More than 80 years after his passing, the spirit of baseball icon Lou Gehrig still resonates with fans globally. In honor of Lou Gehrig Day, MLB Auctions has rolled out a distinctive fundraising initiative to back the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, dedicated to advancing research and treatments for the disease closely associated with Gehrig.
From June 2 onwards, fans can partake in an auction of exclusive Gehrig Day baseball cards. Each Major League Baseball team is represented by a unique card, showcasing a player selected by MLB writer and researcher Sarah Langs. Langs, who is bravely battling ALS herself, will be specially recognized by the Phillies on Lou Gehrig Day at Citizens Bank Park.
The significance of the chosen players for these cards extends beyond mere recognition, with criteria ranging from statistical correlations to Gehrig, advocacy for the ALS community, and a deep love for the game. Notable auction highlights include these exceptional baseball cards, along with an exclusive “Priceless New York Yankees” experience courtesy of Mastercard.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive and incapacitating neurodegenerative disorder affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This condition impacts approximately 30,000 individuals in the United States and an estimated 500,000 worldwide. It demonstrates no bias based on age, race, or gender and presently lacks a definitive cure.
By engaging in the auction, fans directly contribute to endeavors striving not only to discover improved therapies but also to elevate the quality of life for ALS patients. The event showcases the influential support of the baseball community in uniting for a cause that transcends the confines of the sport.
Among the standout players featured on these special Gehrig Day cards are renowned names such as Mike Trout representing the Angels, Yordan Alvarez for the Astros, and Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers, among others. Each card serves as a symbolic link between baseball’s storied heritage and the ongoing battle against ALS, rendering these collectibles significant for their sentimental worth and their potential impact on a critical health crisis.
