ALS: 75 Years Since Lou Gehrig's Death

A Legendary Ballplayer's Battle with a Devastating Disease

Lou Gehrig's Diagnosis and Legacy

June 2nd, 1941, marks the 75th anniversary of the tragic death of Lou Gehrig, the iconic New York Yankees first baseman who succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 37.

Known as the "Iron Horse" for his legendary toughness, Gehrig's diagnosis in 1939 shocked the world of baseball and beyond. The progressive neurological disorder, which affects the motor neurons that control muscle movement, gradually robbed Gehrig of his strength and coordination until he could no longer play the game he loved.

Although Gehrig's name has become synonymous with ALS, it was not until years after his death that the disease was formally named after him. The research and advocacy efforts sparked by his story have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding and treatment of ALS.