Gehrig delivers his famous speech at Yankee Stadium

[@lacouerfairy]

A legend. He must have been made of steel to make that speech. It takes a lot of guts to admit that you are dying.

[@marieczarnecki4908]

DEATH IS NOT TO BE FEARED, I MYSELF COME CLOSE IN MAY, AND THE VA HOSPITAL, N. LAS VEGAS, NV SAVED MY LIFE WITH THE GRACE OF GOD. ASTHMA WAS THE CULPRIT.

[@wkjeom]

Marie Czarnecki -- So glad you recovered.

[@atiboyful]

There are painfully few that will admit they are dying and say so publicly. Lou Gehrig and Steve Jobs! It is the reason they are the "Captain's" of their respective fields of endeavor!

[@reaganeoneill]

He didn't know he was dying. He only knew that he had ALS. They never told him that he could die.

[@atiboyful]

@@reaganeoneill I hope you are right but I think he knew he was going to die and that is why he mentioned mortality during his farewell speech!

[@GambinoN64]

I was named after him. I was bullied often cause my name was different. But knowing I was named after a man like this, I have nothing to be ashamed of.

[@sggaming4720]

Gehrig Hust lucky

[@splintersoldier]

It's a dope name.

[@countryhumans8185]

Its a great name

[@aleckmejia8360]

Gehrig Hust don’t listen to people like them if there still around it’s a cool name

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

Be lucky you were named after one of the greatest baseball players in the history of the game.

[@stevejessome5469]

His speech and bravery is something I try to emulate daily as I battle that same disease today. 4 years into it and I'm still fighting.

[@rchan3791]

Battle on brave fellow you!

[@joshrichardson5028]

God bless you

[@cirofesta1027]

all my thoughts and prayers go out to you

[@alvin8737]

God bless you

[@adlacruz3164]

Check up on u

[@MCMLXIXwasagoodyear]

Amazingly, only four sentences of his speech were recorded (on July 4th, 1939, at Yankee Stadium's Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day). Versions of the whole speech were pieced together from newspaper stories. Here's the version Sports Illustrated compiled: "Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans. "Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn't consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I'm lucky. Who wouldn't consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball's greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky. "When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift - that's something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies - that's something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter - that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body - it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed - that's the finest I know. "So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for." He passed away less than three years later, June 2, 1941.

[@binkelboak5120]

A BIG thanks! Wonderful! Lots of Good Spirits in 'da Bronx tonight for Lou's 80th Anniversary.

[@scottb3034]

Quite interesting he avoided mentioning Ruth. Great to see the full thing in print. should have been all on film as well.

[@ForEverRon]

He literally says something different in the video 🤨

[@angelerror4086]

@@ForEverRon read the comment properly

[@jeremyschep3589]

That closing sentence is so powerful

[@inbredagogo]

Only 37 years old. He had a lot of life to live yet. Seems like all the good ones die first.

[@thegatorfan1998]

I know

[@tdevil101]

inbredagogo Aaron Judge reminds me of Gehrig. Due to his humbleness and sportsmanship. I know Aaron will be another yankee legend.

[@wkjeom]

He could have lived a long and prosperous life if he had been treated, but Mayo Clinic sent him home to die. I have zero respect for Mayo Clinic.

[@Karnescitytx]

Yea the good die young.... bad people dont die unless injected

[@marieczarnecki4908]

REMEMBER THE SONG "ONLY THE YOUNG DIE YOUNG"????

[@matt920]

80 years ago today. Lou will never be forgotten!

[@derpydogz0259]

matt ensley your pfp tricked me

[@docadams7099]

You bet he won't be forgotten!

[@roba8284]

84 years now and always a legend

[@PalmBeachLWP]

This man was a class act and he taught us how to press on, despite obstacles and things that others see as the end. He chose to be grateful, and thanked his fellow ball players and the public. Wow, big lessons in how this man chose to live his life. He was exemplary, a real role model.

[@jamesmatthew3681]

And in truth, the greatest first baseman of all time.

[@robertgrigson9091]

Had he lived and played on he would have led the universe. Then no question about the number 1 of. All time.

[@benriffle104]

Honestly, this is one of the greatest speeches ever given considering the circumstances. I know it's just a "game", but it's so much more than that. Not many people show up every single day for 16+ years with a historic level performance. Then to stand up there, in front of thousands and thousands of people and to give this speech when you know you're dying, just amazing.

[@JakePaulerlife-fd7re]

Lou Gehrig has to be one of the most humble guy to walk the earth

[@jeffwillis3021]

Lou Gehrig. The pride of the Yankees! A great man!!!

