Henry Louis Gehrig, known as Lou Gehrig, is remembered as one of the most talented first basemen in the history of Major League Baseball. Born in New York City to German immigrant parents, Gehrig's journey to baseball greatness began at Columbia University, where he initially attended on a football scholarship. However, it was his prowess on the baseball diamond that caught the attention of the New York Yankees, leading to his signing with the team.

Gehrig's major league debut came in 1923, but it wasn't until 1925 that he became a regular in the Yankees' lineup. His opportunity arose when Wally Pipp, the team's starting first baseman, was benched. Gehrig seized the chance and began a streak of consecutive games played that would eventually reach 2,130, earning him the nickname "The Iron Horse." This streak stood as a record for 56 years, a testament to his durability and consistency.

Throughout his career, Gehrig was known for his powerful hitting and exceptional run production. He was a central figure in the Yankees' lineup, batting cleanup behind Babe Ruth. This formidable duo led the Yankees to numerous victories and championships. Gehrig's batting prowess was evident in his statistics; he achieved a lifetime batting average of .340, hit 493 home runs, and drove in 1,995 runs. His ability to hit for both power and average made him a perennial All-Star and a two-time American League MVP.

Gehrig's career was marked by several standout seasons. In 1931, he drove in 184 runs, a single-season record that still stands. The following year, he won the Triple Crown, leading the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. His performance on the field helped the Yankees secure six World Series titles during his tenure.

Despite his success, Gehrig's career was tragically cut short by illness. In 1938, he began to notice a decline in his performance and physical abilities. The following year, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. On May 2, 1939, Gehrig voluntarily ended his consecutive games streak, recognizing that he could no longer perform at the level he once did.

Gehrig's farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939, remains one of the most poignant moments in sports history. In front of a packed stadium, he expressed gratitude for his life and career, famously declaring himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth." His humility and grace in the face of adversity left a lasting impression on fans and fellow players alike.

Lou Gehrig's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and records. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 through a special election, bypassing the usual waiting period. His number 4 was the first jersey to be retired by the Yankees, ensuring that his contributions to the team would never be forgotten.

Gehrig's battle with ALS brought attention to the disease, which is often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease" in his honor. His courage and dignity in facing his illness have inspired countless individuals, both within and outside the world of sports.

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