The significance of the number 4 in MLB
Major League Baseball has seen a recent trend of players and teams honoring the number 4 in various ways. Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and why it holds such importance in the baseball world.
Jackie Robinson’s impact on the game
Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in the MLB, wore the number 42 during his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His courage and resilience in breaking the color barrier in baseball paved the way for future generations of players. In honor of his legacy, MLB celebrates ‘Jackie Robinson Day’ every year on April 15, where all players wear the number 42.
The influence of Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig, known as the ‘Iron Horse,’ was a legendary player for the New York Yankees who wore the number 4 throughout his career. Gehrig’s streak of 2,130 consecutive games played stood as a record for decades and his tragic battle with ALS brought awareness to the disease. His impact on the game and his enduring legacy have inspired many players to honor him by wearing the number 4.
Teams honoring past legends
Several MLB teams have retired the number 4 jersey in honor of their legendary players. The New York Yankees retired Lou Gehrig’s number in 1939, making him the first player in MLB history to receive such an honor. Other teams like the St. Louis Cardinals (Yadier Molina) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (Ralph Kiner) have also retired the number 4 jersey to pay tribute to their iconic players.
Players paying homage through jersey numbers
Many current MLB players choose to wear the number 4 as a way of paying homage to the legends who wore it before them. Players like Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals proudly sport the number 4 on their jerseys, showcasing their respect for the history and tradition of the game.
Statistics and impact on the game
The number 4 holds a special significance in MLB history, symbolizing the resilience, leadership, and legacy of past players. The impact of players like Jackie Robinson and Lou Gehrig transcends the game itself, inspiring future generations to uphold their ideals and values. By wearing the number 4, players and teams continue to honor the rich history of baseball and the iconic figures who helped shape it.
