Childhood and Education Journey of Lou Gehrig in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 14, 2026

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, playing 17 seasons in MLB. Known for his exceptional hitting and durability, he was a seven-time All-Star, one-time Triple Crown winner, and two-time AL MVP. Gehrig contributed to six World Series championships and maintained impressive career stats, including a .340 batting average and 493 home runs. Famously, he played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record unbroken for decades. 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 his number 4 was the first ever retired by the Yankees.

Sections (5)

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

1900: Parents Married

In 1900, Lou Gehrig's parents, Anna Christina Foch and Heinrich Wilhelm Gehrig, were married.

June 19, 1903: Lou Gehrig Born

On June 19, 1903, Heinrich Ludwig "Lou" Gehrig was born in New York City.

Others born on this day/year

1910: Living in Washington Heights

In 1910, Lou Gehrig lived with his parents at 2266 Amsterdam Avenue in Washington Heights.

1921: Graduation from Commerce High School

In 1921, Lou Gehrig graduated from Commerce High School.

1931: Nicknamed "The Iron Horse"

During the streak, sportswriters in 1931 nicknamed Lou Gehrig "the Iron Horse".

1932: Met Eleanor Twitchell

In 1932, Lou Gehrig met Eleanor Twitchell, who he later married.

1933: Leaves Parents Home

In 1933, at the age of 30, Lou Gehrig left his parents' home.

May 2, 1939: Consecutive Game Streak Ends

On May 2, 1939, Lou Gehrig voluntarily took himself out of the Yankees' lineup, ending his consecutive game streak at 2,130 due to an undiagnosed ailment, later confirmed to be ALS.

June 13, 1939: Gehrig Arrived at Mayo Clinic

On June 13, 1939, Lou Gehrig arrived at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester from Chicago, where he underwent extensive testing for his condition.

June 19, 1939: ALS Diagnosis Released to Public

On June 19, 1939, the staff at the Mayo Clinic publicly released Lou Gehrig's diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

July 4, 1939: Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day was held at Yankee Stadium, where he delivered his famous "luckiest man on the face of the earth" speech.