June 2 will now be "Lou Gehrig Day" in Major League Baseball ... league officials just created the tradition to honor the baseball legend and to help try to find a cure for ALS.
MLB execs say they picked the day for two reasons -- June 2, 1925 was when the former Yankees superstar took over at first base for Wally Pipp and never looked back. June 2, 1941 was the day he tragically died.
Teams are expected to honor Gehrig by a wearing patches on their uniforms. Players according to MLB, will also have the opportunity to wear wristbands with "4-ALS" on them during games.