More than eight decades since the passing of baseball icon Lou Gehrig, his enduring legacy continues to captivate and mobilize fans worldwide. In honor of Lou Gehrig Day, MLB Auctions has unveiled a distinctive fundraising initiative to back the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, with the goal of advancing research and treatment for the disease synonymous with Gehrig.
Beginning on June 2, fans will have the chance to bid on special Gehrig Day baseball cards. Each MLB team is represented by a unique card, with players selected by MLB writer and researcher Sarah Langs, who is currently battling ALS. The Phillies will pay tribute to her on Lou Gehrig Day at Citizens Bank Park.
The players chosen for the cards hold significant ties to Gehrig, whether through their statistical achievements, support for the ALS community, or sheer passion for the game. The auction not only features these exclusive baseball cards but also offers a priceless “New York Yankees” experience courtesy of Mastercard.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. It results in muscle weakness and atrophy, impacting approximately 30,000 individuals in the U.S. and 500,000 worldwide. ALS can affect anyone, with age, race, and gender being no barriers, and currently lacks a cure.
Participating in the auction allows fans to directly contribute to efforts aimed at improving treatments and the quality of life for ALS patients. The event highlights the baseball community’s ability to unite in support of a cause that transcends the confines of the game.
Among the players featured on these unique Gehrig Day cards are esteemed names like Mike Trout representing the Angels, Yordan Alvarez for the Astros, and Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers, among others. Each card serves as a symbolic link between baseball’s rich history and the ongoing battle against ALS, making these collectibles not only emotionally significant but also impactful in the crucial fight against a debilitating disease.