On August 26, 1939, one of baseball's most iconic moments took place at Yankee Stadium in New York City. It was "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day," a special event held to honor the legendary first baseman, who had recently announced his retirement due to his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neuromuscular disease that would later bear his name.
In front of a packed stadium of over 60,000 fans, Gehrig delivered his famous "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech. Standing at home plate, surrounded by his teammates, he began with the immortal words: "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."
Gehrig's heartfelt speech went on to express his gratitude for the opportunities he had been given, the support of his teammates and fans, and the love of his family. He spoke with humility and grace, despite the knowledge that he was facing an incurable disease.
The Iron Horse, as Gehrig was known, played 2,130 consecutive games for the Yankees, a record that stood until Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it in 1995. Gehrig was a seven-time All-Star, a six-time World Series champion, and a two-time American League MVP. He finished his career with 493 home runs and a lifetime batting average of .340.
Lou Gehrig's farewell speech on August 26, 1939, remains one of the most poignant and inspirational moments not only in baseball history but in all of sports. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and a reminder of the power of gratitude and humility. Gehrig passed away less than two years later, on June 2, 1941, at the age of 37, but his legacy endures as one of the greatest players and most admirable figures in the history of America's national pastime.
