Players take the field with patients during an ‘ALS Lineup of Courage,’ featuring MLB Network’s Sarah Langs, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian and ALS United Mid-Atlantic patients
May 30th, 2024
On Sunday, June 2, the Phillies’ longtime efforts to #StrikeOutALS will continue during ALS Awareness Night presented by Asplundh at Citizens Bank Park, where the club will join MLB in their league-wide initiative to honor the legacy of Lou Gehrig, as well as raise funds and awareness to support the cause.
The ballpark-wide event will take place before and during the 7:10 p.m. game against the St. Louis Cardinals on ESPN. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. for a special on-field tribute that will also recognize the tireless work of ALS United Mid-Atlantic and honor those who have been affected by ALS.
Through an online Phillies Charities Auction (happening now) with player and celebrity signed memorabilia, a 50/50 Raffle, Grab Bags with autographed items, a special Theme Night ticket and more, the Phillies aim to raise more than $400,000 to help those battling this fatal disease. For four decades the Phillies have teamed up with ALS United Mid-Atlantic to #StrikeOutALS, garnering over $22 million in funds for patient services and research, along with awareness for the cause.
“Since our mission to strike out ALS began 40 years ago, we have come to know so many courageous individuals who have been affected by this awful disease,” said Phillies Charities, Inc. President John Weber. “As we continue to raise funds and awareness for this very important cause, it is also our every intention to let those affected by ALS know that they have the entire Phillies and MLB community rallying behind them.”
PHILLIES ALS AWARENESS NIGHT PRESENTED BY ASPLUNDH HIGHLIGHTS
ON-FIELD TRIBUTE, 6:45 P.M.:
- “ALS Lineup of Courage:” This heartwarming moment will take place just before the national anthem, as those battling and affected by ALS will line up on the field alongside Phillies players. Participants include:
- Scott Asplundh, former Chairman of the Board/CEO for Asplundh, who served for 42 years at the family-owned and managed company headquartered in Willow Grove, Pa.
- Michael Brown, 43, diagnosed with ALS this year and was a former intern for the Phillies (2000). Brown, who worked 16 years as a federal agent, lives in Eagleville, Pa., with his wife, Elizabeth, and three children: Emerson, 15; Harper, 11; and Maddux, 12.
- David Garland, 68, a huge Phillies fan who was a property manager before his ALS diagnosis. Garland resides with his wife, Deborah, in Harrisburg, Pa.; they have two sons and four grandsons**.**
- Army veteran Rob Gildea, 46, a beloved baseball and basketball coach, who in 2020 had to step away from coaching the Red Land Little Legue Team due to his ALS diagnosis. Gildea lives with his wife, Cathleen, in Etters, Pa. Rob and Cathleen have two adult children, who are 20 and 22 years old.
- ESPN Senior Writer Tim Kurkjian, an advocate for the cause, and whose brother, Matt, lost his battle with ALS in September 2023.
- MLB Network’s Sarah Langs, one of baseball’s preeminent researchers, who has bravely battled ALS since her diagnosis in 2021.
- Dr. Stacy Lewin-Farber, who resides in Cherry Hill, NJ, with her husband, Dan, and their sons, Zachary and Ethan. While previously practicing as an obstetric anesthesiologist, Dr. Lewin-Farber’s journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with sporadic, limb-onset ALS at the age of 56 in February 2021.
- Ed Lincul, 70, who lives with his wife, Linda, in Norristown, Pa., was diagnosed with ALS in 2023. A beloved coach, board member and advisor for the West Norriton Little League for 25 years, Lincul has two adult children and several grandchildren.
- Ceremonial First Pitch: ALS patient Scott Asplundh will have the honor of delivering the ceremonial ball, which will be thrown on his behalf by his family member Matt Asplundh, also Asplundh’s CEO.
- Supporting the Cause: Asplundh will also present a donation check to support the efforts of ALS United Mid-Atlantic.
IN-GAME AWARENESS:
- On-Field Personnel: Players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear a special “4” decal on their uniforms (upper left chest) designed in Yankee uniform color and font to honor Lou Gehrig and acknowledge 2024 being MLB’s fourth Lou Gehrig Day. Red “4-ALS” wristbands will also be worn in-game, in addition to commemorative base jewels and lineup cards.
- Base Change, End of Third Inning: An Asplundh representative will have the honor of changing a base.
- Fifth Inning Dance: ALS patients and their caregivers will dance with the Phillie Phanatic.
HOW TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE, WITH PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ALS UNITED MID-ATLANTIC:
- Purchase grab bags, featuring autographed Phillies memorabilia, for $35 each at the First Base Plaza. Fans will also receive a commemorative handout that celebrates the legacy of Lou Gehrig and the work of ALS United Mid-Atlantic at the entrance gates, while supplies last.
- Participate in the Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 Drawing.
- Purchase an ALS Awareness Phillies Theme Night Ticket presented by Asplundh for the June 2 game, with $4 per ticket going back to the cause.
- Bid on unique memorabilia and experiences at phillies.com/lougehrigauction, happening now until June 2.
- Items include those signed by Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner and the 2023 National League Wild Card winning team.
- Celebrity items include electric guitars signed by P!nk and Morgan Wallen, a Tiger Woods autographed flag with Genesis Invitational tickets and tickets to a taping of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
ABOUT ALS UNITED MID-ATLANTIC
The mission of ALS United Mid-Atlantic (formerly The ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia) is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fostering bold research initiatives, advancing national and state advocacy, and providing comprehensive care and support to individuals and families affected by ALS.
ABOUT ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
ABOUT LOU GEHRIG
Affectionately known as the “Iron Horse,” Lou Gehrig is one of the greatest players in all of baseball history. On June 2, 1925, Gehrig became the Yankees’ starting first baseman on his way to his legendary streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, which ended on April 30, 1939, and would stand for more than 60 years. Gehrig’s career is highlighted with two American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, a Triple Crown, six World Series championships, seven All-Star appearances and the 1934 batting title. His farewell speech to the baseball world on July 4, 1939, amid the struggles of a debilitating disease, displayed the humanity and grace that has become synonymous with his legacy. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in December 1939. Gehrig succumbed to ALS on June 2, 1941.
