Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir

In this surprising rediscovery, historian Gaff (Lou Gehrig) presents the lost memoir of New York Yankee Gehrig (1903–1941), written in 1927. In a conversational style, Gehrig discusses his humble childhood as the son of German immigrant parents in New York City and the respect he has for his other sports figures, such as teammate Babe Ruth, rival Ty Cobb, and manager Miller “Hug” Huggins. Gehrig’s love for the game is palpable, especially after winning the 1927 World Series, of which he writes, “I’m proud of the game and all who play it. And as long as I wear a big-league uniform, I will give all I can to the game.” Gaff follows up the memoir with a detailed look into Lou Gehrig’s life, discussing his career and the exuberant excesses of the Yankees’ hell-raising lifestyle (mainly Ruth’s), as well as Gehrig’s battle with ALS, with which he was diagnosed in 1939. Special mention is given to Gehrig’s legacy; even in his final days, he dedicated his life to trying to help others who were suffering from their own hardships. Gaff’s volume is a fitting tribute to an inspiring baseball legend. (May)