In the Spring of 1939, the New York Yankees
took to the field at Al Lang Stadium to tend to their annual spring training duties.
The grass revealed its earthy Florida aroma similar to seasons before, the dusted base
lines guided players through their routines and the St. Petersburg weather brought
it’s usual spring unpredictability. It all seemed so familiar, but one thing
had changed. The Yankee's ace first baseman Lou Gehrig seemed to lack the spring in
his step that had carried him through over 2000 consecutive games.
As the season took its first steps, fans and
sports writers were surprised by the decline in number 4’s performance numbers.
His expected ferocity at the plate had diminished and his pep to beat the
runners at first had almost disappeared. His heart was in the game but his body
was failing him.
