One of the most recognizable names in baseball history, Lou Gehrig was born on this day in 1903. The American was a first baseman who played 17 seasons in the MLB for the New York Yankees, from 1923 through to 1939.

Gehrig was nicknamed ‘The Iron Horse’ for his durability and hitting prowess. He was an All-Star seven consecutive times, a Triple Crown winner once, an American League MVP twice, and a member of six World Series champion teams.

He set several league records during his career, including the most career grand slams (23) and most consecutive games played (2,130), a record that stood for 56 years.

His streak ended on May 2, 1939, when he voluntarily took himself out of the game, revealing he suffered from ALS – now commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He died in 1941, aged 37.

Other sporting stars born on this day:

 1972: Brian McBride, US retired footballer. Fourth highest all-time leading goalscorer for US national team (44).

1978: Dirk Nowitzki, German NBA player at the Dallas Mavericks. One of the greatest ever power forwards (38).

1980: Robbie Neilson, Scottish football manager, currently coaches Hearts in the SPL (36).

1985: Ai Miyazato, Japanese golfer, who has topped the women’s world rankings on three occasions (31).