[@rosairedubrule60]

and a fine movie. mrs lou Teresa Wright oscar winner also appears in the tragic movie Somewhere in Time w/ Chris Reeve

[@genericname34]

Didn’t expect to get choked up watching an 80 year old newsreel, but here we are

[@XGreenSquirrelX]

Good lord, 80 years later and i'm still covered in goosebumps. That man is a legend.

[@joshblackwell8588]

This speech is The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be

[@lonestar6709]

Being English, I only vaguely watch Baseball. But even I know that Gehrig is not only the greatest Baseball player of all time, but also an American hero. A truly fine, and fearless man.

[@smj.mp4]

I'm thankful because despite the fact that I wasn't around when he was, I'm still able to see this and listen to his moving speech. I'm sorry we couldn't save him and I hope we find a cure for ALS soon.

[@colinhollenbeck5682]

Actually many neroscientist believe that he never had ALS to begin with.

[@cfapps7865]

75 years ago this week, epic. To bad ALS is still claiming lives.

[@artursfilipovs7453]

Wesley J. Davis i doubt it will be that soon , no reports of a cure beeing developed.

[@pioneerguy714]

My great grandmother had ALS at 90 and died at 92 I really miss her :(

[@skybaker18]

THEY GOT SPONGEBOB!

[@marieczarnecki4908]

@@pioneerguy714 : My breeder of my Sheltie's passed from the same damned disease about 3/4 years ago. This is as bad as that damned CANCER!!!

[@wkjeom]

Dr. Martz who was treated by Dr. William Traver Harvey at the same time I was. Why don't these stories get told by all doctors who treat ALS? Blows my mind. Hiding information from those who need it. So they can make more money treating? Can't help but wonder. Patients should at least have a chance to try. www.lymedisease.org/372/

[@subtoexpo]

This man was probably the most humble and caring person to walk on earth. Too bad there isn't more people like him.

[@rethamoore4282]

No. You are talking about Jesus Christ ! No one is that perfect , not even this man.

[@someperson8151]

@@rethamoore4282 Jesus Christ is the luckiest man, because he was made a legend by the Catholic Church. They hid the fact he married. Made him a god of men..lies to control human beings. Make the religious people subservient to evil.

[@zombieslayadylan2923]

@@rethamoore4282lol

[@garrywood5345]

Always remember watching Gary Cooper, whom my mother said she named me after, playing this guy in the film, pride of the Yankees...An impressive performance from Cooper.

[@AF-qv3ze]

"I might have been given a bad break, but ive got an awful lot to live for." Words to live by and keep you going any time life gets tough and gets you down.

[@michaeldeitch3642]

I’ve actually used that luckiest man line for a speech recently and that speech was the most thoughtful thing I’ve ever said in front of a group of people.

[@christopherr3676]

The term legend is used all too frequently today when its seldom deserved. This man was the epitome of the word legend . A true king amongst men

[@CorynthianLeather]

The fact that today we can HEAR this for real makes it all the more bone chilling. One of the greatest to ever play the game! Wish we had Mets like this ❤

[@chickasaw981]

So sad, yet so inspirational. I've been fascinated by this man since I first saw Pride of the Yankees on TV when was around eleven years old. Gehrig and Ruth are what got me into baseball and I did my 9th grade freshman paper on Gehrig. RIP to a phenomenal, classy man!

[@keysersoze5032]

He will always be my favorite yankee. I read his biography, he’s the greatest. An introvert just like me. I love him.

[@SLAPnPOP726]

They don't make athletes like Lou anymore.

[@philthomas2155]

Yes they do, Christian Haupt

[@videosilike2361]

slap n pop they don’t make humans like Lou anymore.

[@ingriddubbel8468]

And evidently they don't die a horrific death.

[@wkjeom]

Ingid Dubbed -- It would be so nice if that were true, but it ain't true. You just don't know those who are dying.

[@nickc3096]

AMEN

[@Silverhand290]

I know nothing about baseball or who this guy was or what ALS is until I looked up the disease named after him. I just found out about his speech and the courage and dignity of this man just blew me away. A true hero, someone to attempt to emulate. If I can live my life with one tenth of his guts then I think I will have done well.

[@silvuhh1269]

R.I.P Lou Gehrig One of the greatest athletes to live on the face of the earth

[@Awaywrdson]

Every baseball fan whether you support the pinstripes or some other team has got to be proud knowing he was a great ball player and human being. 🙏

[@nicholaskaliss6883]

What an incredible man. To be facing such a devastating disease and instead of being mad at the world, focus on his blessings. We all have a lot to learn from him.

