More than 80 years after the passing of baseball icon Lou Gehrig, his enduring legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide. To mark Lou Gehrig Day, MLB Auctions has launched a special fundraising initiative in support of the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, aiming to drive research progress and enhance treatments for the disease famously linked to Gehrig.
Commencing on June 2, fans will have the chance to bid on distinctive Gehrig Day baseball cards. A unique card representing each MLB team has been crafted, with individual players selected by MLB writer and ALS battler Sarah Langs. Langs will be specially honored by the Phillies on Lou Gehrig Day at Citizens Bank Park.
The choice of players for these cards carries significant meaning, whether due to their statistical connections to Gehrig, their advocacy for the ALS community, or their profound love for baseball. The auction not only offers these exclusive baseball cards but also includes a “Priceless New York Yankees” experience courtesy of Mastercard.
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a degenerative neurological condition affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and degeneration. With around 30,000 individuals impacted in the U.S. and an estimated 500,000 worldwide, ALS can afflict anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, or sex, and currently lacks a cure.
Through participation in the auction, fans contribute directly to initiatives striving to not only discover improved treatments but also to enhance the quality of life for those grappling with ALS. The event underscores the ability of the baseball community to unite in support of a cause that surpasses the boundaries of the sport.
The lineup of players featured on these unique Gehrig Day cards includes renowned figures like Mike Trout representing the Angels, Yordan Alvarez for the Astros, and Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers, among others. Each baseball card serves as a link between the storied past of baseball and the ongoing battle against ALS, rendering these collectibles both emotionally significant and potentially transformative in the critical health fight.
