Exceedingly rare Lou Gehrig signed item dating from 1939. This piece, which is the first page of a radio script from a program on which Gehrig appeared, is dated May 16, 1939, which is exactly two weeks after Gehrig took himself out of the Yankees lineup and ended his then-record 2,130 consecutive-game playing streak. He never appeared in another game again. The script page, for the program titled "For Men Only," sponsored by Vitalis, has been signed on the front in black fountain pen by three of the show's guests that evening: Lou Gehrig (grading 7/10), William Lyon Phelps (Yale University professor), and John Hoysradt (New York night club entertainer). Although unbeknownst to Gehrig at the time, he was suffering from ALS, however, his condition would not be properly diagnosed until nearly a month later, on June 19th, after spending six days at the famed Mayo Clinic. Even at this early stage of the disease, Gehrig's health was deteriorating rapidly, and simple everyday tasks were becoming difficult for him, including writing. For that reason, very few authentic Gehrig signatures date from 1939. This is one of those rare exceptions. As noted in JSA's accompanying LOA, the company has only a few authentic exemplars of Gehrig's signature from 1939, and all are on flat items (balls had become too difficult for him to sign). Obviously, Gehrig mustered up his strength to sign this piece, probably not wishing to turn down the request. We don't know the history of this piece, but since the first page features the introductions for all the guests, it may have originally belonged to the show's announcer. Regardless of its origins, it remains an outstanding and rare Gehrig signature example dating just after the end of his career. The script (8.5x11") is toned and displays a chip in the lower right corner, a few small edge tears, and toning to the other three corners from having once been mounted in an album. In Very Good condition overall. Full LOA from both PSA and JSA.