What's up everyone and happy 4th of July? This is going to be a throwback history episode.

A few years ago, it was announced that June 2nd was chosen as Lou Gehrig Day because it not only marks the day when Garrick began his streak of consecutive games played, but also the date he passed away from complications with ALS.

While I agree June 2nd is the proper date to celebrate Luke Garrig, July 4th should not be forgotten.

Here's why.

On July 4th, 1939, a sellout crowd watched the Yankees play two baseball games against the Washington Senators.

Yes, it was a holiday and the games probably would have been packed anyway, but the 61,808 people who went to Yankee Stadium that day went

because it was Lou Garrick Appreciation Day.

Two weeks prior, Garrick was forced into retirement.

Two months prior, Garrick played his last game.

He was only 35 years old.

After his sudden retirement and news of his illness was known,

reporters started to suggest that the team and the league should do something to honor the Iron Horse.

A ceremony at the All-Star game was considered, but ultimately the team chose intermission of the July 4th double-headed.

Garrig was honored on the infield diamond for over 40 minutes.

It was the first ceremony of its kind in baseball.

His number four was retired, also the first time a uniform number had been retired.

Technically, Gary's number wasn't officially retired by the Yankees until January 6,

1940 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, but you may also see this date July 4,

1939 as the date his number was retired.

New York City Mayor Fiorello, LaGuardia, and Postmaster General James A Farley attended.

Wally Pipp, who Garrick replaced in the lineup was there.

Teammates from the 1927 Murderers Row Yankees were also there.

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