Major League Baseball, in coordination with all 30 Clubs, will observe the sixth annual Lou Gehrig Day on June 2nd — a date carrying the significance of both the 1925 game when Gehrig became the Yankees' starting first baseman to launch his legendary "Iron Horse" consecutive game streak, and also the day he passed from ALS complications 16 years later. Established through the relentless grassroots advocacy of the Lou Gehrig Day Committee, including the late Adam Wilson and Phil Green, this league-wide day unifies the baseball community to honor those lost, support families and accelerate the fight for an ALS cure.
On this special day, all players, managers and coaches will wear custom "4" decals — designed to honor Gehrig's retired number — alongside commemorative red "4-ALS" Franklin wristbands. The retirement of Lou Gehrig’s number 4 marked the first such milestone for a baseball player in history, occurring on July 4, 1939, when he delivered his iconic “Luckiest Man” speech at Yankee Stadium. Beyond the uniform tributes, MLB will utilize official Lou Gehrig Day lineup cards and special Rawlings base jewels in all matchups, uniting teams and fans across the country to celebrate the Hall of Famer’s enduring strength, remember those lost to the disease, support the organizations aggressively pursuing a cure and providing care.
MLB Clubs will be recognizing Lou Gehrig Day locally in their ballparks, with activation details at the end of the release. Each ballpark will debut a special commemorative tribute video produced by MLB Network, found HERE. A visual tribute will also extend to broadcast partners, as an illuminated "4" will be prominently displayed inside every broadcast booth.
Beginning on June 1st, MLB will run a special charitable auction at MLB.com/lougehrigdayauction to benefit The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General. The auction will feature commemorative one-of-a-kind MLB authenticated autographed Lou Gehrig Day Marucci Bats (one for each MLB Club) with each player selected by Sarah Langs, MLB.com Researcher and reporter battling ALS, listed below. Sarah was uniquely qualified to select this roster due to her profound connection to Lou's legacy — driven by her love for baseball, data-driven perspective and active commitment to the ALS community.
ALS FACTS:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement die with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert.
- ALS can affect anyone of any age, gender, or race. The number of people with ALS is increasing.
- The average cost of care for those with ALS often provide a significant financial burden.
HISTORY OF BASEBALL’S SUPPORT OF ALS COMMUNITY:
Baseball has had a long-standing commitment to supporting the movement to end ALS. Previous efforts have included:
- In 2021, MLB established Lou Gehrig Day as a league-wide day on the baseball calendar. Each year on June 2, MLB Together with our Clubs recognize Lou Gehrig’s courage and character while uplifting patients, families and their caregivers in the fight against ALS.
- In 2019, MLB and all 30 MLB Clubs raised funds through the annual Winter Meetings Charity Auction to benefit five ALS organizations – ALS CURE Project, Healey Center for ALS at Mass General, The ALS Association, Project Main Street, and ALS Therapy Development Institute.
- In 2017, MLB supported the ALS Association’s “Home Health Initiative” through the MLB Fights ALS campaign, which was a league-wide fundraising effort in early August of that year. Beginning with an initial contribution from Major League Baseball, the effort sought to generate additional funds for the Home Health Initiative, which helps provide in-home care to individuals and families affected by ALS.
- In 2014, MLB, its Clubs, and its players supported the wave of millions of dollars raised through the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge — a global movement sparked by co-founders and ALS advocates Pete Frates and Pat Quinn — which led to new discoveries that have advanced the search for cures.
- In 2009, MLB formed the initial “4-ALS” charitable campaign to raise funds for four ALS organizations and to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Gehrig’s retirement speech.
- Historically, MLB and Clubs have supported several ALS-focused organizations in raising funds and general awareness about the disease.
For more information on Lou Gehrig Day or MLB Charities, please visit MLBTogether.com or MLBTogether.com/4ALS.
