Lou Gehrig Day Brings Emotional Tribute and ALS Awareness

Lou Gehrig Day is a special day in baseball, a day where we remember the Iron Horse and his contribution to the sport. But it’s also a day of remembrance for those who have been affected by ALS, a debilitating disease that Gehrig himself passed away from in 1941. In recent years, MLB has made a concerted effort to raise awareness for ALS on Lou Gehrig Day. This year’s Lou Gehrig Day was no different, with touching tributes and awareness campaigns across the league.

The Mets’ Tribute: Honoring Sarah Lang and Raising ALS Awareness

The New York Mets had one of the most emotional tributes on Lou Gehrig Day this year. The team honored Sarah Lang, who passed away from ALS earlier this year at just 35 years old. Lang was an analytics expert and writer for MLB.com, known for her work with Statcast. She was also an inspiration to many people in the baseball community as she battled ALS.

During the game against the Miami Marlins on June 2nd, the Mets held a moment of silence for Lang before playing a tribute video featuring her work with Statcast and interviews with her colleagues at MLB.com. The team also wore “SARAH” patches on their jerseys during the game.

The Mets weren’t just honoring Lang’s legacy with their tribute; they were also raising awareness for ALS. During pregame warmups, players from both teams wore T-shirts that read “FIGHT ALS #SarahStrong”. The shirts were sold online by the Mets, with all proceeds going to Project Main Street – an organization that helps families affected by ALS.

The League-Wide Campaign: #EndALS

The Mets weren’t alone in their efforts to raise awareness for ALS on Lou Gehrig Day. The entire league participated in a campaign called #EndALS, which encouraged fans to donate to ALS research and awareness organizations. The campaign was led by Pete Frates Foundation, named after the former Boston College baseball player who helped popularize the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

During Lou Gehrig Day games across the league, players wore #EndALS patches on their jerseys. The MLB also made a $100,000 donation to Project Main Street in honor of Sarah Lang.

The Impact of Lou Gehrig Day

Lou Gehrig Day isn’t just about remembering an all-time great baseball player; it’s about raising awareness for ALS and supporting those affected by the disease. By dedicating a day to this cause, MLB is making a significant impact in the fight against ALS.

One of the most powerful aspects of Lou Gehrig Day is its ability to bring people together. Baseball has always been a unifying force in America, and that’s especially true on this day when we all come together to support an important cause. Whether it’s through emotional tributes like the Mets’ tribute to Sarah Lang or through donations made by fans across the country, Lou Gehrig Day has a real impact on those affected by ALS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lou Gehrig Day?

Lou Gehrig Day is a special day in baseball where we remember the legendary New York Yankees first baseman who passed away from ALS. It’s also a day where MLB raises awareness for ALS and supports those affected by the disease.

Why is raising awareness for ALS important?

ALS is a debilitating disease that affects thousands of people every year. By raising awareness for the disease and supporting research organizations like Project Main Street, we can help find a cure for ALS and improve the lives of those affected by it.

How can I support ALS research and awareness?

You can donate to organizations like Project Main Street or the Pete Frates Foundation. You can also participate in events like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which helps raise awareness for the disease.

What was the Mets’ tribute to Sarah Lang?

The New York Mets honored Sarah Lang, an analytics expert and writer for MLB.com who passed away from ALS earlier this year. The team wore “SARAH” patches on their jerseys during their game on Lou Gehrig Day, and players from both teams wore T-shirts that read “FIGHT ALS #SarahStrong” during pregame warmups. The team also held a moment of silence for Lang before playing a tribute video featuring her work with Statcast.

What is #EndALS?

#EndALS is a campaign led by the Pete Frates Foundation that encourages fans to donate to ALS research and awareness organizations. The campaign was supported by MLB on Lou Gehrig Day, with players wearing #EndALS patches on their jerseys across the league.