FANTASTIC FOUR
PRO SPORTS' IMMORTAL NUMBER
Fans gazing skyward at the Xfinity Mobile Arena will notice that the uniform number 4 has been retired by both the Flyers and the Sixers.
Barry Ashbee wore #4 for the Flyers en route to their 1974 Stanley Cup. He was a beloved player of unmatched grit and courage whose career ended with a tragic eye injury, and who passed away from leukemia only a few years later.
Dolph Schayes wore #4 for the 76ers (previously known as the Syracuse Nationals). He played 15 seasons, was named an NBA All-Star 12 times, and, in 1996, made the list of the NBA's 50 greatest players of all time.
Do you know the only other number retired by both the Flyers and Sixers? That's right - #2 (Mark Howe and Moses Malone).
#4 is the most retired jersey number in pro sports. It has been retired 28 times!
Among the most famous of the "Fantastic Fours" are Jean Beliveau, Brett Favre, Lou Gehrig, and Bobby Orr.
Almost as famous (in addition to Ashbee and Schayes) are Joe Dumars (NBA), Ralph Kiner (MLB), Mel Ott (MLB), Duke Snyder (MLB), and Scott Stevens (NHL).
Let's honor these amazing players by devouring 4 cheesesteaks at 4 different Top 50 venues in 4 hours.