About The Healey & AMG Center for ALS
The Healey & AMG Center for ALS is a world leader in EAP programs, ensuring more individuals have access to experimental compounds and contributing to our efforts to build a nationwide network of clinical partners. Through this EAP program we have treated 818 individuals across 23 investigational therapies. This care took place at 44 sites nationwide, with individuals from 25 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Contacts: Jenn Alvarez, Major League Baseball, Jennifer.Alvarez@MLB.com, @MLB_PR
2026 Lou Gehrig Day Club Activities
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks will join Major League Baseball in observing Lou Gehrig Day on June 2nd at Chase Field, raising vital awareness and support for the ALS community. Presenting partner Dignity Health / Barrow Neurological Institute will join ALS Arizona, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and Tossin’ Away ALS for a series of pregame ceremonies. Highlights include a ceremonial first pitch by 12-year ALS survivor, MDA ambassador Doug Clough and U.S. Air Force veteran Ernie Ruiz. The honorary captain recognition will be given to avid fan and six-year ALS advocate Bill Olivier and Henry “Chip” Stoecker of the Barrow ALS Clinic will recite Gehrig’s iconic “Luckiest Man Alive” speech.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves will observe Lou Gehrig Day at Truist Park on Tuesday, June 2nd, through their ALS Awareness Day presentation, sponsored by Emory Healthcare. Fans are encouraged to learn more about the cause and purchase dedicated game tickets online, with a portion of the proceeds directly benefiting the Emory ALS Center. Pregame ceremonies will feature a ceremonial first pitch from local nurse and Emory ALS Center patient April Anderson, who will subsequently enjoy the game with her family from the Braves Dream Seats — a program honoring one community hero each game. Additionally, the Atlanta Braves Foundation will present a research and clinical trials grant to the Emory ALS Center, while hosting 24 ALS patients and healthcare professionals in the Atlanta Braves Foundation Community Clubhouse for the afternoon.
Athletics
The Athletics hosted their ALS Awareness Day on May 31st, naming the ALS Network as the "Nonprofit Partner of the Game." The organization received acknowledgments across radio, TV broadcasts and social media platforms. The A's had ceremonial first pitches featuring an individual living with ALS with representatives from I AM ALS, the ALS Association Greater Sacramento and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration also in attendance.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles will honor a family member of an organization staff member on Monday, June 8th, for Lou Gehrig Day, welcoming Athletes VS ALS founder Johnny Rodriguez to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Rodriguez — a Baltimore native, former professional lacrosse player, and current coach at Mater Dei High School — was diagnosed with ALS in 2023. In response, he launched Athletes VS ALS in partnership with Augie’s Quest, raising over $1 million to accelerate research toward a cure for the devastating neurodegenerative disease. The Orioles' game-day advocacy will feature Rodriguez’s pregame honors, an informational stadium concourse table, and an online auction directly benefiting the foundation's relentless drive for a cure.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have extended invitations to nine different ALS organizations, asking each to select a family impacted by the disease to join the Club at Fenway Park on June 2nd. Every family will be recognized during a special pregame ceremony, with two individuals selected from the group to throw out the ceremonial first pitches. The Red Sox have also invited the Frates family, ALS heroes & Ice Bucket Challenge Founders, to return to the ballpark for the celebration.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox hosted their Lou Gehrig Day remembrance at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sunday, May 31st, providing an afternoon of community and respite for families affected by ALS. In partnership with ALS United, the Les Turner Foundation, I AM ALS and MDA USA, the Club donated tickets to the ALS community. Representatives from these organizations participated in pregame activations, featuring a ceremonial first pitch by Robert Madia, a game ball delivery by Marc Davidson, a lineup card exchange with Gene Howard and a "Play Ball" announcement by Robert Gnippe. Compounding these ballpark efforts, the Chicago White Sox Volunteer Corps deployed 20 volunteers on Saturday, May 30, to act as course marshals and assist with the KidsZone at ALS United’s Walk to Defeat ALS at Cantigny Park.
Cincinnati Reds
On June 2nd, many of the pregame and in-game ceremonies during the Reds vs. Royals game will honor MLB’s sixth annual Lou Gehrig Day. More than 1,000 fans from ALS organizations are expected to attend, including Hop on a Cure, ALS United Ohio, I AM ALS, LIVE LIKE LOU, Que4Care, Chair Force 1, Always Lifting Spirits, Operation Ramp It Up, Fidelity, 33 Forever and the Kevin W. Donovan Foundation. John Driskell “Hop” Hopkins, a founding member of the Zac Brown Band, will perform the national anthem. Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Hopkins founded the Hop On A Cure Foundation, which supports ALS research while raising awareness and hope for individuals and families affected by the disease. At the middle of the 5th inning, a moment of support will invite fans to recognize and honor loved ones impacted by ALS.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians will observe their Lou Gehrig Night on June 8th in tandem with their local ALS Foundation chapter. The Guardians will honor a local family with a pregame spotlight and the ceremonial first pitch, while pitcher Gavin Williams has signed special Lou Gehrig baseballs for use in the foundation's upcoming fundraising efforts.
