9781422284193

Watch the video instantly on your mobile device by scanning the QR code next to each video player!

Gehrig’s Farewell Speech

Ruth’s teammate on the 1932 Yankees, Lou Gehrig, followed that famous at-bat by hitting a home run of his own. It was one of many in his brilliant career, a career that was cut tragically short by the illness that bears his name today. In 1939, Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lou Gehrig’s disease is a fatal illness that attacks the nervous system.

Gehrig knew something was wrong during the 1938 season, which he finished with statistics well below his career averages. He played the first eight games of the 1939 season before going to the doctor. He retired mid-season on June 21, and the Yankees held Lou Gehrig Day on July 4, where they retired his number 4. During his speech at the ceremony, the terminally ill Gehrig referred to himself as “the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Gehrig died in 1941. He was only 37.

9

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter