Marlins honor ALS patients, raise awareness on Lou Gehrig Day

MIAMI -- Monday marked the annual Lou Gehrig Day, which took place on June 1-2 this year and raises awareness about ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) to honor the legacy of Gehrig. The day is observed league-wide, with various initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and raising funds for ALS research.

The Marlins collaborated with the ALS Center at the University of Miami and the ALS Association to celebrate 12 ALS heroes before Sunday’s series finale against the Giants at loanDepot park.

Dr. Nathan Carberry, a practicing neurologist who joined the University of Miami Health System’s Neuromuscular Division as an assistant professor of clinical neurology in 2022, represented UHealth.

Prior to the game, the 12 ALS patients had a meet and greet with Janson Junk, Jack Winkler and Rob Brantly. The group was also recognized on the field.

In partnership with the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, Permobil and the Live Like Lou Foundation, the Marlins also presented a custom motorized wheelchair to Edil De Leon, a father of three, a special education teacher and a retired elite powerlifter. Once ranked among the top U.S. middleweights, he has dedicated his career to supporting children with autism and has now added ALS awareness.

The wheelchair was made by Permobil, which is the leader in manufacturing and distributing power and manual mobility devices for individuals living with disabilities around the world to help improve quality of life. The gift is in honor of reliever Declan Cronin and his nomination last fall for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.

Marlins third-base coach Blake Lalli, whose family has been closely impacted by ALS, was on hand to present the wheelchair to De Leon.

ALS awareness continued on Monday when the Rockies and Marlins wore special “4” decals. Red “4-ALS” wristbands were also available to be worn in-game.

MLB is running an auction here to benefit The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, featuring commemorative one-of-a-kind MLB authenticated autographed Lou Gehrig Day TOPPS NOW cards.

Each player was selected by Sarah Langs, an MLB researcher and reporter battling ALS. Bid on Sandy Alcantara’s card here through 8 p.m. ET on June 12.