On the 4th of July, 1939

Lou Gehrig gives his "luckiest man" speech, one the most iconic moments in American sports history.

Notice the pitiful pile of trophies on home plate.  Not much comfort for a dying man.

Comments

[R.J. Stevens]

Nice. Thanks for this post. The baseball world has certainly changed, hasn't it? A-Rod wouldn't understand.

Hey, sorry about the condition of your beloved Yankees. My beloved Tigers seem to be back in the groove, but Verlander is pitching tonight and lately that hasn't been good. Thank God for Max Scherzer and his 13-0 start! <grin>

I like the new and improved look of the Riddleblog. Now I won't be embarrassed sending family and friends over. <LOL>

As always, thanks for all you're doing - you and the WHI team.

[Paul Swift]

"Not much comfort for a dying man" indeed--eerily reminiscent of what will be handed out at too many churches later today.

Also brings to mind the pathetic testimonial of Lou's teammate Babe, on the far side of WWII as his own impending death loomed large, which alternates between euphemistic confessions and exculpatory claims--"Don't get the idea that I'm proud of my harum-scarum youth. I'm not. I simply had a rotten start in life, and it took me a long time to get my bearings."--and concludes with his sure hope for the future: "I asked them to pin the Miraculous Medal to my pajama coat. I've worn the medal constantly ever since. I'll wear it to the grave."