“Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” ~ Lou Gehrig, New York Yankee Hall of Fame First Baseman
First, let me take this opportunity to welcome all our new subscribers to “Comments From Coach Mike”. Thank you for joining us and I hope you enjoy the content. Be sure to engage with “likes”, “shares” and “comments”.
Secondly, Happy Independence Day to all. Never take our freedoms for granted.
And lastly, before we delve into today’s post, my sincere apologies to one of our subscribers, Emily. I didn’t see you had joined us on the 8th of April. Several people subscribed in that timeframe, and I must have missed seeing your name. I’m sure you received your “Welcome Email” as that is automated, but I try to keep up with who’s “out there” personally as well. Again, I’m sorry.
Lou Gehrig’s (June 19, 1903 – June 2, 1941) name has appeared in my posts on several occasions. He was the Yankees cleanup hitter, while playing first base from 1923 through 1939. Lou was a power hitter, that also hit for high average; 493 career home runs, a .340 batting average, with 1,995 runs batted in while batting behind Babe Ruth for a good portion of his career which meant the bases mostly likely would be empty. (In 1927 alone he batted 60 times after Ruth had cleared the bases with his home runs. Lou still had 173 runs batted in.) He spent 17 years playing for the Yankees and set the MLB record for playing in 2,130 consecutive games (1925-39). His jersey number “4” was the first ever retired and is a member of the MLB Hall of Fame per a special election in 1939. Gehrig played his final game on April 30, 1939. He died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (now referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease) at the age of 37.
Why do I bring Gehrig up today? Well, on July 4, 1939, the Yankees had “Lou Gehrig Day” at Yankee Stadium, and he gave the following speech on the field after receiving gifts and tributes. This was after he found that he would no longer be able to continue playing and the diagnosis of what he was suffering from was announced. It was his final “public” appearance. Here is the complete text of what he said that day:
“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."
(Source: http://www.lougehrig.com)
If you’d like to see the ceremony, CLICK HERE. Lou speaks around the 8:48 mark. Babe speaks right afterwards. The audio does cut in and out.
Gehrig played the game hard and lived a quiet, dignified life. He left behind amazing stats, and a huge legacy to the game. Cal Ripken, Jr. eventually broke his consecutive games played record (2,632 games), but whenever the record is discussed, Gehrig’s name is mentioned. He is truly one of the greats not just as a player, but as a human being.
Each 4th of July I think of him and of course the movie, “Pride of the Yankees” which chronicles his life and career. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth viewing.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the holiday.
~ Coach Mike
AUTHOR’S NOTE: My Facebook account was hacked on the 16th of June. As of this posting, Facebook has not given me any indication if it is recoverable or not. It is looking like I will have to create a new account and re-build. (Not a proposition that excites me.) Since I cannot put this link up on my pages, I am asking you, all my loyal readers to share the post’s link on your pages. Facebook is one of my main avenues of new subscribers, your word of mouth keeps “Comments” growing. Thanks!
Please feel free to share this post and site with your family, friends and 50 complete strangers if you like.
Link to: Achieves Page
Link to: About Page
Follow on Twitter: @CommentsFromCo9
Hi Mike! I've been keeping up and reading the past several posts, just haven't been good about commenting or liking- I will going forward since I really do enjoy learning stories that show how much more there is to it all, not just a game. That was a beautiful quote that I've never heard, but a good reminder that there is so much to be grateful for. Looking forward to the next one!
Absolutely 💯