Why Future Generations of Baseball Enthusiasts will Honor and Appreciate Lou Gehrig Day
Yesterday marked the fourth official Lou Gehrig Day, which has helped increase awareness of the tough-fought disease known as ALS. Back in 2021, the MLB commemorated the inaugural Lou Gehrig Day after the 80th anniversary of his passing. “The Iron Horse” had an extraordinary 17 seasons with the New York Yankees, helping the team with six World Series championships. While the current generation of players and fans value this day of a well-known and determined player such as Gehrig, future generations of baseball enthusiasts will come to honor and appreciate this memorable day and what the MLB has done to show their appreciation for Gehrig’s hard-fought battle with ALS.
On Gehrig’s 36th birthday back on June 19th, 1939, doctors confirmed “The Iron Horse” was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The six-time World Series champion fought ALS for almost two years passing away days before his 38th birthday. His “The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” speech had the crowd at Yankees Stadium back on July, 4th, 1939, and fans today visibly touched with emotions. The next day, the New York Times called the moment “one of the most touching scenes ever witnessed on a ball field.” Just as Gehrig was always kind, and enthusiastic to the fans, the fans were just as thoughtful back to Lou. Future generations of fans will appreciate how incredible of a person Gehrig was before he passed.
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola’s uncle, Alan Andries, was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. Andries sadly passed away six years after his long-fought battle with ALS. Nola truly values, and honors this day with pride. Philadelphia’s starting pitcher said, "Even when they're dealing with this awful disease, their attitude always seems really good any time I have the chance to meet them or be around them. So I just try to take away from it to enjoy every single day. To be able to talk with them and their families and be around them is pretty special."
