On April 23, 1939, the New York Yankees honored their legendary first baseman, Lou Gehrig, with "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium. This event took place just months before Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that would eventually bear his name.
During the ceremony, Gehrig stood before a crowd of over 60,000 fans, including his teammates, former teammates, and dignitaries. He delivered one of the most iconic speeches in sports history, which came to be known as the "Luckiest Man" speech.
In his emotional address, Gehrig expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had been given throughout his life and career. He famously stated, "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth." He went on to thank his teammates, coaches, and the fans for their support, emphasizing the deep bonds he had formed with them over the years.
Gehrig's speech resonated with the audience and has since become a symbol of courage, humility, and sportsmanship in the face of adversity. The moment was particularly poignant because it marked the end of Gehrig's illustrious 17-year career with the Yankees, during which he set numerous records and earned the nickname "The Iron Horse" for his durability and consistency on the field.
Lou Gehrig's farewell speech on April 23, 1939, remains one of the most memorable moments in sports history, transcending baseball and serving as an inspiration to millions of people around the world facing their own challenges.
