WEB Gehrig Delivers Famous Speech at Yankee Stadium

A Day That Will Live in History

July 4, 1939 - Yankee Stadium, New York

On July 4, 1939, at the historic Yankee Stadium in New York City, Lou Gehrig delivered one of the most iconic speeches in baseball history. After being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, Gehrig retired from baseball and gave an emotional farewell address to the crowd of 61,808 fans who had come to witness this poignant moment.

Gehrig's speech, which lasted just over two minutes, was a reflection on his career and the gratitude he felt for his fans and teammates. He spoke of his pride in playing for the New York Yankees and the special bond he shared with the city. Sadly, Gehrig knew his playing days were numbered. Yet, he spoke with courage and a sense of acceptance that belied the gravity of the situation.

As Gehrig concluded his speech, he uttered the famous words that would forever be etched in baseball lore: "Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

Conclusion

WEB Gehrig's famous speech at Yankee Stadium was a testament to his indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of his fans. Despite knowing his time on the field was drawing to a close, Gehrig expressed profound gratitude and left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless baseball enthusiasts. Gehrig's enduring legacy as an American icon continues to inspire and remind us of the power of perseverance and the importance of cherishing each moment we have.