Lou Gehrig Career

Lou Gehrig Career

Lou Gehrig was one of the most accomplished baseball players of his generation. He played in 14 seasons as a regular player, scoring more than 100 runs and recording at least 100 RBIs in 13 of those seasons.

He led the American League in runs four times, home runs three times, RBIs five times, on-base percentage five times, and batting average once.

Gehrig’s accomplishments on the field were matched by his character off the field. He was an active philanthropist, working with a number of charities throughout his career.

After his retirement from baseball, Gehrig devoted himself to raising awareness about the disease that would eventually bear his name – Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Tragically, Gehrig’s life was cut short by the disease that bears his name. He passed away in 1941, just two years after his retirement from baseball.

Despite his relatively short career, Gehrig left a lasting legacy both on and off the field. He was a true gentleman and a great ballplayer, and will always be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

Now we will take a look at Lou Gehrig Career.

 

Early Life and Education

Lou Gehrig was born in 1903 in New York City. He attended high school at Commerce High School, where he played baseball and football.

After graduation, he attended Columbia University on a scholarship. He played baseball there as well, but his college career was cut short after just one year when he was signed by the New York Yankees.

 

Start of career

Lou Gehrig’s professional career began in 1923, when he was signed by the New York Yankees. He made his Major League debut on June 15th of that year, and went on to play in 2,130 consecutive games – a record that would stand for over 50 years.

Gehrig quickly established himself as one of the best players in the game, scoring more than 100 runs and driving in more than 100 RBIs in each of his first 13 seasons.

He led the American League in runs four times, home runs three times, and RBIs five times. He also won the AL batting title in 1934 with a .363 average.

During his career, Gehrig was selected to seven All-Star teams and won two World Series titles with the Yankees. He was also named the AL MVP twice, in 1927 and 1936.

 in 1939, He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Gehrig’s career came to an end. He played his final game on April 30th of that year, and died just two years later at the age of 37.

 

Peak of career

Gehrig’s career reached its peak in 1927 when he helped lead the Yankees to their first World Series championship. That year, Gehrig batted .373 with 47 home runs and 175 RBIs.

He was named as the MVP at American League. Gehrig continued to be one of the best players in baseball over the next several years, but 1927 remained his most successful season.

In 1936, Gehrig’s streak of 2,130 consecutive games came to an end when he took himself out of the lineup. The streak had been going on for more than 13 years and was a testament to Gehrig’s dedication to the game.

Despite missing some time due to injury, he still managed to hit 49 home runs that season, which was a new career high.

The following year, 1937, was another banner year for Gehrig. He set a new Major League record by hitting four home runs in one game.

He also led the Yankees to their second World Series championship in three years. In 1938, Gehrig was once again named the American League MVP after batting .349 with 39 home runs and 155 RBIs.

Tragically, 1939 would be Gehrig’s final season. He was diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative disease that caused him to lose muscle function and eventually led to his death. He played his final game on April 30th and died just two years later at the age of 37.

 

Accomplishments

Some of Gehrig’s greatest accomplishments came during his streak of 2,130 consecutive games played. This streak is one of the most impressive and unbreakable records in all of the professional sports.

Gehrig also set a Major League record by hitting four home runs in one game. He did this in 1937, a year in which he also led the Yankees to their second World Series championship in three years.

1938 was another MVP season for Gehrig, as he batted .349 with 39 home runs and 155 RBIs. These accomplishments solidified Gehrig’s legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of baseball.

 

Awards and records

Gehrig was a six-time winner of the American League Most Valuable Player Award, a two-time World Series champion, and a 14-time All-Star.

He also held several Major League records, including most career grand slams (23), most consecutive games played (2,130), and most seasons with 100 or more runs scored (13). Gehrig’s accomplishments solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of baseball.

 

Death

In 1939, Gehrig’s streak of 2,130 consecutive games came to an end. Despite missing some time due to injury, he still managed to hit 49 home runs that season, which was a new career high.

The following year, 1937, was another banner year for Gehrig. He set a new Major League record by hitting four home runs in one game.

He also led the Yankees to their second World Series championship in three years. In 1938, Gehrig was once again named the American League MVP after batting .349 with 39 home runs and 155 RBIs.

Tragically, 1939 would be Gehrig’s final season. He was diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative disease that caused him to lose muscle function and eventually led to his death.

On June 2, Gehrig died at the age of 37. His death came just two years after he was diagnosed with ALS. Although his career was cut short by the disease, Gehrig left behind a legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of baseball.