Lou Gehrig, also known as The Iron Horse, was an American professional baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees. Gehrig was one of the greatest players of all time and was widely considered to be the greatest first baseman of all time.

Gehrig was born in New York City and was an excellent all-around athlete from a young age. He attended Columbia University, where he also played baseball, and he made his Major League debut in 1923 at the age of 21. That season Gehrig won the American League Most Valuable Player award, and he would go on to become a six-time All-Star and win the AL Triple Crown in 1934.

Gehrig was known for his consistent production at the plate and his ability to hit for power. He was also an outstanding fielder, and he led the league in fielding percentage four times. He was a member of six World Series championship teams and was the first major leaguer to have his uniform number retired.

Gehrig’s career was cut short in 1939 when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He retired at the age of 36, and his number 4 was retired by the Yankees in his honor. Gehrig was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 and remains one of the most beloved players in baseball history.

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