Yankees honor Lou Gehrig legacy by wearing number 4 patch

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Major League Baseball (MLB), in collaboration with all 30 clubs, including the New York Yankees, celebrated the fourth annual Lou Gehrig Day on June 2 to raise awareness and funds for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The Yankees’ 7-5 win over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday was highlighted by a special tribute: the team wore jerseys featuring the iconic number 4, once worn by Lou Gehrig.

Lou Gehrig Day included various activities and ceremonies across ballparks, with teams hosting special pre-game events to honor those affected by ALS and to educate fans about the disease.

The Yankees also incorporated ALS awareness messages throughout the game, including a video with messages from Anthony Rizzo and Anthony Volpe, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the fight against this debilitating disease.

Lou Gehrig honored by Yankees on MLB’s June 2 Day

All MLB clubs, including the Yankees, honored Lou Gehrig today. This information was previously confirmed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation – WBSC, stating that MLB’s players, managers, and coaches would have uniforms featuring a No. 4 decal designed in New York Yankees colors and font for Sunday’s games. Additionally, red “4-ALS” wristbands were available for in-game wear, along with commemorative base jewels and lineup cards.

Beyond these on-field tributes, MLB planned a full day of content and fundraising opportunities to remember Gehrig and combat the disease affecting approximately 500,000 people worldwide.

Lou Gehrig Day also commemorates his iconic speech about his disease. On June 2, 1925, a 21-year-old Lou Gehrig became the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees, replacing Wally Pipp. Pipp never started at first base for the Yankees again, and Gehrig went on to play 2,130 consecutive games, earning the nickname “Iron Horse.”

Lou Gehrig’s legendary career was tragically cut short, and he died of ALS on June 2, 1941. The disease, causing progressive loss of motor neurons, was later named after him. On the 80th anniversary of his death, MLB inaugurated Lou Gehrig Day on June 2, 2021.

MLB honors Lou Gehrig with ALS awareness tribute

For example, a year ago, Sarah Langs went to Yankee Stadium to receive an honor from the club on the same date. She also throwed some pitches before the game.

In 2024, MLB Network honored Lou Gehrig’s legacy and raised ALS awareness through studio programming and a special Lou Gehrig Day tribute video narrated by beloved sports personality Sarah Langs. This video, which honors members of the baseball community lost to ALS this year, was shown in stadiums throughout the league.

Starting June 2, MLB will run a special charitable auction to benefit The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS. The auction will include one-of-a-kind MLB authenticated autographed Lou Gehrig Day TOPPS NOW cards, one for each MLB club, with players selected by Sarah Langs. Langs will be honored by the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Each selected player has a connection to Lou Gehrig through their passion for the game, unique statistical achievements, or support for the ALS community.

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