Who was the first baseball player to have his number (4) retired?

The first baseball player to have his number retired was none other than the legendary Lou Gehrig. Gehrig, also known as the "Iron Horse," spent his entire career with the New York Yankees, from 1923 to 1939. He was a two-time MVP and a seven-time All-Star, and he helped lead the Yankees to six World Series championships.

Gehrig's number, 4, was retired on July 4, 1939, making him the first player in Major League Baseball history to receive this honor. The Yankees held a special ceremony at Yankee Stadium to retire Gehrig's number, and Gehrig gave his famous "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech, in which he expressed his gratitude for his teammates, fans, and family.

Lou Gehrig's number was retired in recognition of his outstanding career and his contributions to the game of baseball. He was a true legend in the sport, and his legacy continues to live on today. To learn more about Lou Gehrig and his impact on baseball, you can visit the Baseball Hall of Fame website for more information.

In addition to having his number retired, Lou Gehrig was also inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, just a few months after his number retirement ceremony. He remains one of the most iconic figures in baseball history, and his memory is honored by fans and players alike.

Overall, Lou Gehrig was a true pioneer in the game of baseball, and his number retirement was a fitting tribute to his incredible career. His impact on the sport continues to be felt to this day, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever step foot on the field.

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