[@franknemeth7430]

How the heck can someone give a thumbs down - unreal. Thank You Lou Gehrig.

[@Robert-ws3mk]

It's called haters, unfortunately they are creeping around spreading hate

[@JAllenHare]

As a Cardinal fan, I have nothing but the greatest respect for Lou Gehrig. His response in the face of adversity is nothing short of legendary.

[@matttrella262]

As a Yankee fan from the age of 5 now 46 and having my doctors testing me for this man’s disease.. fingers cross 🤞 I’ll be a champion..

[@JustSomeDamnCalifornian45]

What happened man, did you get good news?

[@wilsonblauheuer6544]

what a stud. I love and deeply admire him.

[@coleymoke6709]

One of the great inspirational speeches, and quotes, of all time.

[@stratocastergirl]

I’m an ICU nurse, and I’ve taken care of more than one ALS patient. A terrible way to go. Rest in peace Lou Gehrig, and the many thousands of others who’ve suffered from ALS. 😔

[@Hollis_has_questions]

Lou Gehrig is probably the only sports figure that I admire. His talent was incredible, and so was the content of his character. And no, it’s no coincidence that he had a disease with his name attached to it. It makes it easy to remember his name, but y’all need to read about him and especially to see his farewell address. This little clip is the highlight. He was an exceptional human being.

[@kyrerichardson4613]

R.I.P. Lou Gehrig

[@zachhafenfeld3027]

R.I.P dodgerfilms

[@BelleroseQC]

I thought you said white people were boring to watch in sports in your racist rant on another video. Also, your precious Ken Griffey Jr. will never compare to Lou Gehrig or Babe Ruth. ;)

[@Ejhekk33]

+François Royal what the fuck is wrong with you

[@meghanpang5338]

+François Royal WTF?

[@reyallenjohn3753]

kyre richardson ft

[@richiecrawford4671]

Today... I consider myself... the luckiest man... on the face of the earth. Iconic

[@wilsonblauheuer6544]

"I may have gotten a bad break, but I have an awful lot to live for. Thank you."

[@wilsonblauheuer6544]

an absolutely wonderful speech- maybe the best one I have ever heard of.

[@chrism9650]

remember talking to an old timer 40 years ago about players in the 20s and 30s.I asked him who his favourite player was and without hesitation he said Lou Gehrig.Wheni I asked why Gehrig,he said tearfully that there was no other player like him.I didn’t press him any further , ,but Lou Gehrig must have really made a strong impression on fans.

[@tjp72675]

The man made this speech over 30 years before I was even born, and yet I get goosebumps whenever I hear this speech. Truly a legend, and a classy individual

[@marijooneill8015]

I do also, the courage he had just to make that speech, makes me cry everytime I watch this movie. I don't to this day anyone but Gary Cooper could have played Lou Gehrig who we know was a very humble man. May he rest I'm peace forever. We talk about heroes???? Lou Gehrig was not just a hero but a man of humility and goodness.

[@Blazers04]

THE greatest Yankee who ever lived

[@atljbb85]

Early this year my father was diagnosed with ALS. This year's Lou Gehrig Day took on a whole new meaning for me. Thank you MLB for not only honoring this man, but bringing awareness to such a terrible disease. Tip of the cap to you Mr. Gehrig

[@sgtwarden5020]

I think the best ball player ever when everything is taken into account. He was also one special human being. God Bless you and may you rest in peace champ.

[@notsydbarrett]

Gehrig was The Ultimate Sportsman. (Sportsmanship -- fair and generous behavior or treatment of others in a sports contest.

[@jasonm921]

When he says 'Today’...goosebumps every time.

[@1964rocks]

It is called humility.

[@ronquan5382]

Humility....what a rare quality to find in our world today, it seems. Modesty, humbleness, humility, respect and consideration of others.

[@Warfrae]

Wish we had more people like him in modern sports

[@joeyportanova5958]

Rip Lou Gehrig u will always be remembered :) Rest In Peace buddy

[@pokobrbboowyaace5582]

It was a very splendid speech, but the then person was the good picture which understood greatness of Lou Gehrig

[@TheSpringsteen83]

I am not a Yankees Fan. But Lou is the GOAT. R.I.P.

[@alwillk]

I hate the Yankees, but as a baseball fan, I don't think you can find a more symbolic and facund speech in MLB.

[@yankees4ever504]

I recently read somewhere that Lou Gehrig was "The best first base player ever". I agree.