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies will hold a dedicated pregame ceremony at Coors Field on June 7th. The ceremony will be centered around raising awareness and honoring the work of the advocacy organization I AM ALS.
Houston Astros
The Astros will honor and raise awareness for the cause with I Am ALS, ALS Association of Texas, Hop on A Cure, Houston Methodist ALS Department and the Live Like Lou Foundation tabling on the concourse, along with members of the nonprofits attending the game. There will also be a special pregame ceremony with Live Like Lou, Phi Delta Theta and the Astros’ 2025 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award nominee and finalist, Josh Hader. There will also be special ceremonial first pitches in honor of Lou Gehrig Day.
Kansas City Royals
At Kauffman Stadium, the Kansas City Royals honored superstar Bobby Witt Jr. as he received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award from the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity, making him the third Royal to win the honor alongside George Brett and Salvador Perez. The presentation included the gifting of a custom Royals wheelchair to an ALS patient, while another local patient delivered the game ball. The Royals also welcomed the ALS Association, affected families and supporters to enjoy the game.
Los Angeles Angels
On Tuesday, June 2nd, the Angels will join Major League Baseball to honor the life and legacy of Lou Gehrig and raise awareness for those impacted by ALS. The Angels will host a pregame tailgate party with Augies Quest, I Am ALS and ALS Association, providing fun activities including a photo booth for ALS patients, families and supporters. Angels Strike Force will be in attendance to take photos and distribute wristbands and stickers from MLB. During the pregame celebration, Sam Cunningham, who is diagnosed with ALS, will throw out the first pitch to raise awareness. In addition, Logan O’Hoppe is the Angels nominee for the 2026 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. The Club will be passing out a special Lou Gehrig Memorial Award baseball card of Logan O’Hoppe throughout the season.
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins will host their Lou Gehrig Day on Sunday, July 26th, when they face the San Diego Padres. In partnership with The University of Miami ALS Center, the ALS Association and loanDepot, the Marlins will host a special pregame experience recognizing patients, caregivers, physicians and advocates dedicated to the fight against ALS. The event will feature a pregame meet-and-greet, a dedicated lineup card delivery and special on-field acknowledgments for 30 patients and their families. Following the ceremonies, select guests will be invited to view the game from a catered suite experience provided courtesy of loanDepot, reflecting the Club's ongoing commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by the disease.
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins, in partnership with the local chapter of the ALS Association, will host Lou Gehrig Day on Tuesday, June 2nd, to honor the strength of those living with the disease and raise research funds. The Twins will host 300 members of the ALS community at Target Field, while honoring ALS Association staff on the field alongside patients. The pregame ceremony will feature an awareness video, a ceremonial first pitch from an individual living with ALS and a special spotlight on Dr. Timothy Culbert — a retired developmental pediatrician who, upon his own ALS diagnosis, founded the nonprofit Mental Wellness Innovations to help children experiencing trauma. Two retired U.S. service members living with ALS will raise the American and Twins Territory flags, respectively, prior to the game. The Club will also acknowledge Twins legends Kent Hrbek and Terry Steinbach, who both lost parents to ALS. Furthermore, Manager Derek Shelton will host a meet-and-greet with ALS staff via his "Shelty's Shirts" program and Club partner, Carrier, will make a financial donation to the ALS Association for every strikeout thrown by a Twins pitcher at Target Field this season.
New York Mets
The New York Mets will host a pregame ceremony on Wednesday, June 10th, for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, sponsored by the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity in partnership with the Live Like Lou Foundation and the Permobil Foundation. Because Mets star Francisco Lindor was named a finalist for the award, the Club has been granted the opportunity to surprise a local individual battling ALS with a custom, team-branded Permobil wheelchair.
Philadelphia Phillies
On Tuesday, June 2nd, the Phillies will continue their longtime efforts to raise funds and awareness for those battling Lou Gehrig’s disease during ALS Awareness Night presented by Asplundh at Citizens Bank Park, held at that night’s game against the San Diego Padres. For more than four decades, the Phillies have teamed up with ALS United Mid-Atlantic, generating over $23.8 million to support patient services, research and awareness efforts.
This season's event will feature a special on-field ceremony at 6:10 p.m., recognizing the tireless work of ALS United Mid-Atlantic while honoring individuals and families throughout the region who have been impacted by ALS. The evening includes:
- A ceremonial first pitch by Scotty Easter, age 38, a long-time Asplundh employee who is among 39 members of his family diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
- An ALS Lineup of Courage, as those affected by ALS line up on the field alongside Phillies players.
