The sports world has seen many figures facing neurogenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. One of the most prominent was New York Yankees’ first baseman Lou Gehrig, to the degree that the disorder has sometimes been called “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
For the last four years, Major League Baseball has celebrated June 2 as Lou Gehrig Day, beginning on the 80th anniversary of his passing in 2021. This one also marks the 99th anniversary of Gehrig becoming the Yankees’ first baseman in 1925 (taking over from Wally Pipp, he’d go on to start a then-record 2,130 games there). That’s sparked several tributes to Gehrig from MLB itself, MLB Network, the MLBPA, and many media members, along with calls to keep investing in ALS research (MLB has a landing page with ways to support that here) to help those like MLB.com reporter and researcher Sarah Langs who are currently battling the disease. To start with, here’s a Langs-voiced piece, via MLB Network:
Let’s continue to stand together in the fight against ALS. #LouGehrigDay
🎙️ @SlangsOnSports pic.twitter.com/myQURdwzI9
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 2, 2024
“So today, as we honor the legacy of Lou Gehrig and those battling ALS, let’s continue to stand together. Let’s continue to raise awareness, support research, and provide comfort to those in need. Because with the support of Major League Baseball and its amazing fans, as well as the strength and spirit of the ALS community, I know that one day we will find a cure.”
Langs also picked a player from each team to sign one of their Topps cards, which will be auctioned off to support ALS research at Massachusetts General Hospital’s neurology department:
BEYOND honored to be asked by MLB to select a player per team to sign a @Topps card, each to be auctioned to benefit ALS research at @MGHNeurology
thanks SO MUCH to the players, chosen for personal links to ALS + passion for the game akin to Gehrig’s
➡️ https://t.co/9Hei35bB46 pic.twitter.com/v8KPoOvRYZ
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 2, 2024
And many spoke up in particular support of Langs, who will appear on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcast this evening:
No quit @SlangsOnSports you and the 500,000 worldwide are inspirations to crush this. Today and everyday. See you tonight on Sunday night baseball @Phillies @Cardinals 7et ESPN https://t.co/CYVNKtg4k0
— Karl Ravech (@karlravechespn) June 2, 2024
⚾️ On @MLB Lou Gehrig’s Day, the incomparable @SlangsOnSports will join tonight’s @ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast from the booth (likely 6th inning) as the @Phillies host the @Cardinals.
💪🏻 To help fight ALS, here is a good way: @ProjectALSorg: https://t.co/H1Rc6MeyvG
— Ben Cafardo (@Ben_ESPN) June 2, 2024
@ktlewis14 and I will be wearing our @RotoWear “Baseball is the Best!” shirts for #LouGehrigDay in support of @SlangsOnSports and everyone fighting to #EndALS. You can get yours here. https://t.co/hRqiZula8N https://t.co/gY0y6xHrNX
— Steve Lewis (@sdlewis75) June 2, 2024
. @SlangsOnSports is the best! I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her excel at her craft over the years. As one who is a stat-head myself, I always learn something new! Her passion for the game is contagious. I’m looking forward to being at Citi Field for today’s #LouGehrigDay https://t.co/zUBHLVAfLn
— Mark Jent (@MarkHJent) June 2, 2024
Here are some further Lou Gehrig Day tributes from MLB, the MLBPA, the Baseball Hall of Fame, MLB Network, media members, fans, and more:
Today is our 4th annual #LouGehrigDay ❤️#MLBTogether pic.twitter.com/fhOAIgt7qe
— MLB (@MLB) June 2, 2024
Today, Players around the game remember Lou Gehrig, who set a standard for character, integrity and excellence from his debut as @Yankees starting first baseman on June 2, 1925, until his death on June 2, 1941. They lend their support in the effort to eradicate ALS. #LouGehrigDay pic.twitter.com/Tl1vhqwnfz
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) June 2, 2024
On #LouGehrigDay, we celebrate the relentless determination of a Hall of Fame hero.
Although his streak of 2,130 consecutive games was challenged by several close calls, Gehrig’s competitiveness and courage kept him on the field. https://t.co/i8P7wyCqlU pic.twitter.com/6niYASRFbf
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) June 2, 2024
Honoring the life and legacy of Lou Gehrig and all those in the fight against ALS today ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VxBgEumMnx
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 2, 2024
We join all of Baseball this #LouGehrigDay to celebrate the legacy of the Iron Horse and support efforts in the fight against ALS. pic.twitter.com/qNLCdrmC2T
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) June 2, 2024
Tomorrow marks the fourth annual Lou Gehrig Day in MLB.
As the league prepares to celebrate, we remember Bryan Wayne Galentine who, after being diagnosed with ALS helped bring awareness to the disease through baseball.@JeffPassan has more… pic.twitter.com/NHWKvVJY53
— Outside the Lines (@OTLonESPN) June 1, 2024
On Lou Gehrig Day, thinking about @SlangsOnSports and the joy and passion and positivity she brings to baseball and life.
Also thinking about my pal Boog Sciambi and the lengths he’s gone to raise awareness about ALS and raise money towards the fight and those fighting.
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) June 2, 2024
On Lou Gehrig Day, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde and coach Tim Cossins honor their former coach Sam Gomes, who died of ALS.
“When it hits you, you are impacted for the rest of your life. You’ll never forget it and never not think about it.”https://t.co/vp6Wb8H53l
— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) June 2, 2024
Don’t forget tomorrow is Lou Gehrig Day across MLB.
Help the fight to #EndALS: https://t.co/7fiNhbOZ2T pic.twitter.com/F1aA6RdbMY
— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) June 2, 2024
For Lou Gehrig Day I”m excited to launch the newest #ForTheWinS sketch I drew in honor of @SlangsOnSports . Proceeds from each slab sold will be donated to @ProjectALSorg . Get yours here to support the cause #FistBumps4ALShttps://t.co/6n0NfbUsDN pic.twitter.com/aogXQ15u4S
— S. Preston (@PootPoot) June 2, 2024
There are even Lou Gehrig Day events in other countries, and in other sports:
Lou Gehrig Day is going global. @hertsbaseball is hosting a charity ballgame on Sunday with raffles, US-style barbecue, and much more to raise money to battle ALS.
“It’s an international sport, so let’s make Lou Gehrig Day international, too.” https://t.co/XZpvZDqto7
— Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) May 31, 2024
Our media room has always been John’s.
Today it officially becomes the John Genna Media Room in honor of Lou Gehrig Day tomorrow & tonight’s ALS Match.
We miss you endlessly John. We are all forever Genna Strong ♾️ pic.twitter.com/UQsW2KZCKG
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) June 1, 2024
MLB’s celebration of Lou Gehrig Day since 2021 has been a positive force, a particular way to raise discussion of ALS and funds for research into it. It’s good to see that tradition going strong, and to see so much support for those in the baseball community like Langs who are currently battling the disease.
