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1939 Lou Gehrig New York Yankees Original Photograph - One Month Before ALS Diagnosis (PSA Type I)
Presented is an original Type I photograph of Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig that was taken in Bradenton, Florida during the New York Yankees' spring training in 1939, only about three months before Gehrig's ALS diagnosis. Gehrig played in parts of 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the New York Yankees. He was a tremendous slugger, bashing 493 home runs, with a 1.080 OPS and a lifetime batting average of .340. He was the American League MVP in 1927 and '36, and he won the AL Triple Crown in 1934, with a .363 batting average, 49 homers and 166 RBIs. Gehrig held the all-time Major League record for consecutive games played, and every time he played a game, he set a new record. When spring training began in 1939, Gehrig was very sluggish in the field and at bat, but many observers thought he would perform well once the regular season began. Instead, Gehrig played in only eight games and only went 4-33 at bat, for a .143 average, and his play at first base was slow and ungainly. Finally, on the morning of May 2, 1937, Gehrig spoke to Yankee manager Joe McCarthy and asked to be taken out of the line-up for that afternoon's game in Detroit against the Detroit Tigers. Gehrig mentioned that he was not helping the team and McCarthy granted Gehrig's wishes. Gehrig's marvelous consecutive game streak had ended at 2,130, but he professed hope that he would rejoin the Yankee line-up when he felt better. Gehrig never got back on the field for the Yankees, and on his 36th birthday he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) The photograph measures 5x7". In the image, Gehrig's lower body strength in his legs is apparent. The photo shows some fading because of age, but overall, the photo is in excellent condition. The back of the photo shows handwriting, written in an unknown hand in blue ink, that reads, "Lou Gehrig/N.Y Yankees/Bradenton Fla/3-39". Gehrig would only live a bit more than two years after this photo was taken. The Iron Horse had helped the Yankees to seven World Championships, but he never played after May 2, 1939, and passed away on June 2, 1941.The photo has been encapsulated and graded PSA Type I Authentic. The photo is a poignant reminder of his great career and and his tragic death at only age 37.
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