June 30, 2009 

Lou Gehrig’s Farewell to be Saluted on July 4

By Gary Wosk, Staff Writer

In a historic tribute during game day events across the nation, The ALS Association is joining with Major League Baseball� and Minor League Baseball™ on July 4 to commemorate Lou Gehrig’s brave battle with ALS.

The Association has launched the “Covering All the Bases� Hitting Challenge” during Major League Baseball’s “4ALS Awareness” charitable initiative that commemorates the 70th anniversary of Gehrig’s famous “Luckiest Man” farewell speech.  

In the “Covering All the Bases” program, baseball fans and supporters of the fight against ALS can make a pledge for each hit made by their favorite Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball team on July 4th. After July 4th, supporters will still have an opportunity to participate and make a general contribution throughout the month of July. Funds raised from this campaign will support ALS Association chapter patient services programs, research, advocacy, education and public awareness. Incentives such as ALS Association commemorative pins, caps, T-shirts and Lou Gehrig prints will be given to donors based on their level of giving.

To participate online, visit the “Covering All the Bases” campaign Web site.

Major League Baseball’s “4ALS” initiative, launched earlier this year, will culminate in an array of activities at Major League and Minor League ballparks across America on July 4. The initiative is designed to educate the public about the progressive, neurodegenerative disease ALS and raises financial support for research into the causes and cure for ALS.

The July 4 event will feature many activities, including all players and on-field personnel wearing the “4ALS” logo on their uniforms, and a reading of Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” speech.  

“The ALS Association commends Major League Baseball for initiating one of the most important ALS awareness campaigns ever undertaken,” said Jane H. Gilbert, president and CEO of The Association. “We are keeping our fingers crossed that official scorekeepers will be extra busy on July 4 penciling in hits.” 

To mark the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell address, Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball are helping to support four ALS organizations, including The ALS Association, ALS TDI, MDA/Augie’s Quest and Project A.L.S. to raise awareness of ALS.