GEHRIG, Lou (1903-41) On June 1, 1925, a husky baseball rookie came into the New York Yankee lineup as a pinch hitter. The rookie, Lou Gehrig, hit a single and so started one of the most remarkable records in baseball. From that day he played in every Yankee game, regular and exhibition, until 1939. Then he contracted a rare disease causing spinal paralysis and was forced to retire. He died in Riverdale, N.Y., on June 2, 1941.
Henry Louis Gehrig was born in New York City on June 19, 1903. His father, an ironworker, spurred young Gehrig's interest in athletics by taking him to a gymnasium. Just before Lou was graduated from grammar school, his father became too ill to work. The boy and his mother worked to support the family, but the son still had time for athletics at the High School of Commerce and played on several school teams. At first he was awkward and uncoordinated, but he practiced constantly to overcome his weaknesses. Even as a star Gehrig was the first and last man on the practice field. At Columbia University Gehrig pitched and played outfield and first base. In June 1923 he signed a Yankee contract and was farmed out to Hartford, Conn., in the Eastern League for two seasons. Gehrig won the regular first-base position with the Yankees the day following his pinch-hitting assignment. He then played continuously until April 30, 1939. | |
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