<P> The Yankees ' original approach was to simply assign the numbers 1 through 8 to the regular starting lineup in their normal batting order . Hence , Babe Ruth wore number 3 and Lou Gehrig number 4 . The first major leaguer whose number was retired was Gehrig , in July 1939 , following his retirement due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , which became known popularly as Lou Gehrig 's Disease . </P>
<P> The Yankees ' original approach was to simply assign the numbers 1 through 8 to the regular starting lineup in their normal batting order . Hence , Babe Ruth wore number 3 and Lou Gehrig number 4 . The first major leaguer whose number was retired was Gehrig , in July 1939 , following his retirement due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , which became known popularly as Lou Gehrig 's Disease . </P>
who was the first baseball player to have their number retired
who was the first baseball player to have their number retired
Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig