Major League Baseball (MLB) marked the fifth annual Lou Gehrig Day on June 2, 2025, by honoring the legacy of Lou Gehrig and actively raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease has been named after the Yankees legend.
2025 is the centenary year of Lou Gehrig’s first appearance as the Yankees’ starting first baseman back in 1925. Players, managers, coaches, and umpires wore special “4” decals on their uniforms in tribute to the iconic jersey number of Gehrig. They also wore red “4-ALS” wristbands, and the league used commemorative base jewels and lineup cards during games.
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Clubs and broadcasters organized tributes before games, featuring a commemorative video and team-specific activations. TV crews displayed an illuminated “4” in every broadcast booth, establishing a tradition they plan to continue in future years.
The Legacy of Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig Day celebrates Gehrig’s legacy and drives the fight against ALS forward. MLB and its partners lead awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts, actively supporting those affected by the disease and working to find a cure.
The MLB Network aired a new tribute video on June 2 to honor Gehrig. MLB.com published extensive editorial content covering Lou Gehrig Day events throughout the league.
To advance ALS research, MLB launched a charitable auction of unique, autographed Lou Gehrig Day Topps NOW cards. Sarah Langs, an MLB reporter and researcher currently battling ALS, curated the collection.
Lou Gehrig’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease leads to a gradual loss of muscle control, eventually affecting a person’s ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
The New York Yankees legend received an ALS diagnosis in 1939 and brought national attention to the condition.
