May 2: Lou Gehrig Ends His Baseball Streak (1939)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people with ALS and their families.
History Note
Lou Gehrig was born on June 19, 1903, in New York City. His parents, Heinrich and Christina, were immigrants from Germany. His parents struggled financially, but they worked hard to care for their son.
Gehrig went to Columbia University on a football scholarship and planned to study engineering. However, his talent at baseball got the attention of a professional scout, and the New York Yankees recruited him. He played in a few games for the Yankees in 1923, but on June 1, 1925, he started an amazing streak.
From 1925 to 1939, Lou Gehrig never missed a game. He played in 2,130 consecutive games. (The previous record was 1,307.) Despite injuries and illness, he always showed up to do a job he loved.
Though he was often overshadowed by his teammates Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, Gehrig was a powerful hitter who helped his team win. During Gehrig’s career, the Yankees went to the World Series seven times and won six times.
In 1938 Gehrig’s performance slipped. Doctors were not sure what was wrong. In the 1939 season, Gehrig played the first eight games. On May 2, 1939, he decided that the time had come for him to stop playing.
Gehrig finally received a diagnosis that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This disease affects the body’s nerve cells and makes it hard for people to control their muscles. It has often been called “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
On July 4, 1939, Yankee Stadium hosted a day to honor Lou Gehrig. He made an emotional speech to fans and teammates. Gehrig was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame that year.
Gehrig’s wife, Eleanor, supported him as his health continued to decline. He died on June 2, 1941. President Franklin Roosevelt sent flowers to Eleanor as the country mourned with her.
This photo shows Lou Gehrig (far left) with other players at the 1937 All-Star Game. Photo by Harris & Ewing, courtesy the Library of Congress.
Learn More
No complete recording of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech exists. This video fills in the gaps based on transcripts from the time.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
