Lasting Legacy of Lou Gehrig: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Lou Gehrig across different fields.

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

1932: Monument Placed to Huggins

In 1932, a monument was placed at Yankee Stadium to Miller Huggins.

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."

July 6, 1941: Monument Dedicated to Gehrig at Yankee Stadium

On July 6, 1941, the Yankees dedicated a monument to Lou Gehrig in center field at Yankee Stadium, praising him as a great ballplayer and gentleman.

1942: Release of "The Pride of the Yankees"

In 1942, the film "The Pride of the Yankees", starring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig and Teresa Wright as his wife Eleanor, was released. It received 11 Academy Award nominations and won for Film Editing. Yankee teammates Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, Mark Koenig, and Bill Dickey played themselves, as did sportscaster Bill Stern.

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1949: Monument Placed to Ruth

In 1949, a monument was placed at Yankee Stadium to Babe Ruth.

1955: Lou Gehrig Memorial Award First Presented

In 1955, the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award was first presented to an MLB player who best exhibits Gehrig's character and integrity, off and on the field.

April 19, 1956: "The Lou Gehrig Story" on CBS's Climax!

On April 19, 1956, "The Lou Gehrig Story," a television episode about the days leading up to his farewell speech, was featured on the CBS anthology TV series Climax!, starring Wendell Corey and Jean Hagen.

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1976: Publication of "My Luke and I"

In 1976, Eleanor Gehrig and Joseph Durso co-authored "My Luke and I", an autobiography that chronicles the life of Eleanor and Lou Gehrig.

My Luke and I

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1978: Release of "A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story"

In 1978, the TV movie "A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story" was released, starring Blythe Danner and Edward Herrmann as Eleanor and Lou Gehrig, respectively. It was based on the 1976 autobiography "My Luke and I" written by Eleanor Gehrig and Joseph Durso.

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March 6, 1984: Eleanor Gehrig's Death

On March 6, 1984, Eleanor Gehrig, Lou Gehrig's wife, died on her 80th birthday and was interred with him in Kensico Cemetery. She never remarried and dedicated her life to ALS research.

1994: Gehrig's Birthplace Memorialized

In 1994, Lou Gehrig's birthplace in Manhattan was memorialized with a plaque marking the site.

1999: Gehrig Receives Most Votes on All-Century Team

In 1999, Lou Gehrig received the most votes of any baseball player on the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, chosen by fan balloting, sixty years after his farewell to baseball.

1999: Gehrig Ranked Sixth Greatest Player by Sporting News

In 1999, editors at Sporting News ranked Lou Gehrig sixth on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players".

2004: Gehrig Featured in All Star Baseball 2004

In 2004, Lou Gehrig's digital likeness and the opening quote of his "baseball's Gettysburg Address" were featured in the video game All Star Baseball 2004.

2008: "The Pride of the Yankees" Honored by AFI

In 2008, the American Film Institute (AFI) honored "The Pride of the Yankees" as the third-best sports movie.

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July 28, 2013: Special Tribute for Gehrig at Hall of Fame

On July 28, 2013, Lou Gehrig and 11 other deceased ballplayers received a special tribute during the induction ceremony held during "Hall of Fame Induction Weekend" in Cooperstown, New York.

March 2021: MLB Declares Lou Gehrig Day

In March 2021, Major League Baseball declared June 2 to be Lou Gehrig Day, commemorating his anniversary of becoming the Yankees' starting first baseman in 1925 and his death in 1941.

2022: Gehrig Named on New York Mount Rushmore of Sports

In 2022, as part of their SN Rushmore project, Sporting News named Lou Gehrig on their "New York Mount Rushmore of Sports", along with Babe Ruth, Walt Frazier, and Lawrence Taylor.