May 2: Two months later, on Independence Day, he addressed the fans and the world at a tearful July 4 ‘Official Farewell’ at Yankee Stadium. “The Iron Horse” had been stricken with ALS (now called Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
He retired after 17+ seasons, having played in 2,130 consecutive games (over his last 15+ seasons), which incorporated and a historic playing–streak which would not be trumped for over half a century (by Cal Ripken of the Baltimore Orioles in 1995).
First baseman Gehrig was one of the greatest Yankees of all–time, a Triple Crown winner included in his legacy, as well as having been a member of the legendary Yankee’s Murderer’s Row lineup.