Empire State Review Team On June 1, 2025, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers honored baseball legend Lou Gehrig during their matchup at Dodger Stadium, marking the fifth annual Lou Gehrig Day. Both teams donned special No. 4 patches on their jerseys, a nod to Gehrig’s iconic uniform number, to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the disease that claimed his life and now bears his name.
The No. 4 patches, designed in the Yankees’ classic font and colors, were prominently displayed on the upper left chest of players, managers, coaches, and umpires. In addition to the patches, red “4-ALS” wristbands were worn during the game, symbolizing solidarity with the ALS community. Commemorative base jewels and lineup cards further emphasized the occasion.
Lou Gehrig Day, established by Major League Baseball in 2021, is observed annually on June 2. The date holds dual significance: it marks both the anniversary of Gehrig becoming the Yankees’ starting first baseman in 1925 and the day of his passing in 1941. This year’s observance was particularly poignant, coinciding with the centennial of the start of Gehrig’s legendary 2,130 consecutive games played streak, a record that stood until 1995.
League-wide, MLB implemented several initiatives to honor Gehrig and support ALS awareness. A special tribute video, narrated by MLB researcher and reporter Sarah Langs—herself battling ALS—was broadcast across stadiums and on MLB Network. Additionally, an auction featuring 30 autographed Lou Gehrig Day cards from Topps, each representing an MLB club, was launched to raise funds for ALS research. Proceeds from the auction will benefit The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Lou Gehrig, affectionately known as “The Iron Horse,” played 17 seasons with the Yankees, achieving a .340 batting average, 493 home runs, and 1,995 RBIs. His consecutive games streak and unwavering dedication made him a symbol of perseverance. Gehrig’s farewell speech on July 4, 1939, in which he declared himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
The annual Lou Gehrig Day serves not only to commemorate his contributions to baseball but also to unite the baseball community in the ongoing fight against ALS. Through these tributes and fundraising efforts, MLB continues to honor Gehrig’s legacy and support those affected by the disease.
