July 4 Flashback: Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig made a dramatic farewell at Yankee Stadium. Keep in mind, Gehrig didn’t want to make a speech on that day. He only stepped up to the microphone after some prodding by manager Joe McCarthy.

He then delivered his immortal line.

And here’s the movie version from Pride of the Yankees. Gary Cooper also nailed it.