Ride on Bernie Brewer’s slide at American Family Field in Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel photojournalist Mike De Sisti takes you along with his ride down Bernie’s slide at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
If you watched any part of the Milwaukee Brewers–Cincinnati Reds game June 2, you noticed that players had a No. 4 patch on their uniform for a second consecutive game.
Why? June 2 is officially Lou Gehrig Day in Major League Baseball. Gehrig became the New York Yankees first baseman on June 2, 1925.
All players on Major League Baseball teams wore No. 4 patches on their uniforms June 1 and June 2 in honor of Gehrig, who wore the No. 4. Since there is a limited schedule on June 2 due to it being a Monday night, all teams also participated Sunday.
Gehrig had a Hall of Fame career with the Yankees, playing in 2,130 consecutive games. That streak came to an abrupt end when Gehrig was forced to retire due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He died on June 2, 1941, due to complications from the disease that is still without a cure.
This is the fifth year MLB has honored Gehrig in an attempt to raise awareness for ALS.
The Brewers wore both the patch and wristbands:
Why are players wearing No. 4 across MLB June 2?
June 2 is Lou Gehrig Day in MLB, designed to honor the late Yankees legend and raise awareness and funding for ALS.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord.
Who was Lou Gehrig?
Gehrig was a Hall of Fame first baseman for the New York Yankees who finished his career with a .340 career batting average.
Why was Lou Gehrig nicknamed the Iron Horse?
Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive games during his career. His record stood until Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. played in a 2,131st straight game on Sept. 6, 1995. Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves leads current players in consecutive games played with 492.
This story was updated to add a gallery.
