Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir

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A Look at Lou’s Memoirs


While reading through Lou’s memoirs, I was struck by his signature humility. Despite the fact that he was writing Following the Babe during the peak of his athletic career, Gehrig rarely mentions his own accomplishments on the diamond. Instead, he takes time to praise his Yankee teammates and coaches.



No other Yankee gets more accolades from Lou than the Babe. Gehrig’s lifelong admiration for Ruth began when Lou was still in college at Columbia University. Andy Coakley, Columbia’s baseball coach, took Lou to a Yankee game so that the aspiring star could see Babe Ruth in action. Lou was so impressed by Ruth’s performance that he immediately became a huge fan of Babe and the Yankees.


Gehrig frequently mentions the advice Ruth gave him regarding life as well as baseball. The two were polar opposites in many respects (Lou was quiet, Babe was the center of attention), but they were also the perfect pair. On the field, Ruth and Gehrig helped build the first Yankee dynasty with their powerful bats. Off the field, they both devoted time and money to the kids who cheered them on. Always happy to shine a spotlight on others, Lou shares several touching stories about the Babe’s softer side.



Gehrig has plenty of complimentary things to say about his other teammates as well. He frequently talks up Tony Lazzeri, Herb Pennock, and manager Miller Huggins. Lou’s memoirs give readers an inside look at these Yankee legends. He talks about their interests off the field, their contributions to the great Yankee teams of the 1920s, and the ways in which they helped him become a better ballplayer. Anybody interested in learning more about the ’20s Yankees will thoroughly enjoy Lou’s thoughtful analysis.



The Verdict


I would gladly recommend Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir to anybody interested in a great baseball book. By providing us with an opportunity to read Lou’s own words, Gaff gives us a remarkable window into Gehrig’s life and times. If you want to learn more about Lou’s career in pinstripes, than Gaff’s book is a great place to start. You’ll come away with a thorough knowledge of Gehrig both as a player and as a man.



For a book full of great material, Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir is also quite concise. It comes in at about two hundred pages, and it could easily be read in a few days. While some baseball books can get bogged down by endless stats, Gaff always keeps things moving. Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir is a page-turner that I’m sure you’ll want to pick up again and again. Also, if you decide to grab a copy, make sure to check out Lou’s “Tips on How to Watch a Ball Game” in the back. With baseball set to return soon, they could be helpful!