Lot # 2508: Circa 1949 Lou Gehrig Day Luckiest Man Speech Culver Pictures News Service Photograph PSA/DNA Type II

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig, with the knowledge that he was suffering from an incurable disease, delivered one of the most moving and memorable speeches in sports history. He stood in front of nearly 62,000 fans at Yankee Stadium and declared, "I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth." That speech took place at a special "Lou Gehrig Day" ceremony between games of a doubleheader between the Yankees and Senators and was attended by many of Gehrig's former teammates, including Babe Ruth, who offered Gehrig an emotional embrace afterwards. This vintage photograph captures a somber moment during that historic ceremony. The image shows Gehrig, head bowed, as he silently gazes at the many gifts bestowed upon him by the Yankees, his teammates, and friends. In the background, lined up on either side, are his New York Yankees teammates and the visiting Washington Senators players. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type II photograph by PSA/DNA. Per PSA/DNA, this "photo is a later-issued 1949 restrike that was made off the original negative featuring an image originally taken in 1939." The reverse bears two "Culver Pictures" credit stamps and a few editorial notations. The photo (9 x 7 inches) is in Very Good condition overall.