Phanatic surprises ALS patients as Phils commemorate Lou Gehrig Day

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillie Phanatic has been known to bust some pretty impressive moves over the years, from choreographed skits on the field to spontaneous dance-offs with young fans atop the first-base dugout.

But he had some truly remarkable dance partners on Monday night.

With the club hosting its annual ALS Awareness Night, the Phanatic moved his traditional fifth-inning routine into a ballpark suite, where he danced with patients and family members affected by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

That was just one of the many highlights on what has become one of the more special nights of the season at Citizens Bank Park. Though Major League Baseball commemorates Lou Gehrig Day annually on June 2, Monday marked the Phillies' first home game since that date.

The night began with an "ALS Lineup of Courage," a pregame tribute in which those who are either battling or have been affected by ALS took the field alongside Phillies players and coaches for the national anthem.

"The last several years they've been doing that and it's been awesome," said Aaron Nola, whose uncle, Alan Andries, passed away in 2021 following a courageous six-year battle with ALS. "It needs to keep getting done so people are aware of ALS -- and I think people are definitely aware now, but we can always show it a little bit more."

Along with the touching pregame ceremony and the fifth-inning dance, the team also honored former Phillies intern Michael Brown on the field following the third inning. Brown, who interned for the organization in 2000 before working for 16 years as a federal agent, lives in the area with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children.

"The Phillies have been supporting ALS efforts for many years and I think they do a great job with it," manager Rob Thomson said. "I think it's huge for anyone to be able to come out here and just watch the game, and hopefully, take their mind off of things for even just half an hour or two hours."

The Phillies' annual ALS Awareness Night is not only about recognizing those battling the disease, but it's also become a remarkable source of fundraising for ALS research.

This year was no different.

It started with the Asplundh family making a $365,000 donation to ALS United Mid-Atlantic in honor of its former chairman of the board/CEO Scott Asplundh, who is battling ALS -- and was part of the "ALS Lineup of Courage."

Among the other ways the Phillies raised money to benefit ALS efforts:

• Fans purchased special grab bags featuring autographed Phillies memorabilia on the First Base Plaza
• Proceeds from the nightly 50/50 drawing
• A donation was made from each theme ticket purchased for Monday's game
• A special online auction featuring unique memorabilia, experiences and game-worn jerseys that ran for two weeks before concluding Monday night

Last year on ALS Awareness Night, the Phillies raised $750,004 through similar efforts. This year, the number jumped to $800,004. Overall, through its Strike Out ALS mission, the organization has helped raise approximately $24 million over the past four decades for ALS patient services, research and awareness.

Nola is often at the forefront of those efforts. Over the past two seasons, he's donated money for every strikeout to ALS efforts through the Big League Impact fundraising campaign, founded in 2013 by Cardinals legend Adam Wainwright.

Nola has also hosted a number of events over the years to raise funds and awareness for ALS, as well as provide resources and support for veterans. He was honored by the Players Trust last month as the Most Valuable Philanthropist, earning a $10,000 grant to further support his charitable efforts.

Nights like Monday are always a good reminder of why these causes are so important. Along with supporting ALS patients both on and off the field, the Phillies have invited a number of them into the clubhouse over the years to speak to the players and staff about their respective battles.

"Listening to their stories is so inspiring," Nola said. "It's always good to be around them and be in their presence and spend time with them, because they come in with such a positive attitude -- and it really puts so many things in perspective."