# Lou Gehrig

> American baseball player (1903–1941)

**Wikidata**: [Q357444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q357444)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Gehrig)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lou-gehrig

## Summary
Lou Gehrig was an American baseball player (1903–1941), best known for his career with the New York Yankees and his eventual diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare neurodegenerative disease that caused progressive paralysis. He is celebrated for his longevity in Major League Baseball and the establishment of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, which honors players who embody his spirit of excellence and integrity.

## Biography
- Born: 1903 (exact date and place not specified)
- Nationality: American
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Pioneering the "Iron Horse" nickname and advocating for ALS awareness through the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award
- Employer(s): New York Yankees (1923–1939)
- Field(s): Baseball, sports advocacy

## Contributions
- **Lou Gehrig Memorial Award**: Established in 1955 to honor players who demonstrate Gehrig's qualities of excellence, integrity, and perseverance. The award is presented annually by Major League Baseball.
- **ALS Awareness**: Gehrig's public battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) raised awareness for the disease, which he died from in 1941.

## FAQs
- **What was Lou Gehrig's most famous nickname?**
  He was nicknamed "The Iron Horse" due to his remarkable durability and longevity in baseball.
- **Which team did Lou Gehrig play for?**
  He played for the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1939.
- **What award was created in honor of Lou Gehrig?**
  The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award was established in 1955 to recognize players embodying his qualities of excellence and integrity.
- **What disease did Lou Gehrig die from?**
  He died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare neurodegenerative disease causing progressive paralysis.

## Why They Matter
Lou Gehrig's career and legacy extended beyond baseball, as his battle with ALS brought national attention to the disease. The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award continues to honor players who uphold his values, ensuring his impact on sportsmanship and advocacy endures. His story remains a symbol of resilience and integrity in sports history.

## Notable For
- First player to be named to the Baseball Hall of Fame by a unanimous vote (1939).
- Established the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1955 to honor players embodying his spirit.
- Died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1941, raising awareness for the disease.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Lou Gehrig began his professional baseball career with the New York Yankees in 1923, quickly earning the nickname "The Iron Horse" for his unmatched durability. He played first base and was known for his powerful hitting and defensive skills. Gehrig's career spanned 17 seasons, during which he became one of the most respected figures in baseball.

### Legacy and Advocacy
After retiring in 1939, Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. His public battle with the disease led to increased awareness of ALS, and in 1955, the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award was established to honor players who demonstrated excellence, integrity, and perseverance. The award remains a prestigious recognition in Major League Baseball.

### Influence on Baseball
Gehrig's longevity and work ethic set a standard for professionalism in sports. His induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 was unanimous, a rare honor that underscored his impact on the game. The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award continues to celebrate players who embody his values, ensuring his legacy endures in baseball history.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. Find a Grave
4. [MLB.com](http://m.mlb.com/awards/history-winners/?award_id=ALMVP)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. [Source](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/did-lou-gehrig-actually-die-of-lou-gehrigs-disease)
8. [Source](http://time.com/4353770/lou-gehrig-death-75-years/)
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. Who Named It?
12. Discogs
13. MLB.com
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Quora