Lessons from Lou Gehrig

Last Saturday I went to the Phillies game. It was July 4th and was the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech. To commerate the occasion, ballplayers and distinguished guests read the speech before each game played that day. In our case, it was Chris Coste, the Phillies former back up catcher. They were powerful words then and are powerful today. It's only two minutes, but that's all Lou could muster. He was dying of ALS which is now called Lou Gehrig's Disease.


There are many who don't know who Lou Gehrig is or what he accomplished. He played in the shadow of Babe Ruth, batting behind him (thus the number 4). Here are some of his accomplishments:

• Graduated from Columbia University. He went there on a football scholarship
• He played for the Yankees from 1925 until 1939 when he took himself out of the line-up and never played again
• Won the triple crown in 1934 with a .363 batting average, 49 home runs and 165 runs batted in
• Hit 493 career home runs
• In 1931, he drove in 184 runs
• Became the first athlete to have his number retired in 1939 when he made his memorable speech
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1939 after baseball waived the traditional five year waiting period
• Played in 2,130 consecutive games despite 17 fractures in his hands, being hit in the head (no protective head gear in the 30's) several times, and suffered from severe back pain. This record stood until 1995 when Cal Ripken, Jr. broke it with 2,632 consecutive games

How many of us have worked our jobs for over 9 years performing at the top of out game? Granted baseball is a seasonal profession, but I would argue that few of us perform at a level of excellance each and every day. Why is this? Are we tired? Are we mad? Are we victims? Are we not getting enough attention? Are we disappointed in our lives? If the answer is yes to any of these questions then DO SOMETHING PROACTIVE and remedy the situation. Set goals, change habits, and most of all, get a better attitude. Get a coach if you need help-it will change your life. Lou Gehrig went about his business in a professional manner. He didn't seek the limelight, it found him based on his performance. Bill Dickey, the Yankees catcher said the following: "He doesn't need a tribute from anyone. His life and the way he lived were tribute enough. He just went out and did his job every day."

All too often we look for the shortcuts and look to get the attention. Often, we don't do the work, make the calls, do the follow up, thank those who support us or pay attention to the details that build a foundation of success. Rather, we do those activities that get us noticed. Soon, however, the spotlight will burn through the veneer and show the transparency of your actions.

Lou Gehrig stands for dedication, hard work, humility and integrity. He worked hard at his craft, performed consistently at the highest levels and never sought the limelight. How much would his services be worth today. Think Mark Teixeira signing a $180 million dollar (eight years) contract this winter. How much will you be worth if you dedicate yourself to your own success; work hard every day, let others take the spotlight and be in integrity with every action? Lou showed us how to live by dying of ALS. Let's take those lessons and make ourselves better people.