Lou Gehrig

Introduction:
Lou Gehrig was an American baseball player who rose to fame in the early part of the 20th century. He was known as the "Iron Horse" for his durability, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest first basemen in the history of the sport. Gehrig was a seven-time All-Star, six-time World Series champion, and a two-time AL MVP. He also set a record with 23 grand slams, which stood for over seven decades. Sadly, Gehrig passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which has since been named after him.

Basic Information:
Henry Louis Gehrig was born on June 19, 1903, in Manhattan's Yorkville neighborhood in New York City. His parents, Heinrich and Christina Gehrig, were German immigrants. Gehrig had three siblings, two brothers and a sister. He attended Commerce High School, where he excelled in both academics and sports. In 1921, he enrolled at Columbia University to study engineering. However, he had to wait to play baseball due to eligibility issues, so he played football instead.

Personality and Motivation:
Gehrig was known for his calm demeanor, work ethic, and humility. He was a team player, putting the success of his team above his own achievements. Gehrig was a perfectionist, always striving to improve his skills and performance on the field. He was also deeply motivated by his mother's support and encouragement, which fueled his desire to succeed.

Before Becoming Famous:
Gehrig faced several challenges before becoming one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He struggled with shyness and insecurity, which made it difficult for him to connect with others. Additionally, his father's illness and eventual death forced Gehrig to take on more responsibilities at a young age.

Family Life:
Gehrig married Eleanor Twitchell, the daughter of the Chicago Parks commissioner, in September of 1933. The couple remained married until his death. They did not have any children together.

Linked to Other People in the Industry:
Gehrig was a beloved teammate and friend to many in the baseball world. He played alongside some of the most talented players of his time, including Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio. Gehrig's friendly rivalry with fellow first baseman Jimmie Foxx was well-known, and they often competed for the title of best in the league. Despite their on-field battles, the two remained friends off the field.