Childhood and Education Journey of Lou Gehrig in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Lou Gehrig, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Lou Gehrig, nicknamed "the Iron Horse," was a legendary New York Yankees first baseman (1923-1939) known for his hitting and durability. He achieved a .340 batting average, 493 home runs, and 1,995 RBIs. A seven-time All-Star, Triple Crown winner, and two-time AL MVP, he contributed to six World Series championships. His consecutive games played record stood for 56 years. Tragically, his career ended prematurely due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, and the Yankees retired his number 4, a first in MLB.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

June 19, 1903: Lou Gehrig Born

On June 19, 1903, Henry Louis Gehrig, also known as Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig, was born. He later became a celebrated baseball player for the New York Yankees.

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June 26, 1920: Grand Slam at Cubs Park

On June 26, 1920, Lou Gehrig garnered national attention while playing baseball at Cubs Park (now Wrigley Field) in Chicago. Playing for Commerce High School, he hit a grand slam completely out of the major league park.

April 18, 1923: Gehrig strikes out 17 batters

On April 18, 1923, Columbia pitcher Lou Gehrig struck out 17 Williams Ephs batters, setting a team record. The same day Yankee Stadium opened and Babe Ruth hit a home run. Yankees scout Paul Krichell attended and was impressed with Gehrig's powerful left-handed hitting.

1933: Met Eleanor Twitchell

In 1933, Lou Gehrig met Eleanor Twitchell and began dating the next year. He also lived with his parents until 1933, when he was 30 years old.

1936: Time Magazine Article and Tarzan Audition

In 1936, Time magazine featured Gehrig and Carl Hubbell, calling Gehrig "the game's No. 1 batsman". Also in 1936, Gehrig auditioned for the role of Tarzan in Tarzan's Revenge but did not get the part.

January 1938: Gehrig Stars in "Rawhide"

In January 1938, Lou Gehrig starred in the 20th Century Fox movie "Rawhide," playing himself in his only feature-film appearance.

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June 13, 1939: Gehrig Arrives at Mayo Clinic

On June 13, 1939, Lou Gehrig flew to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester from Chicago, where the Yankees were playing. He underwent extensive testing to determine the cause of his physical decline.

June 19, 1939: ALS Diagnosis Released to Public

On June 19, 1939, the staff at the Mayo Clinic released Lou Gehrig's ALS diagnosis to the public.

July 4, 1939: Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day was held at Yankee Stadium. During the event, Gehrig delivered his famous speech declaring himself the "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth."

October 1939: Gehrig Accepts Appointment as NYC Parole Commissioner

In October 1939, Lou Gehrig accepted Mayor La Guardia's appointment to a ten-year term as a New York City parole commissioner.

January 2, 1940: Gehrig Sworn in as NYC Parole Commissioner

On January 2, 1940, Lou Gehrig was sworn into office as a New York City parole commissioner, a position to which he was appointed by Mayor La Guardia in October 1939.