On May 2, 1939, legendary baseball player Lou Gehrig’s remarkable 2,130 game streak came to an end after he played continuously for fifteen years. Gehrig, known as the “Iron Horse,” was an icon of the game who held the record for most consecutive games played in the history of baseball. His record stood for more than half a century until it was broken by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1995.
Lou Gehrig’s consistency, work ethic, and determination were the hallmarks that characterized his streak. He never missed a game due to injury or illness as he played through numerous injuries and ailments, such as broken bones, sprained fingers, and aggressive flu in 1938, which would later be diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Sadly, Gehrig was forced to retire from baseball the following month after the disease severely affected his health, leading to severe muscle weakness that hindered his ability to play. He left the game in tears. During a game against the Washington Senators at Yankee Stadium, he delivered his memorable farewell speech, saying, “Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
The end of Lou Gehrig’s streak marked the end of an era that players and fans would never forget. Although Gehrig’s life was cut short, his legacy as a brave and honest athlete and his contributions to baseball will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Today, we remember Lou Gehrig and his remarkable feat of playing 2,130 games consecutively. Let his commitment to the game be a symbol of hope and inspiration to all those aspiring to achieve excellence in their respective fields.
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