More than 80 years have passed since the legendary baseball player Lou Gehrig’s death, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans worldwide. To celebrate Lou Gehrig Day, MLB Auctions has kickstarted a distinctive fundraising initiative to back the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, with the goal of progressing research and enhancing treatments for the disease synonymous with Gehrig.
From June 2 onwards, fans will be able to partake in bidding for exclusive Gehrig Day baseball cards. Each card represents a different MLB team, with the player on the card specifically chosen by MLB writer and researcher Sarah Langs, who herself is contending with ALS. Langs will receive a special tribute from the Phillies on Lou Gehrig Day at Citizens Bank Park.
The selection of players for these cards is deeply significant, based on their statistical connections to Gehrig, their support for the ALS community, or their unwavering dedication to the game of baseball. The auction features not only these unique baseball cards but also an enticing “Priceless New York Yankees” experience generously provided by Mastercard.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a disabling neurodegenerative illness that impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness and degeneration. This disease affects approximately 30,000 individuals in the U.S. and an estimated 500,000 globally. It can affect anyone, disregarding age, race, or gender, and currently lacks a definitive cure.
By engaging in this auction, fans are directly contributing to initiatives that strive not only to discover improved treatments but also to enrich the lives of those grappling with ALS. This event underscores the solidarity of the baseball community in coming together for a cause that goes beyond the confines of the sport.
The illustrious players featured on these special Gehrig Day cards include renowned names such as Mike Trout representing the Angels, Yordan Alvarez for the Astros, and Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers, among others. Each card symbolizes a link between the illustrious history of baseball and the ongoing battle against ALS, making these collectibles profound in both their sentimental value and their potential impact on a critical health crusade.
