Sunday, June 1, 2025, marks a monumental centennial milestone in baseball history: the 100-year anniversary of Lou Gehrig's legendary streak of 2,130 consecutive games played. This record, one of the most revered accomplishments in the sport, epitomizes the grit and endurance of the man famously known as the "Iron Horse." To commemorate this occasion, Major League Baseball (MLB), in coordination with all 30 MLB clubs and various partners, has unveiled a comprehensive tribute as part of the fifth annual Lou Gehrig Day, observed on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Lou Gehrig's legacy extends far beyond his remarkable on-field achievements. His career, marked by both brilliance and resilience, was tragically cut short by a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that would come to bear his name colloquially. Gehrig's farewell to baseball was immortalized in a heartfelt retirement ceremony at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939, where he delivered his iconic "luckiest man" speech, a message that resonates with fans and players alike to this day.
MLB's tribute to Gehrig this year is both a celebration of his enduring legacy and a call to action to support the fight against ALS. On Lou Gehrig Day, all players, managers, coaches, and umpires across the league will wear a special "4" decal on their uniforms, designed in the classic Yankee font and color, symbolizing Gehrig's jersey number. Additionally, red "4-ALS" wristbands will be available for in-game wear, alongside commemorative base jewels and lineup cards to enhance the day's significance on the diamond.
The commemorations extend beyond the field. Prior to games, fans will be treated to a special video tribute honoring Gehrig's life and the ongoing battle against ALS, accompanied by localized club-specific activations to engage communities. A glowing "4" will be displayed in every TV broadcast booth, establishing a tradition that will continue in future seasons. MLB Network will air a new Lou Gehrig Day tribute video during its Emmy-nominated MLB Central program on Monday at 10 a.m. ET, while ballparks will showcase the video starting Sunday, June 1, through the day’s events.
Digital platforms are also playing a pivotal role. MLB.com will feature extensive editorial content spotlighting Lou Gehrig Day activities across the league and delving into Gehrig's profound legacy. Meanwhile, MLB's social media channels will honor Gehrig and the ALS community by highlighting legends in attendance and sharing notable moments throughout the day.
One of the standout initiatives this year is a special charitable auction launched on June 1 at MLB.com/LGDayAuction. This auction features a unique collection of one-of-a-kind, MLB authenticated autographed Lou Gehrig Day TOPPS NOW cards, with one card representing each MLB club. The players featured were carefully selected by Sarah Langs, an MLB researcher and reporter who is herself battling ALS. Each player has a meaningful connection to Gehrig, whether through statistical parallels, a shared passion for the game, or demonstrated support for the ALS community. Notable names include Shohei Ohtani, Paul Skenes, Chris Sale, Juan Soto, Mike Trout, Julio Rodriguez, Gerrit Cole, Tarik Skubal, Alex Bregman, Salvador Perez, and Christian Yelich.
Fans can bid on these exclusive cards starting at $100, with the auction running through June 12, 2025. Additionally, game-worn Lou Gehrig Day items from across MLB will be auctioned at a later date. Proceeds from the auction will benefit The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, a leading institution in ALS research and patient care.
ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a devastating condition that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. This results in muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis, while cognitive function often remains intact. Despite decades of research, there are currently no cures or effective treatments to halt the progression of ALS, and patients still face the same terminal prognosis that Gehrig received more than 80 years ago.
The disease can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, and its incidence is increasing. The financial burden on patients and their families is significant, underscoring the urgency for better therapies and support systems. MLB's ongoing commitment to the ALS community is evident in its history of support, from the establishment of Lou Gehrig Day in 2021 to fundraising efforts such as the Winter Meetings Charity Auction in 2019, the MLB Fights ALS campaign in 2017, and the league's participation in the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which helped raise millions and accelerate research breakthroughs.
Lou Gehrig's impact on baseball and the fight against ALS remains profound. His famous speech at Yankee Stadium, where he humbly declared himself "the luckiest man on the face of the Earth," continues to inspire. In his words, "For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans." His gratitude, courage, and dignity in the face of adversity embody the spirit of the game and the human spirit alike.
Gehrig passed away at the young age of 37 on June 2, 1941, but his legacy endures through these annual commemorations and the ongoing fight to conquer ALS. As MLB and its clubs honor him on June 1 and 2, fans worldwide are reminded not only of a baseball legend’s remarkable career but also of the urgent need to support those battling this relentless disease.
With Lou Gehrig Day celebrations underway, MLB continues to unite the baseball community in remembrance, awareness, and hope, ensuring that the Iron Horse's legacy drives progress toward a future free of ALS.
