Lou Gehrig Day

Lou Gehrig Day takes place annually on June 2nd, the day of the death of Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease now often called "Lou Gehrig's disease" but also the day he began his historic consecutive games streak in 1925. It was proclaimed by Major League Baseball and Commissioner Rob Manfred on March 4, 2021.

The day serves to commemorate the life and legacy of Lou Gehrig, and also to raise funds in the fight against ALS. It is thus similar to MLB's efforts in support of the fight against breast cancer on Mothers Day, or its various "Stand Up to Cancer" initiatives, most visible during the World Series, but in this case the association with an iconic baseball figure makes for a natural partnership. It joins Jackie Robinson Day and Roberto Clemente Day on the Baseball Calendar.

On Lou Gehrig Day, all players, managers and coaches will wear a special uniform patch, with red "4-ALS" (the logo bearing Gehrig’s retired uniform number with the New York Yankees) wristbands available to be worn in-game. OF Stephen Piscotty and his father Mike were instrumental in pushing for MLB to make Lou Gehrig Day an official baseball event; Stephen's mother Gretchen died from ALS at age 55 in 2018.

Further Reading

• Anthony Castrovince: "Inaugural Lou Gehrig Day set for June 2: New annual event to celebrate Iron Horse, raise funds in battle against ALS", mlb.com, March 4, 2021. [1]
• Anthony Castrovince: "Inaugural Lou Gehrig Day: All the details", mlb.com, June 2, 2021. [2]
• Mark Feinsand: "MLB to celebrate 2nd annual Lou Gehrig Day", mlb.com, June 1, 2022. [3]
• Martin Gallegos: "Piscottys play key role in 1st Lou Gehrig Day", mlb.com, June 1, 2021. [4]