done. In 1939, fans filled Yankee Stadium for a special “Lou Gehrig” day celebration. His commemorative speech included the fact that he considered himself “the luckiest man in the world”. In Dec., 1938 he was added to the honor roll of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Lou’s physical health continued to decline, but he would not let it take him down. He worked with the New York parole board to assist troubled kids. He could only accomplish three years of the ten years he signed up for, before his condition made him too ill to continue. On June 2, 1941, the ALS finally overcame Lou and our country mourned the passing of one of the greatest sports heroes of our time.

Lou Gehrig was a simple, hardworking, honest guy that played baseball. His family would tell you he was a great husband and son; and he held the highest of respect from his team players. The ALS disease now bears his name and it became a more well-known disorder in medical history. Lou was just a good guy that represented all that was fair and honest in our country.