Why did Lou Gehrig wear number 4?

Answer 1

When the New York Yankees started putting numbers on their uniforms, they used the numbers 1-8 for the players that were starters. The number of the player corresponded to the position in the batting order that the player hit. Lou Gehrig hit fourth in the batting order, so he was given #4. Babe Ruth hit third in the batting order, so he was given #3.

Answer 2

It was to recognize the 24th Infantry Division. At the time of Willy Mays birth the 24th Infantry Division was a Colored Division in the segregated United States Army.

Answer 3

Lou Gehrig wore #4 during his career with the New York Yankees.