February 29, 2008 

The ALS Association and Friends Featured
On New ‘The Pride of the Yankees’ DVD

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, his wife Shonda Schilling and one of their sons, Gehrig, discuss New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig’s battle with ALS in two features included with the re-release of  the film “The Pride of the Yankees.” The Schillings have raised millions of dollars for The ALS Association since 1992 by sponsoring such successful fundraisers as the “Curt’s Pitch for ALS” program.

The film, “The Pride of the Yankees” starring Gary Cooper as the New York Yankees legend who battled ALS, has been re-released as a DVD.

“This magnificent film is as important today as it was when it was first released in 1942,” said Gary A. Leo, the president and CEO of The ALS Association.

“Lou Gehrig battled ALS with dignity and courage and many people, including myself, regard him as a hero and a role model especially to those living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” 

Distributed by MGM Home Entertainment, the 128-minute, black and white film is being re-released to commemorate two anniversaries: the 85th anniversary of the opening of Yankee Stadium in 1923, which was the same year New York Yankee slugger Lou Gehrig was a rookie and played his first Major League Baseball game at Yankee Stadium.

“One way people who watch the film can honor Gehrig is to support the many efforts of our organization through donations and volunteerism,” Leo said. “We are fighting ALS on every front and need their support.

“The ALS Association provides services and programs throughout the nation to people living with the disease, and at the same time we are funding cutting-edge global research into the discovery of new ALS therapies and a cure. By becoming involved they can make a major difference.”  

There are high hopes that the public will line up to purchase “The Pride of the Yankees” because many people know about Lou Gehrig and his fight against ALS and new baseball fans will find the subject matter relevant, said MGM Home Entertainment Marketing Director Chris Franchino.

“It is a continuously good seller. It is always listed as one of the best sports movies of all time,” Franchino said. “It is a great film. Every collector would want it. Every Yankees fan would want it and any baseball fan would want it.”

“The Pride of the Yankees” will be available in stores nationwide on March 18, according to Franchino.