The Red '4-ALS' Wristbands Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez Will Wear, And Why Every Mariners Fan Should Take Notice

Alright, Emerald City! Are we STILL buzzing from that absolutely electric 3-2 walk-off win against the New York Mets last night? I sure am! What a game, right? Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez showing up huge when it counted. But listen up, because while our hearts are still pounding from that victory, there's something coming on June 2 that's even bigger than baseball itself. It’s the sixth annual Lou Gehrig Day across Major League Baseball, and our M's are uniting for a cause that touches lives far beyond the foul lines.

T-Mobile Park's Unified Tribute to an Iron Horse

You’re going to see something different when our guys take the field on June 2. Every player, manager, and coach, including our own Mariners, will be rocking custom "4" decals, honoring Gehrig's legendary retired number. And check this out, they’ll also be wearing commemorative red "4-ALS" Franklin wristbands. This isn’t just some random tribute, fam. Lou Gehrig’s number 4 was the *first ever* number retired in baseball history, way back on July 4, 1939, the day he delivered that iconic "Luckiest Man" speech. Beyond the gear, MLB is pulling out all the stops: official Lou Gehrig Day lineup cards, special Rawlings base jewels in every game, and T-Mobile Park will even debut a special tribute video from MLB Network. You’ll even see an illuminated "4" in every broadcast booth. It’s a league-wide shout-out to his enduring strength, remembering those we've lost, and rallying behind the fight for a cure.

Fighting ALS: A Cause Bigger Than the Game

So, what's this '4-ALS' all about? ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is often called Lou Gehrig's disease, and it’s brutal. It’s a progressive neurodegenerative disease that just attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When those cells go, voluntary muscle control disappears. Patients become paralyzed, but their minds stay sharp. It can hit anyone, anytime, and the number of people battling it is growing, with huge financial burdens on families. But baseball has a long history of stepping up for this fight. Starting June 1, there's a special charitable auction at MLB.com/lougehrigdayauction. This auction is for The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, and it’s going to feature one-of-a-kind, authenticated, autographed Lou Gehrig Day Marucci Bats, one from each MLB Club. These bats were specifically chosen by Sarah Langs, an MLB.com researcher and reporter who is herself battling ALS. She knows this legacy inside and out, and her selections are gonna be special. So, when Cal Raleigh steps up to the plate and Julio Rodriguez roams center field on June 2, remember what those red wristbands and '4' decals represent. It's more than just a game day uniform. It's about uniting the baseball community to honor, support, and accelerate the fight for an ALS cure. After seeing our M's battle back for that 3-2 victory against the Mets, we know this team has heart. On June 2, we get to see that same incredible heart on display for a cause that desperately needs our attention. Let's make sure we're loud and proud, showing our support both in the stands and by checking out that auction. Go M's!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.