July 4, 2009 will mark the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium.   When an emotional Gehrig approached the microphone, it was more than two months after he had played his final game and less than a month after he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  In honor of this anniversary, the Gary SouthShore RailCats and the Les Turner ALS Foundation are joining forces to host Lou Gehrig Recognition Day at U.S. Steel Yard.  Through this effort, the two organizations aim to educate people about Gehrig and the disease that bears his name today.

As part of Lou Gehrig Recognition Day, the RailCats will broadcast Gehrig’s speech, distribute Lou Gehrig baseball cards to all fans in attendance and promote the effort through various in-stadium activities.  ALS patient Bill Schmitt of Valparaiso and his 12-year-old son Ryan will throw the ceremonial first pitch of the game that matches the RailCats against the Winnipeg Goldeyes.

“Lou Gehrig was an inspiration on and off the field.  It took having ALS to make me realize what Gehrig meant when he called himself the ‘Luckiest Man,’” explained Schmitt, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2003 and today uses a can for short distances and a scooter for longer distances.  “I’m thrilled that the RailCats and other professional baseball teams are recognizing this American hero for his bravery and strength and I hope the Recognition Day activities help people understand what ALS is and its impact on families affected by the disease.”

It has been said that no other player in the history of baseball has possessed as much talent and humility as Lou Gehrig.  His consecutive game streak of 2,130 games did not come easily. He played despite injuries and broken bones. He set numerous records, many of which stood for decades.  Gehrig’s endurance and strength earned him the nickname "Iron Horse."

In 1938, Gehrig’s batting average fell below .300 for the first time since 1925 and it was clear something wrong.  He lacked his usual strength. On May 2, 1939, Gehrig took himself out of the lineup, ending his remarkable game streak. Doctors diagnosed Gehrig with ALS, a terminal neuromuscular disorder, which at that time was relatively unknown.

“ALS needs and deserves greater public attention,” said Wendy Abrams, executive director of the Les Turner ALS Foundation.  “It’s exciting to see the national baseball community come together in support of this cause and we greatly appreciate the generosity of the Minor League baseball teams who have partnered with us for Lou Gehrig Recognition Day.”

Major League Baseball will commemorate Gehrig’s speech with activities in 15 home ballparks.  Each home team will host on-field activities, players will wear a 4ALS patch on their chest and MLB will fundraise for ALS research programs.

ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and impaired speaking, swallowing and breathing, and eventually total paralysis and death.  ALS usually strikes people in the prime of their lives, although the disease can develop at any age.  Ten percent of all ALS cases are genetic and the cause of the remaining 90 percent is unknown.  There is currently no prevention or cure.

Les Turner ALS Foundation

Les Turner, a dedicated father of three, was diagnosed with ALS in 1976 at the age of 36.  Established by Les and his friends in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation has become Chicagoland’s leader in raising funds to eliminate and treat ALS.  The Foundation serves approximately 90 percent of the local ALS community, including many patients and families in Northwest Indiana and Southeast Wisconsin.

The Foundation has been affiliated with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine since 1979, where it funds both a clinical care program and two world-class scientific research laboratories.  The Foundation's patient service programs are available to all ALS patients and caregivers, regardless of where they receive their medical care, and include support group meetings, professional in-home consultation services, communications and durable medical equipment programs, a respite grant program and numerous educational activities.