{"id":2786,"date":"2024-09-10T18:02:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T10:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/?p=2786"},"modified":"2024-09-10T18:24:53","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T10:24:53","slug":"what-is-the-number-4-on-baseball-uniforms-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/what-is-the-number-4-on-baseball-uniforms-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are MLB Players Wearing the Number 4 Patch Today? Honoring Lou Gehrig&#8217;s Legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Are MLB Players Wearing the Number 4 Patch Today? Honoring Lou Gehrig&#8217;s Legacy<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><sub><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/sub><br><br>Baseball fans watching MLB games today may notice players wearing a special <strong>number 4 patch<\/strong> on their uniforms. This commemorative patch is not just a tribute to any player but a symbol of honor for one of the greatest figures in baseball history\u2014<strong>Lou Gehrig<\/strong>. The iconic <strong>number 4<\/strong> has become synonymous with courage, strength, and the relentless fight against ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig&#8217;s disease. But why are <strong>MLB players wearing the number 4 patch today<\/strong>? Let\u2019s explore the history, significance, and legacy behind this powerful symbol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignright is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LouGehrigDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#LouGehrigDay<\/a> accents. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/EndALS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#EndALS<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JmUvhZGWK6\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/JmUvhZGWK6<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Dbacks\/status\/1797293749610901510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">June 2, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ranker.com\/review\/lou-gehrig\/1478173?l=2814332\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lou Gehrig\u2019s Unparalleled Legacy in Baseball<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before understanding why baseball players are wearing the <strong>number 4 patch<\/strong>, it\u2019s essential to revisit the remarkable career and influence of Lou Gehrig. Known as \u201cThe Iron Horse\u201d for his incredible durability, Gehrig played 17 seasons for the New York Yankees, from 1923 to 1939. His career highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seven All-Star selections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Six World Series championships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two MVP awards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Triple Crown in 1934<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A record-breaking 2,130 consecutive games played, a feat thought to be unbreakable until Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it in 1995.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Gehrig\u2019s impact on baseball was so profound that the Yankees retired his <strong>number 4<\/strong> in 1939, making him the first player in MLB history to receive this honor. His famous &#8220;Luckiest Man&#8221; speech, delivered on July 4, 1939, remains one of the most emotional moments in sports history, where Gehrig humbly reflected on his career despite his ALS diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>Why Are MLB Players Wearing the Number 4 Patch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MLB officially recognized <strong>Lou Gehrig Day<\/strong> in 2021, an annual event held on June 2nd to raise awareness about ALS and honor Gehrig\u2019s legacy. On this day, <strong>MLB players wear the number 4 patch<\/strong> across the league to pay tribute to the Hall of Famer and bring attention to the ongoing fight against ALS. But this patch is more than just a nod to history; it\u2019s part of a larger movement to support ALS research and advocate for those affected by the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>4 patch on MLB uniforms<\/strong> is designed in the style of Gehrig\u2019s New York Yankees uniform, featuring the classic font and navy blue coloring that adorned the back of his jersey. Positioned on the upper left chest, the <strong>number 4 patch on MLB jerseys today<\/strong> is a visible reminder of Gehrig\u2019s contributions to baseball and his perseverance in the face of adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>The Significance of Lou Gehrig Day and ALS Awareness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lou Gehrig Day, held annually on June 2nd, serves as more than a baseball tradition; it\u2019s a day dedicated to raising awareness and funding for ALS research. The <strong>MLB number 4 patch<\/strong> is just one way the league honors Gehrig\u2019s legacy. Here\u2019s why this day is so important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Raising ALS Awareness:<\/strong> ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease, is a debilitating illness with no known cure. The <strong>number 4 on baseball uniforms today<\/strong> reminds fans and players of the devastating impact of ALS, while also raising public awareness about the disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supporting ALS Research:<\/strong> MLB teams, players, and fans come together on <strong>Lou Gehrig Day<\/strong> to raise funds for ALS research through auctions, donations, and special events. Items such as game-worn <strong>number 4 patches<\/strong> are often auctioned off, with proceeds going toward finding a cure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Honoring Gehrig\u2019s Legacy:<\/strong> By wearing the <strong>number 4 patch<\/strong>, MLB players reflect on Gehrig\u2019s resilience and sportsmanship, using his legacy as a source of inspiration in both their professional and personal lives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>The Importance of the Number 4 in Baseball Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>number 4<\/strong> carries special significance, not just because of Lou Gehrig, but because of its place in baseball\u2019s culture of tradition and respect. When the Yankees retired Gehrig\u2019s <strong>number 4 jersey<\/strong> in 1939, it set a precedent for retiring the numbers of the greatest players in baseball history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the <strong>#4 patch in MLB<\/strong> continues this tradition, as players across the league honor one of baseball\u2019s most iconic figures. While <strong>famous number 4<\/strong> jerseys are no longer worn on the field by the Yankees, the <strong>number 4 patch<\/strong> ensures that Gehrig\u2019s legacy lives on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How MLB Honors Lou Gehrig\u2019s Legacy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On <strong>Lou Gehrig Day<\/strong>, MLB teams don more than just the <strong>4 patch<\/strong>. The day is filled with special tributes and activities designed to raise awareness and support ALS research:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Commemorative Wristbands:<\/strong> In addition to the <strong>MLB 4 patch<\/strong>, players and personnel can wear red &#8220;4-ALS&#8221; wristbands to show solidarity in the fight against ALS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Special Game Equipment:<\/strong> MLB incorporates <strong>Lou Gehrig Day<\/strong> base jewels and lineup cards to further promote the day\u2019s significance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pregame Ceremonies:<\/strong> Throughout MLB ballparks, pregame events feature videos, speeches, and tributes to Gehrig, highlighting his role in bringing awareness to ALS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MLB Charitable Auction:<\/strong> Items like authenticated <strong>#4 patches<\/strong> and autographed memorabilia are auctioned, with proceeds going to ALS research foundations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>Conclusion: A Day to Remember and a Call to Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>number 4 patch on MLB jerseys today<\/strong> is more than a uniform addition\u2014it\u2019s a symbol of Lou Gehrig\u2019s lasting impact on baseball and a reminder of the ongoing battle against ALS. As <strong>MLB players wear the #4 patch<\/strong>, they honor Gehrig\u2019s legacy and inspire hope for those affected by this devastating disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So the next time you see the <strong>number 4 on baseball uniforms today<\/strong>, remember the legacy of Lou Gehrig and the importance of continuing the fight to find a cure for ALS. His bravery and strength continue to serve as a beacon for the baseball community and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p> Want to support ALS research or learn more about Lou Gehrig Day? Visit your favorite<a href=\"http:\/\/mlb.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> MLB<\/a> team\u2019s website to explore how you can contribute, bid on <strong>MLB #4 patch<\/strong> memorabilia, and join the movement to honor one of baseball\u2019s greatest legends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Are MLB Players Wearing the Number 4 Patch Today? Honoring Lou Gehrig&#8217;s Legacy Introduction Baseball fans watching&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2790,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2786","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sportswear-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2786","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2786"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2786\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2791,"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2786\/revisions\/2791"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2786"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2786"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elnocsonsport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2786"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}