​Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig was a New York native who went on to become a Yankees legend. In his time with the team, he won six World Series and set some long-standing records.

As a player, Gehrig was formidable from the batter's box. He recorded 2,721 hits in his 17 seasons with the Yankees. He also had nearly 2,000 runs batted in his career as well.

Regarding his records, Lou Gehrig held the record for most grand slams with 23. That record stood until 2013, when Alex Rodriguez surpassed the mark. Along with that distinction, Gehrig was also a seven-time all-star and won the Triple Crown in 1934. Throughout his career, Lou Gehrig supported his skills on the field with an unrelenting work ethic. That work ethic pushed him to play in an astounding 2,130 consecutive games. That record lasted for more than half a century until Cal Ripken Jr. broke it.

Gehrig's streak of consecutive games ended due to symptoms of his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. Just two years after his retirement from the sport, Gehrig succumbed to the disease.

Because of Gehrig's impressive play and notoriety, his name has since become synonymous with the disease. But fans today should not forget the prowess and durability Gehrig showed on the field.

Due to that admirable play, Gehrig became a three-time home run leader and a five-time RBI leader in the American League. From 1935 to 1939, he served as the Yankees team captain. His number has since been retired by the team, and he entered the Hall of Fame in 1939.