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Lou Gehrig, the "Iron Horse," wipes away a tear during a sold-out tribute at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939. (Murray Becker/AP)

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Lou Gehrig almost couldn't say farewell.

Gehrig was so emotional after the incredible display of affection for him on the afternoon of July 4, 1939, that he started walking off the field without saying a word.

"He was shy and didn't like to speak before large audiences," said Ray Robinson, author of Iron Horse: Lou Gehrig in His Time. "But the crowd chanted 'Lou, Lou' and implored him to speak."

Lou Gehrig Day was celebrated between games of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium and Gehrig had just become the first athlete to have his number (4) retired. He got a big brotherly hug from former teammate Babe Ruth, heard what he considered kind words from New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and former Yankees manager Joe McCarthy and saw piles of gifts at his feet from friends, players and well-wishers.

Gehrig was overwhelmed.

"I saw strong men weep this afternoon," wrote Shirley Povich of the Washington Post.

Master of Ceremonies Sid Mercer sensed that Gehrig might not be able to address the crowd of more than 55,000, so he said, "I shall not ask Lou Gehrig to make a speech. I do not believe that I should."

As the stadium crew started to remove the gifts and his former teammates began to leave the field, Gehrig also moved toward the home dugout. But then, he stopped and walked slowly toward the collection of microphones. He asked the crowd for silence.