Lou Gehrig, a quiet hero by Frank Graham

Lou Gehrig, a Quiet Hero by Frank Graham, is a powerful and inspiring true story of one of the most beloved and celebrated figures in major-league baseball history. Lou Gehrig was a humble, hardworking ballplayer who faced personal and physical obstacles with courage and grace. The book chronicles Gehrig’s life growing up in New York, his ascension through the ranks of minor-league baseball to a career in the majors, and his inimitable relationship with Babe Ruth.

Growing up in the Upper West Side of New York City during the early 20th century, Louis Gehrig had an ingrained toughness and determination. He was raised by German-born parents who provided him an education that emphasized hard work and perseverance. Gehrig started playing baseball in his teens but had to contend with a lack of resources and opportunities due to poverty. He was determined to make it to the major leagues, and his first chance came when he was recruited to play for a semi-professional team in Harlem.

From there, Gehrig was signed by the New York Yankees and quickly rose to become a powerful and reliable player, usually playing first baseman. He quickly became known as the “Iron Horse” due to his exceptional durability and ability to keep playing even when injured. Gehrig showed consistency in his playing, rarely getting thrown out at first, and his performance earned him a place as the starting first baseman on the Yankees.

In 1921, Lou Gehrig's career was forever changed with the arrival of Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Ruth and Gehrig developed a close friendship and amazing chemistry on the field that earned them their legendary nicknames: The “Sultan of Swat” and “The Iron Horse”. Together, they became one of the greatest tandems in baseball history and managed to lead the Yankees to six championships between 1923 and 1928.

Gehrig faced the greatest challenge of his life when he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 1939. After receiving the diagnosis, Gehrig retired from baseball and gave an emotional farewell speech at Yankee Stadium which is still remembered for its stirring words: “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth”. Although he was no longer able to play, Gehrig stayed in the public eye, especially after his death in 1941. He is remembered for his strength, his determination, and his remarkable accomplishments, and his story remains inspirational to those striving to conquer their own physical and personal challenges.

Lou Gehrig, a Quiet Hero by Frank Graham is not just a book about a legendary baseball player. It's a stunningly accurate description of a man whose extraordinary courage and determination changed the course of sports and life in general. Through detailed accounts of Gehrig's life and experiences, Graham brings to life the man behind the myth. This book is sure to captivate readers and make them appreciate why Lou Gehrig is such an important figure in American history.

The story of Lou Gehrig is an inspiring one for people of all ages. His contagious strength and tenacity changed the course of sports history, and his humility and courage in the face of tremendous adversity are truly admirable. Lou Gehrig: A Quiet Hero by Frank Graham is an excellent account of a remarkable man, and a must-read for any fan of baseball, history, or courage.