Gehrig “G-Lou” Ryan Fleming

Gehrig Ryan was destined for great things. Named after baseball legends Lou Gehrig and Nolan Ryan, his life seemed intertwined with the game from the very beginning. He was the grandson of an 81-year-old umpire, the son of a high school/college baseball coach, and the younger brother of a Major League Baseball player. Baseball was always part of his world—but more importantly, it became something he truly loved with all his heart. Alongside his passion for the game, Gehrig was also an excellent and dedicated student.

From the time he was a baby, Gehrig was surrounded by baseball. He attended games and events with his family long before he could understand them, soaking in the sights and sounds while watching his father coach and cheering on his big brother. As a young child, he could often be found sitting in the dugout during his dad’s games, playing his Game Boy but always paying attention—watching, listening, and asking questions about the game.

Through his brother’s journey in professional baseball, Gehrig experienced moments that most young fans only dream of. He ran the bases at minor league parks and once dressed in a New York Yankees uniform during a special event at a Staten Island Yankees game against the New York Mets—putting on a different piece of the uniform at each base. He also served as an honorary coach during a St. Lucie Mets game when his brother was pitching. These moments deepened his love for the game and created memories he cherished.

Even the sounds of the ballpark stayed with him. One of his favorites was the familiar vendor call of “Cold beer here!”—a phrase he once enthusiastically shouted in his first-grade classroom, which quickly led to a memorable parent-teacher conference. Gehrig had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of bringing smiles to the people around him.

At just three years old, Gehrig began studying karate. Through dedication and discipline well beyond his years, he worked his way up to earning a red belt. He also explored other sports—wrestling, hockey, and basketball—but baseball was always where he felt most at home.

Gehrig eventually found his place behind the plate as a catcher, a role he embraced with pride and passion. He understood that being a great player required more than showing up with a glove and cleats. It meant putting in the work off the field—studying hard in school, building strength and conditioning, and spending countless hours taking swings… bucket after bucket of balls. He gave himself completely to the game.

Gehrig played baseball throughout his life—from tee ball and Little League, to middle school, high school, and college. The game tested him physically at times. He battled through injuries including a torn labrum and a fractured eye socket after taking a pitch inside. Yet he never complained. He kept showing up, working hard, and giving his best for his team. One college coach once described him as “the first one there and the last to leave.”

One of Gehrig’s final achievements came in the summer of 2025 when he helped lead his team to a championship in the West Chester Men’s League and was named the game’s MVP. True to his character, he never made much of it. To him, he was simply doing his job for the team. Playing with heart and dedication was just who he was.

Even during times when injuries kept him off the field, Gehrig remained his teammates’ biggest supporter—always ready with a high five, a fist pump, an encouraging word, a smile, or a joke to lift someone’s spirits. He was a loyal friend, a supportive teammate, and someone who truly cared about the people around him. In college, he was known for looking out for his roommates and being the kind of person everyone was glad to have by their side.

Gehrig “G Lou”  was more than a ballplayer. He was a hardworking student, a dedicated teammate, a loving son and brother, and a young man with a big heart. His passion, perseverance, and kindness continue to inspire those who knew him, and this scholarship honors his memory by supporting students who share those same values.