LOS ANGELES – In a heartfelt tribute ahead of MLB’s official Lou Gehrig Day, both the Yankees and Dodgers donned jerseys featuring Gehrig’s iconic No. 4 during their game on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. This initiative aims to honor the legendary player while raising awareness and funding for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research, a disease that tragically cut short Gehrig’s life at the young age of 37 on June 2, 1941.
This Sunday also marked the centenary of Gehrig’s remarkable streak of 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stands as a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport. As part of the Lou Gehrig Day celebrations, MLB announced that all players, coaches, and umpires would wear a No. 4 decal on their uniforms, accompanied by “4-ALS” wristbands available for players to wear during the game.
Gehrig’s No. 4 holds a special significance as it was the first number retired by the Yankees, with a memorable ceremony taking place at the original Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939. During this event, Gehrig delivered his iconic “Luckiest Man” speech, a moment that still resonates with fans and players alike.
Such commemorations not only honor Gehrig’s legacy but also serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight against ALS, inspiring hope and solidarity within the baseball community and beyond. These actions highlight the importance of awareness and research funding in the battle against this devastating disease.