(LOT 122)
1939 Lou Gehrig Day Ruth & Gehrig Iconic Pose Type I Original Press Association Photo – Measures Approx. 7-1/2" x 9-1/2" – PSA Encapsulated Type 1
The date was July 4, 1939 and the place was New York's baseball "cathedral", Yankee Stadium, with not a dry eye in the house! The immortal Lou Gehrig, stricken with the incurable nerve disorder Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) would be honored at Yankee Stadium before a packed house of nearly 62,000 fans; eventually stepping to the microphone and delivering his iconic "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech that will forever stand as our National Pastime's "Gettysburg Address". A seemingly endless list of dignitaries would be on hand to pay homage to this incomparable hero, with the "Iron Horse" truly representing the sheer embodiment of courage. Among the guests were Gehrig's former teammates, "Murder's Row" and all, with the majestic Babe Ruth heading that storied group of outstanding ballplayers that dominated the 1920's.

Showing up in a full white suit, it was no secret that Ruth and Gehrig had not spoken for over 5 years, in the midst of an on-going "feud" sparked by some negative comments Ruth made towards Gehrig's beloved mother when they were Yankee teammates in the early '30's. As anyone would expect, the tragic news of Gehrig's illness had obviously softened the "Sultan of Swat", and on this monumental day, Babe Ruth would approach Gehrig and embrace the stricken legend with a most celebrated hug that stands as much a significant moment as Gehrig's speech itself. Indeed, their estranged relationship was now "water under the bridge", ending via an endearing hug that would echo for eternity. As a remarkable keepsake from that hallowed day, presented here is an original Type I photo that portrays that immeasurable Ruth/Gehrig "hug".

Measuring approximately 7-1/2" x 9-1/2", it reveals the finest possible contrast and resolution, with only some peripheral stray wrinkles and upper right border ink notations accounting for its negligible blemishes. Truly the captivating central image steals the show, with the verso portraying the "Wide World Photos Inc./Press Association credit stamp. Most would agree that words cannot express the sorrow experienced by not only the attendees of that fateful July 4, 1939 Lou Gehrig day ceremony, but likewise by a stunned Nation who watched this Yankee icon perform at a pinnacle level for over 14 seasons. This world-class masterpiece resides as one of the most significant keepsakes from that hallowed day, and as a bona-fide testament to Gehrig's eternal stature among America's greatest heroes, we feel the necessity to present his unparalleled speech that will unquestionably stand the test of time!"

"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for 17 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. But, I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for." LOA – PSA/DNA Type I


MIN BID $1,000