The Greatest Yankee Stadium Moment

It's likely that we all have an opinion about what is the greatest moment in Yankee Stadium. There are so many to choose from: Ruth's called shot to Larsen's perfect game.

From Reggie Jackson's three home runs in a World Series game to Aaron (bleeping) Boone's walk-off in Game Seven of the ALCS. There are so many moments to choose from that I understand if your choice differs from mine.

When you think about the history of this stadium, you need to think about the different things that go into a great moment. Some have historical significance and others an emotional significance.

What moment satisfies both?

Lou Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech.

The speech is one of the most recognized in American history. I plan to tell the story of this moment.

In 1939, Lou "Iron Horse" Gehrig was showing signs of fatigue after many years of playing consecutive games. He played in more than 2,000 games without missing one, while playing injured throughout his career.

Gehrig's career accomplishments include the second most consecutive games (Cal Ripken, Jr.), 493 career home runs, and the second most base hits in Yankees history (Derek Jeter). All of these accomplishments in a career cut short by several years.

Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or better known as ALS. He knew his days were numbered.

On July 4, 1939, he gave his retirement speech at Yankee Stadium in front of the fans.

"Fans, for the last two weeks you've been reading about a bad break, and yet, today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth. Wouldn't you consider it a privilege to associate yourself with such a group of fine men, as are standing in this ball park today? I know I may have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for. Thank you."

These words touch deeply the emotions of fans even to this day. Even though I was not alive to witness it in person, the videos and the thought of the moment still brings tears to my eyes.

When you think about this speech, you cannot deny its historical and emotional significance. Two years after the speech, Henry Louis Gehrig passed away.