[@jacob45415]

Yep and still is

[@funkyflights]

Must have been so difficult for him not realizing what was wrong... He just knew his abilities were leaving him .... that must have been incredibly frustrating for him.. He showed lots of courage though...

[@MCMLXIXwasagoodyear]

He did know what's wrong. His body began to fail him in 1938. He played in all 150 games that season, hoping to keep his consecutive-game streak alive, but his hitting dropped off, the streak ended, and he flew to Minnesota and entered the Mayo Clinic, where he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (soon to be know as Lou Gehrig's disease).

[@funkyflights]

@@MCMLXIXwasagoodyear .... At the time his abilities started leaving him how was he to know what was wrong ? He didn't know he had ALS until he was diagnosed later...

[@MCMLXIXwasagoodyear]

@@funkyflights i understood that he made this speech after his diagnosis.

[@funkyflights]

MCMLXIXwasagoodyear .... Yeah for sure, he knew when he did the speech... I was just referring to when he first started losing his abilities and how frustrating that must have been for him not understanding what the heck was going on...

[@MCMLXIXwasagoodyear]

@@funkyflights ah, got it.

[@jimpittman5049]

An actual hero

[@waynenoll1967]

One of a kind

[@xViperGTR]

Lou Gehrig you are never forgotten ❤️

[@juliuseillya9944]

all time moment in sports history. thanks for this

[@marbleslost8627]

The photo of Babe at Lou Gehrig’s wake is one of the most moving sports photos ever.

[@GoDawgs18]

We are so lucky to have this on film

[@roseroserose2403]

Just an amazing human being all around

[@mpthorvonericksen]

If you ever want to know what "class" looks like...

[@deborahpensa5211]

A baseball legend and a remarkable human being. All sportsmen should be like him.

[@AaronWalter-mw6hb]

To only praise ur teammates and manager and prez.of the Yankees is a testament to his character.god o ce again proved himself.imagine how he felt hadn't been in uniform in two wks.and never would again.god bless u.

[@ernestrivers3736]

I cry every time I hear this speech.

[@Jboogie_81]

He was only 36. He might be the greatest baseball player ever

[@toddkrager6724]

"Thank God for making me a Yankee"

[@darknessseparated7465]

This man I have always admired. He stood tall in the face of death itself, like a true hero. Modern generations of whiners can’t even fathom this type of exemplary existence..

[@beckyann8389]

Wow Lou, that was beautiful. 👏👏😭🤧

[@dcfanchris]

I’m from Boston and a Red Sox fan but I’d wear a Yankee hat proudly to honor such a great man and all the great men who have played on that Yankee Stadium field like Jeter,Posada,Rivera,Ruth,DiMaggio, Mantle,Maris,Torre and too many to list here.

[@rgreene1653]

Good man. Class act. I’m a yankee fan. Manny is top 3 favorite players for me. As soon as he was traded to LA I bought a 99 jersey. Tons of talent on both teams. REAL baseball fans know

[@rosairedubrule60]

when Ruth was a Red Sox pitcher he beat the great Walter Johnson Ted's career 49% on base average has never been equaled in a career So the Sox can be proud too

[@ctbaw9484]

Class Act all the way. Imagine the world of sports if all athletes had the good character that this Gentleman had.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Class.

[@packetloss763]

great speech. great reverb

[@79SteelyMatt]

Look at his lifetime stats-he was the best hitter of all time-some of those numbers are incomprehensible

[@jamisonfitzgerald4901]

+79steelymatt he was great, but Ted Williams hitting stats might beg to differ

[@two-face7527]

+Jamison Fitzgerald Hum Rogers Hornsby might be the greatest hitter ever with Ty Cobb.From a Yankee fan.

[@FluentInfluence]

+Jamison Fitzgerald Honus Wagner would really beg to differ lol

[@JonahLoeb]

He was great, but there are too many with similar or better numbers for anyone to call Gehrig the best of all time. Ruth, Williams, Hornsby, Speaker, Cobb, Wagner, Aaron, Mays, Rose, Ichiro, Bonds, A-Rod, and Pujols all belong in the discussion.

[@johannwilder1437]

Ruth was the greatest all time. However, Gehrig is a close second. What's ridiculous is they batted on the same team, same time, back to back. If I were a pitcher I would have $hit my pants going up against that lineup.

[@brianfournierjr7438]

This hits me way differently now since losing my uncle in 2020 to ALS!

[@God.Is.Good_40]

My grandfather has ALS. I wear #4 in baseball for this unbelievable person

[@AwesomeBeatles]

Yes, a real American icon. Seventy-seven years ago today.

