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 celebrated New York Yankees first baseman (1923-1939). Known for his hitting and exceptional durability, he achieved a .340 career batting average with 493 home runs and 1,995 RBIs. A seven-time All-Star, Triple Crown winner, and two-time AL MVP, Gehrig contributed to six World Series championships. He famously played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for 56 years. His career was tragically cut short by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now often called 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

1900: Marriage of Parents

In 1900, Lou Gehrig's parents, Heinrich and Christina, were married in the United States. They were both Lutheran.

June 19, 1903: Lou Gehrig Born

On June 19, 1903, Henry Louis Gehrig, also known as Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig, was born. He would become a renowned baseball player known for his hitting and durability.

Others born on this day/year

1921: Graduation from Commerce High School

In 1921, Lou Gehrig graduated from Commerce High School.

1922: Columbia Lions Football

In 1922, Lou Gehrig played collegiate sports as a fullback for the Columbia Lions football team.

1923: Columbia Baseball

In 1923, Lou Gehrig played first base and pitched for the Columbia baseball team.

1929: Uniform Numbers

In 1929, the New York Yankees began wearing numbers on their uniforms. Lou Gehrig wore number 4.

1932: Met Future Wife

In 1932, Lou Gehrig met Eleanor Twitchell, who would become his wife.

1933: Moved Out

In 1933, Lou Gehrig moved out of his parents' home.

1937: Photographs taken

In 1937 some photos of Lou Gehrig were taken to determine when he began showing visible symptoms of ALS.

May 2, 1939: End of Consecutive Game Streak

On May 2, 1939, Lou Gehrig voluntarily took himself out of the lineup, ending his streak of consecutive games played at 2,130. He was suffering from an undiagnosed ailment.

June 13, 1939: Arrival at Mayo Clinic

On June 13, 1939, Lou Gehrig arrived at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for testing after experiencing worsening symptoms.

June 1939: ALS Diagnosis

In June 1939, Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

June 19, 1939: ALS Diagnosis Released to Public

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

July 4, 1939: "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" Speech

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig delivered his famous "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech at Yankee Stadium.

1939: Photographs taken

In 1939 some photos of Lou Gehrig were taken to determine when he began showing visible symptoms of ALS.

June 2, 1941: Lou Gehrig's Death

On June 2, 1941, Lou Gehrig passed away due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

1941: Gehrig's Death

In 1941, Lou Gehrig died.

1946: Father's Death

Lou Gehrig's father, Heinrich Wilhelm Gehrig, died in 1946.

1954: Mother's Death

Lou Gehrig's mother, Anna Christina Foch, died in 1954.

March 6, 1984: Eleanor Gehrig's Death

On March 6, 1984, Eleanor Gehrig died on her 80th birthday and was interred with Lou Gehrig.

1984: Death of Eleanor Twitchell

Lou Gehrig's wife, Eleanor Twitchell, passed away in 1984.

1994: Birthplace Memorialized

Lou Gehrig's birthplace in Manhattan at 1994 Second Avenue is memorialized with a plaque.

2006: ALS Symptom Analysis

In 2006, researchers analyzed the movie Rawhide and photographs of Lou Gehrig from 1937-1939 to determine when he began showing visible symptoms of ALS, concluding that he functioned normally in January 1938.