Gehrig ends 2,130-game streak

The "Iron Horse" voluntarily took himself out of the lineup against the Detroit Tigers, ending a streak that had lasted nearly 14 years. Gehrig, who earned his nickname through incredible durability, was later diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

The beloved Yankees star gave his famous farewell speech on July 4, 1939, declaring himself "the luckiest man on the face of this earth." Though his life was cut short when he died in 1941, Gehrig's legacy endures through his Hall of Fame status and the annual recognition given to ALS awareness. palladian.co.za