[@will-eh3qt]

A great ballplayer and an even greater person.

[@robertmasina4610]

Lou Gehrig was the bridge between Babe Ruth's last playing days and Joe DiMaggio's arrival.

[@tristannewsome3596]

this needs more views

[@blumobean]

It’s appalling that views of this are so low. Every parent should show this to their children. Lou was not a role model because he was a good baseball player. He is a great role model because of his character. My youngest grandson is enamored with today’s sports figures. Some are in the league with Lou, but sadly the vast majority are not. We just watched this and other videos of Lou and tried to make him understand. I personally don’t care a fig about baseball, but people of great character and courage deserve our recognition.

[@rosairedubrule60]

money the root of all evil?

[@musicman76enator]

IMO Lou Gehrig was better than Babe Ruth and probably any of the other Yanks of that era. What a great person, too bad ALS had to take his life. God Bless him in Heaven.

[@danielk9067]

In a lot of ways I'd have to agree with you. Lou was undoubtedly the best first baseman of all time and a great human being as well.

[@gangweedpilled4977]

Matthew Jay Evans best 1B of all time but he wasn’t better than Ruth

[@roundtable3501]

@@gangweedpilled4977 I completely agree with you!

[@rosairedubrule60]

after all these years he is still the RBI king based on plate appearances

[@benriffle104]

I started typing up that I'd take Gehrig before Ruth, then I looked up Ruth's stats again and I changed my mind. Ruth finished with a higher batting average than Gehrig and his career slugging was 690. Ohtani had a 700 slugging right now. Imagine him hitting like this his entire carer like Ruth.

[@juliahuffman1861]

My uncle has Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a horrific disease that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. I pray every day that passes, is one day closer to finding a cure.

[@MsFeistyLatina]

Watching Steve Gleason’s documentary brought me here. I’m not much for baseball, but I love American History and appreciate that reels like this have been saved. 💜

[@jamesweldon8118]

You can tell he was fighting back tears.. So was I just watching this 😢

[@seanharris8419]

To stand give a speech to thousands knowing full well that you’re dying while your once strong body deteriorates is a hard thing. Wouldn’t have blamed him for a minute if he broke down.

[@healthymealthy775]

What a soul. God bless him!

[@Hashpotato]

i dont even watch or play baseball but this hit hard...

[@andres18m]

Thank you for making June 2 a day we will forever honor him.

[@SlyTyler97]

Even knowing he was dying he still stood tall as all legends should

[@Weebs82589]

MLB Most Memorable Moment # 5

[@lindaabreu9600]

Great, Great Man❤❤❤❤ they don't make them like him anymore.

[@AmyLarder-z6y]

My husband who had been diagnosed with Bulbar ALS disease for 2 years at the age of 63 had all his symptoms reversed with Ayurveda medicine from natural herbs centre after undergoing their ALS/MND natural protocol, he no longer requires a feeding tube. God Bless all Lou Gehrig’s disease Caregivers. Stay Strong, take small moments throughout the day to thank yourself, to love your self, and pray to whatever faith, star, spiritual force you believe in and ask for strength. I can personally vouch for these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works best for you.

[@wweontrampoline7526]

Lou Gehrig was incredible

[@JL1009]

First Lou Gehrig Day is today. This speech is the best

[@jonathanbornstein3799]

OMG. How truly emotive and beautiful. Thank God that God gave us the Yankees.

[@rosairedubrule60]

for an unplanned extemporanious speech, these are among the greatest words ever spoken by a human and encouragement for a world entering crisis

[@WorldBFree-lw6wo]

I cry tears of joy every time I see or think of this.

[@zackiej89]

Joy? Odd adjective

[@dtom1145]

A totally class guy! Something all athletes should emulate instead of their selfish narcissistic attitudes!

[@susanisrael5154]

Breaks me up every time I see it.

[@buttersstotch601]

He was dying and he still felt he was the luckiest man cause he had baseball

[@seanharris8419]

That’s called love of the game

[@MrAitraining]

It's a shame most of the audio of his speech is lost. The luckiest man part was right at the beginning. And only a couple of other lines survived. There is text of the full speech online where he talks about his mom and dad, wife and teammates.

[@johncarroll2748]

The actual most heroic moment in sports. 2nd? Jackie Robinson. 3rd ? Miracle on ice.

[@5000jetadam]

First jersey to be retired in ALL OF SPORTS!!!!!

[@keithmcc74]

actually Ace Bailey, former NHL player, was the first person to have his number retired in any sport