On June 21 1939 Lou Gehrig stood before the press on the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium to share some unfortunate downright tragic news. He had just returned from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota where he learned that his puzzling medical condition keeping him out of the lineup for nearly two months was in fact a rare neurodegenerative disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. What had long been a strong strapping pillar of a man—the model of excellence and consistency since the day he first stepped on the diamond—was now an ailing body with atrophying muscles and deteriorating motor skills. The Iron Horse’s playing days were over just like that. One could cut the irony in the Bronx air with a butter knife.

Presented here is a powerful Type I original photograph capturing the prideful Gehrig at this poignant moment in American history. Even at his lowest state the class act put on the home pinstripes and posed graciously for this 6½” by 8½” black and white portrait. The reverse is stamped by International News Photos and carries a lengthy caption that sets a solemn scene yet with a tint of blind optimism. Calling his illness a “mild form of infantile paralysis” it goes on to state “there is hope that a place may be found for Gehrig in an executive capacity in the game where he made history.” Two weeks later on July 4 1939 Laruppin’ Lou gave his unforgettable Luckiest Man speech on that very field before a packed house. He would pass away less than two years later from the disease that now bears his name.

Newly encapsulated by PSA/DNA as a Type I the photo comes in remarkable virtually blemish-free condition. To our knowledge this is the only such example of this exact shot from that fateful day.