While Phillies fans had plenty to cheer about on the field during Monday night’s series-opening win against the Chicago Cubs, the most meaningful moment of the evening unfolded off the diamond. The team hosted its annual ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Awareness Night in honor of Lou Gehrig Day, blending baseball with a powerful tribute to those affected by the disease. Although MLB officially recognizes Lou Gehrig Day on June 2—marking both the day Gehrig became the New York Yankees’ starting first baseman and the date of his passing—the Phillies were on the road at the time and held their home celebration upon returning to Citizens Bank Park on June 9.
The night served as a local expression of a league-wide annual effort. As MLB notes on its website, “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.”
Right around first pitch, the Phillies took a moment to acknowledge the deeper meaning behind the night’s tribute, writing in a post on X, “Tonight, we’re honored to share the field with the ALS Lineup of Courage as we stand with all those battling and affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease.” The message underscored the organization’s commitment to raising awareness and standing in solidarity with the ALS community.
As in years past, the Phillies conducted a moving pregame tribute known as the “ALS Lineup of Courage,” featuring individuals living with ALS and their families standing alongside Phillies players and coaches in a unified moment during the national anthem.
In total, the team raised over $800,004 for ALS-related causes over the course of the night—surpassing the $750,004 raised during last year’s event—with proceeds benefiting ALS United Mid-Atlantic to support both critical research efforts and comprehensive care services for individuals living with the disease.
A significant portion of this year’s total came from a $365,000 donation made during the pregame ceremony by the event’s presenting sponsor, Asplundh, in honor of it’s previous Chairman of the Board and CEO Scott Asplundh, who remains in the fight against ALS.
“We are proud to partner with the Phillies and ALS Mid-Atlantic United in honor of Scott Asplundh, our former Chairman of the Board and CEO, who has been living with this dreadful disease,” shared current Asplundh CEO Matt Asplundh, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting ALS awareness through a cause that hits close to home.
Building on that sentiment, Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton added “Tonight’s event was about giving hope to the brave individuals and their families who are affected by ALS. We thank our fans, and especially Asplundh, for all their support as we aim to find a cure for this terrible disease.”
The Phillies’ longstanding commitment to the ALS community is evident in their decades of advocacy and fundraising. According to MLB.com, the organization has raised more than $23.8 million since partnering with ALS United Mid-Atlantic in 1984.
One Phillie with a deeply personal connection to ALS is starting pitcher Aaron Nola, whose uncle, Alan Andries, passed away in 2021 after a six-year battle with the disease. For the second consecutive season, Nola has partnered with the ALS Association and is donating $1,500 for every strikeout he records to support their mission.
Last season, Nola pledged $1,000 per strikeout and followed through on that promise, contributing $197,000 after recording 197 strikeouts.
Just last month, in May, the Players Trust—part of the MLB Players Association—named Nola a 2025 Philanthropy Award winner, awarding a $10,000 grant in his honor to the ALS Association.
Beyond the fundraising totals and ceremonial tributes, the evening served as a reminder of baseball’s power to provide comfort and connection. “The Phillies have been supporting ALS efforts for many years and I think they do a great job with it,” noted manager Rob Thomson. “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.”
While the Phillies were the winners on the field Monday night, the true winners were those in the ALS community who felt seen, supported, and uplifted. Through powerful tributes, partnerships, and impactful fundraising efforts, the evening stood as a testament to the team’s lasting commitment to a cause far greater than baseball.
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