09/03/2021 2 Minute Read

MLB makes 2 June Lou Gehrig Day

The legendary 'Iron Horse' died on 2 June 1941 from the consequences of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, today known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neurone disease.

Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced the inaugural Lou Gehrig Day, to be celebrated each year on 2 June, starting with the 2021 season.

Gehrig joins other Baseball Legends, Jackie Robinson (15 April) and Roberto Clemente (9 September), as the only players whose legacies are celebrated by MLB annually with dedicated days.

June 2 will forever be known as Lou Gehrig Day.

Each year, we will celebrate his legacy and honor those we've lost to ALS. Together, we will help in the fight against this disease. #4ALS pic.twitter.com/jFP0Z7ym6L
— MLB (@MLB) March 4, 2021

The son of German immigrants, Henry Louis Gehrig was born in New York in 1903. After playing only 23 games over the 1923 and 1924 seasons, he became the New York Yankees everyday first baseman on 2 June 1925. He started a streak of 2,130 consecutive games. Gehrig died on 2 June 1941 from the consequences of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), today known as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neurone disease. Cal Ripken Jr surpassed his streak on 6 September 1995. Ripken took the new record to 2,632 consecutive games.

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"Major League Baseball is thrilled to celebrate the legacy of Lou Gehrig, whose humility and courage continue to inspire our society," commented MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. "While ALS has been closely identified with our game since Lou’s legendary career, the pressing need to find cures remains. We look forward to honouring all the individuals and families, in baseball and beyond, who have been affected by ALS and hope Lou Gehrig Day advances efforts to end this disease."

Lou Gehrig Day follows a campaign led by the Lou Gehrig Day Committee, which comprises individuals, family and friends affected by ALS, and organizations leading the way on awareness and fundraising for the movement to end the disease.