A Tribute To Lou "The Iron Horse" Gehrig

“ I might’ve been given a bad break, but I have an awful lot to live for. Thank you.” Those were the final words Lou Gehrig ever spoke to the hearts of America. His succinct and supple speech on Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939 remains one of the most beautiful bits of poetry our ears have ever heard. Saturday, July 4, 2009 marks the 70th anniversary of Gehrig’s farewell speech, and it will be celebrated around Major League Baseball. MLB is launching the “4ALS Awareness” campaign to raise money for ALS research in an attempt to help fight the illness that has become commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Throughout MLB, players will wear “4ALS” patches, first bases will be auctioned in memory of Gehrig (he played 1B), and every major league ballpark will read Gehrig’s speech during the seventh inning stretch. Gehrig stepped up to the microphone in front of more than 60,000 people, baggy uniform ... (link)