Baseball on July 4th: 5 memorable moments
July 4, 1939 – Lou Gehrig‘s Emotional Farewell Speech
As much as we fans of baseball love the game, some of the greatest and most memorable moments actually happen off the field.
What could be more appropriate then on this Independence Day in 2014 than to remember Independence Day back in 1939, when Lou “The Iron Horse” Gehrig gave his emotionally charged farewell speech at Yankee Stadium?
Lou Gehrig got his nickname, “The Iron Horse” because of his toughness. His durability was legendary, playing in what back then was a record 2,330 consecutive games spanning from 1923 to just before his farewell in 1939.
Considered by many to be the greatest player to ever play the game, Gehrig finished with an amazing .340 lifetime batting average, 2,721 hits, 493 homers, and 1,995 RBIs. He was a seven time All-Star, twice won the American League MVP, and was a six time World Series champion.
Can you just imagine what Lou Gehrig could have done had his career not been cut short by an awful disease?
As tough as Gehrig was, he unfortunately succumbed to the awful and fatal disease, ALS – which some now refer to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
His farewell speech to his fans on Independence Day – July 4, 1939 is easily one of the most timeless moments in all of the history of Major League baseball, an event that had fans and reporters crying, is still considered one of the greatest and most grace-filled speeches of all time, and a moment so significant in baseball history that movies have been made about it.
No, this was not a memorable moment that happened on the playing field of baseball, but still easily has a top spot in our list of the best Independence Day moments in the history of this wonderful game.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed my look at a few memorable moments in baseball, moments that all occurred on July 4th – Independence Day.
As you celebrate today with family and friends, and perhaps watch a little baseball, remember what the day is about, what we celebrate, and take a moment to give thanks for the freedoms we have to enjoy such wonderful and memorable moments at all.
Happy 4th!