Why are baseball players wearing a number 4 patch on their uniforms today?
Major League Baseball is recognizing Lou Gehrig Day on Sunday, June 2, 2024, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and commemorating Lou Gehrig’s legacy.
This year, all MLB teams will wear Gehrig’s uniform number “4” as a patch on the front of their jerseys. The patch is designed using the New York Yankees’ usual uniform colour and font to resemble how it appeared on the back of Gehrig’s uniform. It will be placed on the upper left chest of all player, manager, and coach uniforms for today’s games.
#LouGehrigDay accents. #EndALS pic.twitter.com/JmUvhZGWK6
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 2, 2024
In addition to the decals, players and personnel have the option to wear red “4-ALS” wristbands during games. Special commemorative Lou Gehrig Day base jewels and lineup cards will also be part of the day’s on-field activities.
Ballparks nationwide will feature an illuminated “4” in broadcast booths. Pregame ceremonies will include commemorative videos and graphics, and each club will host localized activations to further engage their communities in this cause.
Lou Gehrig Day, held annually on the anniversary of Gehrig’s death from the disease in 1941, is to spotlight ALS, often called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The day pays tribute to the legendary player and supports ongoing efforts to find a cure for this debilitating condition.
LINK: Lou Gehrig’s baseball career in logos and uniforms
Also, starting today, MLB will launch a special charitable auction to benefit The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS. This year’s auction will feature one-of-a-kind MLB authenticated autographed Lou Gehrig Day TOPPS NOW cards, each representing a different MLB club. Sarah Langs, an MLB researcher and reporter battling ALS, selected these unique cards.
Lou Gehrig, known as “The Iron Horse,” played 17 seasons for the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1939. His remarkable career included seven All-Star selections, six World Series championships, two American League MVP awards, and the prestigious Triple Crown. Gehrig’s 2,130-game consecutive games streak was thought by many to be baseball’s unbreakable record until it was surpassed by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1995.
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Baseball Celebrates Lou Gehrig Day with Patches, ALS Fundraising on June 2