On June 1st in sports history, one significant event took place in 1938. On this day, the New York Yankees unveiled a monument dedicated to the legendary first baseman, Lou Gehrig, in a ceremony held at Yankee Stadium.
Lou Gehrig, nicknamed "The Iron Horse," was a remarkable player who set numerous records during his career, including playing in 2,130 consecutive games. However, his streak came to an end when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and incurable neuromuscular disease, which forced him to retire at the age of 36.
The monument, which was placed in center field, was the first ever erected at a baseball stadium to honor an active player. The plaque on the monument read: "A man, a gentleman, and a great ballplayer whose amazing record of 2,130 consecutive games should stand for all time."
The unveiling ceremony was an emotional one, as Gehrig himself was present. In front of a crowd of more than 60,000 fans, he delivered his famous "Luckiest Man" speech, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play baseball and the love and support he received from his fans, teammates, and family.
Gehrig's words resonated with the audience and have since become one of the most iconic speeches in sports history. He said, "Fans, for the past two weeks, you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth."
Lou Gehrig passed away two years later, on June 2, 1941, at the age of 37. His legacy, both as a player and as a person, continues to inspire generations of baseball fans and athletes alike. The monument at Yankee Stadium stands as a testament to his greatness and the impact he had on the sport of baseball.
