July 4, 1939, the date New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig made his infamous “luckiest man” speech at Yankee Stadium.
It’s been 80 years since Lou Gehrig delivered the speech heard around the world. That’s right, 80 years.
The New York Yankees legend played in 2,130 consecutive games before he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The disease, which became known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” forced his career to end.
Gehrig made his last appearance for the Yankees on April 30, 1939.
On July 4, 1939, Gehrig made the famous speech in his final public appearance at Yankee Stadium. He told fans he considered himself, “The luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
Gehrig posted a lifetime batting average of .340, with career totals of 493 home runs and 1,995 RBI. His shrine was incomparable as well. Gehrig was named to seven MLB All-Star games from 1933-1939 and was also a six-time World Series champion.
The legendary first baseman also won the Triple Crown and was the American League batting champion in 1934.
Gehrig passed away at the age of 37 years old on June 2, 1941. He holds a timeless impact for the Yankees organization and the all-around baseball universe.
This speech will be shown forever, as it was one of the most inspirational speeches given by anyone in sports history.
