This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/10/2006.
Born of German immigrant parents and the only child of four to survive, the late, great Lou Gehrig would go on to become an American icon during his all too short life. Banned from varsity sports during his freshman year at Columbia (which he attended on a football scholarship) after playing professional baseball under an assumed name, Gehrig soon left the ivy tower for the big leagues. After replacing the infamous Wally Pipp, the "Iron Horse" went on to play in 2,130 consecutive games for the Yankees, a record that would stand for over 50 years. Succumbing to the disease that would later bear his name, Gehrig died in 1941 at the age of 38, a few weeks shy of his birthday. This 5-1/4" x 6-1/2" folded letter was handwritten and signed in black fountain pen by Lou Gehrig. The inspirational letter reads "Dear Melville, Adapt yourself to your own particular style, and the one which which [sic] suits you the best. Cordially, Lou Gehrig." The letter shows minor creasing and folding, the signature is bold and clear, grading a 9. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication.