June 2 is a special date for all of MLB as teams take various measures to recognize Lou Gehrig Day. This year is the sixth annual recognition by the league for the New York Yankees legend.
The date is used to help raise awareness and funds for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and celebrate the date in 1925 when the Yankees’ starting first baseman started his legendary “Iron Horse” consecutive games streak.
For all MLB games played June 2, players, managers and coaches wear custom “4” decals that were designed to honor Gehrig’s retired number, and commemorative “4-ALS” Franklin wristbands in red. Furthermore, teams are going to have official Lou Gehrig Day lineup cards and games are including special Rawlings base jewels.
When the Yankees retired Gehrig’s jersey on July 4, 1939, it represented the first such milestone for a player in MLB history. That led to Gehrig’s famed “Luckiest Man” speech at Yankee Stadium.
To further commemorate the June 2 date, MLB has organized a special auction of autographed Marucci bats to benefit The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General. All 30 teams had one player selected by MLB.com researcher Sarah Langs to autograph a bat, with Emmet Sheehan representing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Lou Gehrig Day game Dodgers @ Diamondbacks
Every MLB team is recognizing Lou Gehrig Day in their stadiums through a variety of activation details. Furthermore, each ballpark is going to debut a commemorative tribute video produced by MLB Network. A visual tribute will also extend to broadcast partners, as an illuminated “4” will be prominently displayed inside every broadcast booth.
Given that the Dodgers are in the midst of a four-game series at Chase Field, it is incumbent on the Arizona Diamondbacks to decide on details to recognize Lou Gehrig Day.
As such, presenting partner Dignity Health/Barrow Neurological Institute is joining ALS Arizona, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and Tossin’ Away ALS for a series of pregame ceremonies. Highlights will include a ceremonial first pitch by 12-year ALS survivor, MDA ambassador Doug Clough and U.S. Air Force veteran Ernie Ruiz.
And the honorary captain recognition will be given to avid fan and six-year ALS advocate Bill Olivier and Henry “Chip” Stoecker of the Barrow ALS Clinic will recite Gehrig’s iconic “Luckiest Man Alive” speech.
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