MLB’s Sarah Langs, who has ALS, honored at Yankees game on anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s famous speech

Sarah Langs, a reporter and producer at Major League Baseball Advanced Media, was honored at Yankee Stadium on the 84th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s iconic speech. Langs, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in October, joined six other women with the disease in a touching tribute. The event served as a reminder of the connection between Langs and Gehrig, symbolized by her trying on his cap.

Reflecting on her journey, Langs expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she had received since sharing her diagnosis. Despite the challenges posed by ALS, she emphasized her unwavering love for baseball and its enduring presence in her life.

ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease due to the baseball legend’s own battle, is a progressive condition that affects nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body.

On her 30th birthday, Langs had the opportunity to visit the Yankees Museum and witness her parents, Liise-anne Pirofski and Charles Langs, throw out ceremonial first pitches on the field. She also participated in the exchange of lineup cards and took photos with the umpires.

During a pregame news conference alongside Yankees manager Aaron Boone and pitcher Gerrit Cole, Langs shared her story while members of the awareness group “Her ALS Story” and their families watched. Acknowledging the significance of shedding light on young women with ALS, Langs emphasized that not all individuals affected by the disease resemble Gehrig.

As part of the team’s annual HOPE week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel), Cole presented Langs with a “Baseball Is the Best” T-shirt featuring the letters “ALS” highlighted in white. The shirt, signed by all the Yankees, will be auctioned to support fundraising efforts.

Before the game, the videoboard played a segment of Gehrig’s famous speech. Following this, both the women with ALS and several Yankees players took turns reading parts of the address, which garnered a standing ovation.

Langs, known for her ability to provide historical facts and comparisons on the fly, grew up in Manhattan and pursued her passion for baseball throughout her career. She mentioned attending memorable games like David Cone’s perfect game in 1999 and the Chicago Cubs’ World Series Game 7 victory in 2016, their first title since 1908.

Attributing her perseverance to the sport, Langs expressed how baseball’s relentless nature, with games played daily and extending into October and November, mirrored her own determination not to let ALS define her.

Source: AP MLB: [link to source]

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