Lou Gehrig

Biography of Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig was one of the most famous baseball players in the history of the sport. He was born on June 19, 1903, in New York City. His full name was Henry Louis Gehrig, but he became known to everyone as "Lou." His parents, Heinrich and Christina, were immigrants from Germany. They moved to the United States to find a better life. Lou was their only child to survive. They had three other children who died when they were young.

Lou's family was very poor. His father had many health problems and could not work a lot. His mother worked very hard to take care of the family. She cleaned houses and cooked meals for people. Lou loved his mother very much and wanted to help her. He was a good student and a very strong boy. He dreamed of becoming successful one day to take care of his parents.

Lou’s Early Years and Love for Sports
As a child, Lou loved to play sports. He enjoyed football and baseball the most. He was very strong, and his friends were impressed by his powerful hits in baseball. He attended Commerce High School in New York City, where he continued to play sports. One day, Lou's baseball team went to Chicago to play a big game. Lou hit a ball so far that it left the stadium! People started to notice Lou’s great talent.

After high school, Lou went to Columbia University. He wanted to study engineering because his mother wished for him to have a good job. However, Lou continued to play baseball, and his skills got even better. He was very serious about his studies, but it became clear that he was meant to be a baseball player.

Starting His Career with the Yankees
In 1923, Lou’s life changed forever. A baseball scout from the New York Yankees, one of the most famous teams in Major League Baseball, saw Lou play in college. The scout was amazed by how strong Lou was and how far he could hit the ball. He invited Lou to try out for the Yankees. Lou was very excited, and he agreed to join the team.

Lou Gehrig made his debut with the Yankees on June 15, 1923. At first, he did not play in every game. The Yankees already had a great team, with star players like Babe Ruth. But Lou did not give up. He worked hard and proved that he was an important part of the team. In 1925, Lou became the Yankees' regular first baseman. From that point on, Lou never missed a game.

The Iron Horse
Lou Gehrig became famous not only for being a great baseball player but also for his toughness. He played 2,130 games in a row without missing a single one. This amazing streak earned him the nickname "The Iron Horse." Lou played through injuries, illnesses, and pain. No matter what happened, he showed up and gave his best effort in every game. This dedication made him a hero to baseball fans.

During his career, Lou Gehrig set many records. He was a powerful hitter and hit over 400 home runs. He also drove in more than 1,900 runs, which means he helped his team score a lot of points. In 1931, Lou set a record by driving in 184 runs in a single season. His record still stands today.

Lou's biggest strength was his ability to hit the ball hard and far. He was known for hitting grand slams. A grand slam is when a player hits a home run with all three bases full. Lou hit 23 grand slams in his career, which is still a record in Major League Baseball.

A Humble and Kind Person
Even though Lou Gehrig was a big star, he was always humble and kind. He never wanted to be the center of attention. He was quiet and respectful. His teammates liked him not only because he was a great player but also because he was a good person. Lou became close friends with Babe Ruth, another baseball legend, even though they were very different people.

Lou’s kindness and dedication to the game made him a role model for many young people. He was always ready to help his team, and he never let his fame change who he was.

The Disease That Ended His Career
In 1938, Lou Gehrig started to feel weak. He noticed that he could not run as fast or hit as hard as before. At first, he thought it was just part of getting older. But in 1939, things got worse. Lou was having trouble even doing simple things like holding a bat or catching a ball. He knew something was wrong.

Doctors soon discovered that Lou had a disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This disease affects the nerves that control the muscles. Over time, the muscles become weaker and weaker. ALS is a serious disease, and there was no cure for it at the time. It became known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease" because of Lou's bravery in facing it.

In May 1939, Lou decided to stop playing baseball. He knew he could not perform at the level he wanted anymore. On July 4, 1939, the Yankees held a special day to honor Lou Gehrig. The team, the fans, and many baseball players gathered at Yankee Stadium to say goodbye to Lou.

Lou gave a speech that day, which became one of the most famous moments in baseball history. Even though he was sick, Lou said he felt lucky. He said, "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth." His courage and positive attitude inspired everyone who heard him.

Lou Gehrig’s Legacy
Lou Gehrig passed away on June 2, 1941, just two years after he stopped playing baseball. He was only 37 years old. Although his life was short, his impact on the sport of baseball and on the people who knew him was huge.

In 1939, Lou became the first baseball player to have his number retired. The Yankees decided that no one would ever wear Lou’s number 4 again. This was a great honor, and it showed how much Lou meant to the team and to baseball.

Lou Gehrig was also inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. He was one of the best players the sport had ever seen, but more than that, he was a man of great character. Lou’s story is not just about baseball; it is about strength, perseverance, and humility. He faced great challenges but remained kind, positive, and brave until the end.

Today, Lou Gehrig is remembered not only as a baseball legend but also as a symbol of courage. The fight against ALS continues, and Lou’s name is still associated with efforts to find a cure for the disease. His legacy lives on, both in the sport of baseball and in the hearts of people who admire his spirit.



True/False Questions

1 - Lou Gehrig played 2,130 consecutive games without missing a single one.

2 - Lou Gehrig was born in Germany and moved to the United States when he was a teenager.

3 - Lou Gehrig attended Columbia University and studied engineering before becoming a professional baseball player.

4 - Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS, affected his ability to play baseball, but he continued to play for 5 more years.

5 - The New York Yankees retired Lou Gehrig’s number 4 in 1939, the same year he stopped playing baseball.


Comprehension Questions

1 - Where was Lou Gehrig born, and what were the origins of his parents?
2 - What sports did Lou Gehrig play when he was in high school and college?
3 - How did Lou Gehrig get the nickname "The Iron Horse"?
4 - What major records did Lou Gehrig set during his baseball career?
5 - Why did Lou Gehrig leave Columbia University to pursue a career in baseball?
6 - How did Lou Gehrig’s relationship with his mother influence his early life and career choices?
7 - What was significant about Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech at Yankee Stadium?
8 - What disease ended Lou Gehrig’s baseball career, and how did it affect him physically?
9 - How did Lou Gehrig’s legacy continue after his death, particularly with his connection to ALS?
10 - Why is Lou Gehrig considered both a great athlete and an inspiration to people facing challenges?