On Monday, June 9, 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, being held before and during that night’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park.
The ballpark-wide event will feature an on-field ceremony at 6:15 p.m., which will recognize the tireless work of ALS United Mid-Atlantic, as well as honor those locally who have been affected by ALS. Note: this event is in support of MLB’s recent Lou Gehrig Day, which was held when the team was away.
“Our mission to strike out ALS is one that is personal to both the Phillies and Asplundh,” said Bonnie Clark, Phillies Vice President, Communications and Community Initiatives. “We have come to know so many brave individuals who have battled, and continue to fight, this horrible disease. As we continue our efforts to raise funds and awareness for this important cause, we also want those families affected by ALS to know that they are not alone.”
Through an online Phillies Charities Auction (happening now) with player and celebrity signed memorabilia, a 50/50 Raffle, grab bags sponsored by Hatfield Quality Meats 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 over four decades the Phillies have teamed up with ALS United Mid-Atlantic, garnering over $23 million in funds for ALS patient services and research, along with awareness for the cause.
Highlights to ALS Awareness Night presented by Asplundh
- Players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear a special “4” decal on their uniforms designed in Yankee uniform color and font to honor Lou Gehrig. Red “4-ALS” wristbands will also be worn in-game, in addition to commemorative base jewels and lineup cards.
- A special on-field tribute will feature an “An 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. Patient 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.
- Vincent Cella, 54, a 22-year retired Gulf War veteran from Sewell, N.J., with 18 years spent in the Navy and four with the Army. After years of health issues, Cella was diagnosed with ALS in August of 2024. He lives with his wife Sandra of 34 years, and their two sons Jordan and Dominick.
- Wendy Houser, 56, a recently retired Elizabethtown Area School district teacher, who taught children to read when they struggled, offering words of encouragement and standing by their side until they became successful readers.
- Joyce Rawlings, 70, a Philadelphia native who now lives in Downingtown, Pa. and worked for many years for the Upper Moreland School District, both in the classroom and in the library. Rawlings enjoys strolling around her new neighborhood spending time with her three grandchildren.
- Tyler Starry, 29, from Cleona, Pa., who is a lifelong baseball player. He was diagnosed with ALS in April of 2025.
- Doug Yocum, 28, from Philadelphia, Pa., who relies on the support of his incredible friends and family that have rallied behind him.
- On-Field Check Presentation to ALS United Mid-Atlantic by Asplundh: This will be another special moment as the Asplundh family makes a $365,000 donation to help support efforts to strike out the ALS cause. CEO Matt Asplundh and Chairman of the Board Steven Asplundh will present the check.
- Patient Recognition, End of Third Inning: ALS patient and former Phillies intern (2000) Michael Brown will be honored on-field. Brown, who worked for 16 years as a federal agent, lives in Eagleville, Pa. with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children.
- Fifth Inning Dance: ALS patients and their caregivers will dance with the Phillie Phanatic.
- Ways to Support the Cause, with Proceeds to Benefit ALS United Mid-Atlantic:
- Purchase grab bags sponsored by Hatfield Quality Meats, featuring autographed Phillies memorabilia, for $40 each at the First Base Plaza.
- Participate in the Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 Drawing.
- Purchase an ALS Awareness Phillies Theme Night Ticket presented by Asplundh for the June 9 game, with $5 per ticket going back to the cause.
- Bid on unique memorabilia and experiences at com/lougehrigauction, happening now until June 9. Items include Lou Gehrig Night jerseys taken off the back of players like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto and a 2024 National League East Champions signed team photo and a Tiger Woods autographed pin flag.
ABOUT ALS UNITED MID-ATLANTIC
The mission of ALS United Mid-Atlantic 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), 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 dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert.
ABOUT MLB’S LOU GEHRIG DAY
June 2 was chosen specifically as the date for Lou Gehrig Day as it marks when Gehrig became the Yankees' starting first baseman, thus cementing the start of his incredible streak of consecutive games played. The date also signifies the day he passed from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The focus of Lou Gehrig Day is to remember the legacy of Gehrig and all those lost to the disease that bears his name; raise awareness and funds for research of ALS; and celebrate the groups and individuals who have led the pursuit for cures.