Lou Gehrig Day on June 2 to honor baseball player’s ALS legacy
Celebration honors all those affected by disease that bears his name
Supporters will celebrate the 5th annual Lou Gehrig Day on June 2. The yearly event honors the legacy of the Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Famer whose high-profile struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) brought widespread attention to the rare neurodegenerative disease.
Through awareness and fundraising initiatives, the celebration will honor not only Gehrig, but all others who have been affected by ALS, now commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“The focus of Lou Gehrig Day is to remember the legacy of Gehrig and all those lost to the disease that bears his name, raise awareness and funds for research of ALS, and celebrate the groups and individuals who have led the pursuit for cures,” MLB said on its Lou Gehrig Day website.
Lou Gehrig Day festivities planned at MLB stadiums across US
June 2 has double significance. It marks the day when Gehrig, affectionately known by fans as the Iron Horse because he played in 2,130 consecutive games, a record that stood for decades, became the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees in 1925. On the same date 16 years later, Gehrig, also well known for his “Luckiest Man” speech, died at age 37 from ALS.
Lou Gehrig Day is spearheaded by a committee of people with ALS and their caregivers and family members. It’s supported by various ALS organizations, as well MLB teams, players, managers, and others involved in the organization.
As in past years, Lou Gehrig Day will be recognized at several MLB stadium events throughout the U.S. The specifics will vary but will include pregame activities and on-field ceremonies. In some cases, tickets will be donated to families affected by ALS, and in others, portions of ticket proceeds will be donated to ALS research.
Individuals can check the MLB schedule to find an event near them. Various organizations, including the ALS Association, I Am ALS, Target ALS, Live Like Lou, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), are supporting specific events, with details available on their websites.
As part of a fundraising effort by the ALS Association, fans can purchase a T-shirt that represents their favorite MLB team to support Lou Gehrig Day.
I Am ALS will be selling Lou Gehrig Day T-shirts as well, and also offers a recommended reading list with books that provide insight into the ALS journey in honor of the celebration.
MDA, Rawlings collaborate on limited-edition baseball, glove collection
MLB encourages supporters to make a donation to benefit the expanded access protocol (EAP) program at the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, a leading center for ALS research and clinical trials. EAP programs at the hospital have provided treatment to nearly 700 patients outside clinical trials.
For its part, MDA is partnering with the sporting goods company Rawlings to launch a limited-edition “End ALS with MDA” baseball and glove collection. Proceeds from the sales will support MDA’s ALS research, care, and advocacy initiatives.
Lou Gehrig’s legacy continues to inspire strength, hope, and urgency in our fight to end ALS.
Starting in May, which is ALS Awareness Month, and lasting throughout June, fans who donate at least $10 will receive a custom-designed collectible baseball. Rawlings also developed a one-of-a-kind glove that will be displayed throughout awareness month at The Rawlings Experience, an interactive museum in St. Louis, and later auctioned off. The campaign is supported by MLB player ambassadors.
“Lou Gehrig’s legacy continues to inspire strength, hope, and urgency in our fight to end ALS,” Morgan Roth, chief marketing officer at MDA, said in an organization press release. “Our partnership with Rawlings represents the power of collaboration in action, bringing together fans, athletes, and advocates to raise awareness and funds.”
About the Author
