OTD 1939: Famous Lou Gehrig Luckiest Man Speech

Jerseys retired by the New York #Yankees all-time:
#1: Billy Martin
#2: Derek Jeter
#3: Babe Ruth
#4: Lou Gehrig
#5: Joe DiMaggio
#6: Joe Torre
#7: Mickey Mantle
#8: Yogi Berra & Bill Dickey
#9: Roger Maris
#10: Phil Rizzuto

Plus #15, 16, 20, 23, 32, 37, 42, 44, 46, 49, 51 pic.twitter.com/UJ8NWgddR1

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 5, 2021

Lou “The Iron Horse” Gehrig was renowned throughout his career for his durability and reliability. This is most blatantly demonstrated by his 2,130 consecutive games played, a record broken by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1995. Gehrig’s streak did not end organically, or from injury. No, he ended it on his own when on May 2, 1939, right before a game, he informed his team that he would be benching himself.

Tragically, Gehrig’s career took a downwards turn as his physical state and play began to mysteriously deteriorate. In June of 1939, he was diagnosed with ALS, and within two days his retirement was announced. The following month, Gehrig was honored at Yankees stadium where he became the first professional athlete to have their jersey retired. 

The ceremony, attended by the likes of Babe Ruth, provided him the opportunity to address the crowd. What ensued became known as his iconic “Luckiest Man on Earth,” Speech. Gehrig spent the remainder of his working life as the New York City Parole Commissioner. He passed away from what’s now largely known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease” in 1941.

April 30, 1939: New York Yankees 1B Lou Gehrig's historic streak of 2,130 consecutive GP ended as the future HOF played his final career game due to the onset of his ALS illness, now known as the Lou Gehrig disease pic.twitter.com/zMn2FuRqP7

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) April 30, 2021

June 21, 1939: New York #Yankees announced future HOF 1B Lou Gehrig’s retirement due to reports that he has ALS pic.twitter.com/zaQGw6BelY

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 21, 2021

Lou Gehrig's HOF resume:
- 7x All Star
- 6x World Series Champ
- 2x AL MVP
- 1934 Triple Crown & MLB Batting Title
- 4x MLB RBI Leader, 1930 AL RBI Leader
- 3x MLB HR Leader
- 3x MLB Runs Leader, 1935 AL Runs Leader
- #4 retired by Yankees
pic.twitter.com/7JwUapIGvc

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 20, 2021

Lou Gehrig's ranks in #Yankees history:
- 1st in career RBI (1,995) & XBH (1,190)
- 2nd in career BA (.340)/OBP (.447)/SLG (.632), Hits (2,721)
- 3rd in career HR (493), GP (2,164), PA (9,665), & Runs (1,888)
- 3 highest season RBI (185 & 173 2x)
pic.twitter.com/o3VOHMYc7j

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 20, 2021

Most career RBI in New York #Yankees history:
1. Lou Gehrig (1,995)
2. Babe Ruth (1,978)
3. Joe DiMaggio (1,537)
4. Mickey Mantle (1,509)
5. Yogi Berra (1,430)
pic.twitter.com/4nQ9Xwmoco

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 20, 2021