Why did Lou Gehrig give the farewell to baseball speech?

Answer 1

Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen 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 to associate with them for even one day?.............................................So I close in saying that I may of had a tough break - but I've got an awful lot to live for, Thank You!

Lou Gehrig's speech was incredible and heart warming in such a way. Even though he was about to die of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, he thanked all he had and experienced in his 37 year life.

Answer 2

well he was dying of what they call in the present Lou Gehrigs disease. he knew he wouldn't be back in pinstripes so he wanted to let the fans know.

-All-Star memorabilia cooperstown

Answer 3

Because his wife, Eleanor Twitchell, felt embracing his image was both a duty and obligation