Eighty years ago on July 4, Lou Gehrig gave one of the most famous speeches in American history. His speech marked his retirement from baseball because of his recent diagnosis of ALS. Gehrig was honored by many on the field that day, and his number 4 was retired, the first time a player had ever had his jersey retired. The New York Times called it “one of the most touching scenes ever witnessed on a ball field.”

In being public about his diagnosis, Gehrig raised awareness of a disease that was virtually unknown at the time. Yankees fans, as well as all baseball fans, and most Americans, now knew someone with ALS. His openness about the disease – in addition to his dominance on the ball field and his reputation as being a true gentleman – made him the face and name of ALS for decades to come.