On this day in 1939 the great Lou Gherig retired from the sport of baseball. A fan favorite and team leader, it was an emotional day for all baseball fans as a legend in the game was forced to leave his beloved sport to battle a deadly disease.
70 years later, Gherig’s legacy lives on and he is still a celebrated member of the New York Yankees family and all of baseball too.
Gherig had the honor of being the first player in professional baseball history to have his jersey retired. A truly deserving man to be recognized in this special way, Gherig was as classy of a player that this sport has ever seen.
Happy Anniversary Mr. Gherig!!!
2 responses so far ↓
Kevin // July 4, 2009 at 6:08 pm |
It’s Gehrig. You’re right…..a truly inspiring speech from a great ball player.
gerad // July 4, 2009 at 11:42 pm |
All time grand slams leader…