August 16, 2024

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

When Lou Gehrig referred to himself as “the luckiest man on the face of the earth” on July 4, 1939 at Yankee Stadium, it signified the end of his playing career due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) while forever tying the game to the fight against the disease.

As the Terriers and The Baseball Zone get ready to host their annual ALS charity game on Sept. 7, baseball will simply serve as the backdrop to a more important cause, much like it did on that summer day some 85 years ago.

The game, which pits TBZ staff and Terriers coaches against the organization’s 17U team, will see all money raised donated to ALS Double Play.

The charitable organization aims to raise awareness and funds in search of a cure for the motor neurone disease.

“ALS was chosen because The Baseball Zone co-owner Kevin Horton had previously participated in ALS Double Play fundraisers and some employees have been directly impacted by ALS,” Sean Addis, marketing director for The Baseball Zone, said.

“The connection between ALS and Major League Baseball through Lou Gehrig also played a role.”

Aside from the game itself, Terriers players from their other four teams will be running stations with activations and activities for those in attendance.

Horton himself will be hitting the field, along with several notable former Terriers and staff like Oklahoma State University graduate Ben Abram, Chris Boatto, Rick Boutilier, Kevin Hussey, Ian Bala, Luke Tevlin and Ryan Carey.

“We look forward to creating a minor league game experience for fans, seeing coaches play against their players and enjoying the teacher versus student dynamic,” Addis said.

“We hope they have fun, appreciate the community event and understand the importance of giving back. We aim for a greater appreciation of ALS Double Play's mission and the significance of supporting such causes.”

The game begins at 12 p.m. at Kings Christian Collegiate in Oakville and has a fundraising goal of $7,500.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the event, volunteering or donating raffle items can contact Addis at saddis@thebaseballzone.com.