The New York Yankees are a franchise rooted in tradition with a long list of great players over several generations.
One of those players was Hall-of-Fame first baseman Lou Gehrig.
Gehrig played his entire 17-year career with the Yankees and accomplished a lot over the course of those 17 years.
The Hall-of-Famer retired after just six games in the 1939 season, as he had fallen ill with ALS.
Two years later, on June 2, Gehrig tragically passed away.
But long after his death, his legacy lives on as research to find a cure for ALS continues.
On Twitter, MLB posted a special video to raise awareness for ALS and honor Gehrig’s legacy.
On #LouGehrigDay we remember an American icon and strive to honor his legacy.
Visit https://t.co/fAOHUDHFKP to see how you can help in the fight against ALS. pic.twitter.com/jp4ugY12jl
— MLB (@MLB) June 2, 2023
As a result of his story, the disease is commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”
But as research continues to find a cure and treatment for ALS, MLB celebrates “Lou Gehrig Day” every year on June 2, which is a movement to raise awareness to the disease.
The video closed with Gehrig’s speech before his subsequent retirement.
ALS has affected many around the baseball community.
The mother of former MLB outfielder Stephen Piscotty passed away in 2018 after a long battle with the disease.
MLB.com reporter Sarah Langs is also suffering from the disease.
But research continues as medical providers search for a breakthrough and methods to treat and potentially cure this devastating disease.
Gehrig won two MVPs, a Triple Crown, a batting title, and seven World Series rings during his career and was also a seven-time All-Star.
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