More than 80 years since his passing, the iconic figure of baseball, Lou Gehrig, continues to inspire fans from all walks of life. In honor of Lou Gehrig Day, MLB Auctions has orchestrated a special fundraising initiative aimed at backing the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS. The objective is clear – to further research efforts and enhance treatments for the disease closely associated with the renowned athlete.
Commencing on June 2, enthusiasts will be given the chance to partake in an exclusive auction featuring Gehrig Day baseball cards. Each card is dedicated to a specific MLB team, highlighting a player handpicked by MLB writer Sarah Langs, who herself is battling ALS and will receive a special tribute from the Phillies on Lou Gehrig Day at Citizens Bank Park.
The selection of players on these cards carries significant meaning, whether due to their statistical parallels with Gehrig, their advocacy for the ALS community, or simply their unwavering love for the game of baseball. The auction promises not only these distinctive baseball cards but also a priceless experience with the New York Yankees presented by Mastercard.
ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a debilitating neurodegenerative illness affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It results in muscle weakness and wasting, impacting approximately 30,000 individuals in the U.S. and an estimated 500,000 worldwide. This disease does not discriminate and affects people of all backgrounds, lacking a definitive cure at present.
Participation in the auction serves as a direct contribution to endeavors striving for improved treatments and a better quality of life for those grappling with ALS. The event underscores the unifying force of the baseball community when it comes to supporting a cause that transcends the boundaries of the sport itself.
Among the prominent players featured on these special Gehrig Day cards are renowned names like Mike Trout representing the Angels, Yordan Alvarez for the Astros, and Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers, alongside others. Each card serves as a symbolic link between the storied legacy of baseball and the ongoing battle against ALS, rendering these collectibles not only emotionally significant but also capable of making a tangible impact in the critical fight against a debilitating health condition.