- An on-field check presentation to ALS United Mid-Atlantic by local company Asplundh, who will be making a $415,000 *(and still growing!)*donation in honor of Scott Asplundh, former Chairman and CEO of Asplundh for 42 years, who passed away in January at age 68 due to ALS-related complications.
- ALS patient Michael Noll, 44, a 911 dispatcher in Lebanon, Pa., who was diagnosed with familial ALS in November 2024, will be honored as the Hometown Hero.
- Special Phanatic Fifth Inning Dance with ALS patients and their caregivers.
Fans will also be able to support the cause in several ways: Purchase grab bags and an ALS Awareness Phillies Theme Night Ticket, as well as bid on unique memorabilia and experiences at the Phantastic Auction, happening through June 3, with proceeds supporting ALS United Mid-Atlantic and Phillies Charities, Inc.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres partnered with ALS San Diego on Wednesday, May 27th, gifting tickets to families impacted by the disease. The game featured Chris Miller, a veteran who was diagnosed with ALS at just 48 years old, ringing the Ceremonial Mission Bell. Additionally, ALS San Diego representatives hosted an information kiosk at Petco Park to educate fans on ways they can support the local ALS community.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants will observe Lou Gehrig Day / ALS Awareness Night on Monday, June 8th, when they host the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park. Together with Major League Baseball, the Giants proudly support organizations dedicated to the fight against ALS and raising awareness for those impacted by the disease. As part of ALS Awareness Night, presented by Cytokinetics, the Giants will welcome nearly 150 guests from ALS Network, ALS Therapy Development Institute, MDA and I AM ALS to Oracle Park. Throughout the game, the Giants will honor people living with ALS and recognize nonprofit leaders advancing care, advocacy, and research efforts in the ALS community. Individuals living with ALS will throw out the ceremonial first and will deliver the honorary “Play Ball” call to start the game. The Giants will host guests living with ALS and their families for the game and will highlight participating organizations during an in-game Community Spotlight feature. In addition, the Giants will encourage fans to support local organizations making a meaningful impact through patient care, family resources, advocacy, and critical research funding. ElevenLabs, a Proud Partner of the Giants, is offering its innovative voice recreation technology at no cost to people living with ALS, helping preserve and restore personal voices impacted by the disease.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have organized a robust itinerary for Lou Gehrig Day alongside the ALS Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and I AM ALS. Over 300 community tickets have been distributed to these organizations, and attendees will participate in a special field visit hosted by pitcher Michael McGreevy. The pregame ceremony will feature representatives from all three partner organizations, highlighting an individual living with ALS who will throw out the first pitch. For fundraising, outfielder Jordan Walker has signed commemorative 4ALS baseballs; one will be featured in the Cardinals Care Online Auction from June 1st to June 3rd and others will be gifted to the partner charities for their own fundraising initiatives. The Club will also feature information across its broadcasts, website and multiple stadium community kiosks.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays will continue a meaningful team tradition as Rays Radio broadcaster Andy Freed takes to a field podium pregame to recite Lou Gehrig’s famous retirement speech. Adlai Boyd—a longtime Rays fan, military veteran diagnosed with ALS in 2025 and passionate advocate for the ALS community—will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Toronto Blue Jays
Because June is ALS Awareness Month in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays will host a dedicated awareness day at Rogers Centre on June 9th. Partnering with ALS Canada—a Toronto-based organization servicing the entire country—the Blue Jays will broadcast a pregame PSA video and host affected families in the Jays Care Community Clubhouse Suite. A father and grandfather living with ALS will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The cause hits close to home for the roster, as player Daulton Varsho’s mother-in-law passed away from ALS and pitcher Tommy Nance’s father passed away in 2025 after a decade-long battle with the disease; both players will be involved in the day’s ceremonies. The Blue Jays have also provided six signed, commemorative baseballs to ALS Canada for yearly fundraising and will feature a Lou Gehrig-themed bat signed by George Springer in an MLB auction.
Washington Nationals
On June 2nd, Washington Nationals Philanthropies, the charitable arm of the Nationals, will host individuals impacted by ALS, advocates and caregivers at the game and there will be a special pregame ceremony in recognition of Lou Gehrig Day. Proceeds from the game’s 5050 Raffle will benefit I AM ALS and the ALS Association.