Steve Gleason's story resonates the loudest in New Orleans. He and son Rivers, 9, ensure that was also true in Chicago and across the Major League Baseball landscape this week.
The New Orleans Saints legend and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) advocate was honored at the Cubs' Wrigley Field on Wednesday, with 9-year-old Rivers throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on the inaugural Lou Gehrig Day. The strong throw was caught by Clark, the Cubs mascot, who then ran out to return the historic ball to Rivers.
Gehrig, then a member of the New York Yankees, announced his retirement due to a "bad break" and an ALS diagnosis, before famously proclaiming that he felt like "the luckiest man on the face of the Earth." in 1941 and just two years after that historic speech, Gehrig died at 37 years old. He will be honored on June 2 each year across the baseball landscape going forward.
In sharing its mission, the MLB said that it had worked with Gleason to help recreate his voice "long after he lost his ability to speak." MLB fields and jersey patches featured logos reading 4-ALS. The number 4 doubles as Gehrig's jersey number.
"Hi there everyone, I'm Steve Gleason," began a message from Gleason, shared by the Seattle Mariners. Gleason played linebacker and center field at Washington State before going undrafted in 2000 and signing in New Orleans as a UDFA.
"10 years ago I was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a remorseless and humiliating disease, but at this moment I feel a profound sense of gratitude," Gleason shared. "Meaning and responsibility in my life to help other people who are living with ALS. I'm grateful to be speaking to all of you today."
Gleason, who revealed his diagnosis in 2011, winked at the camera before the message continued.
"This is the inaugural Lou Gehrig day. Thank you to Major League Baseball and the Seattle Mariners for honoring the legacy of the Iron Horse, and for coming together to raise awareness and support for the ALS community," Gleason said, before finishing his message, "Go Mariners, and as always No White Flags to my Washington family."
Gleason's playing career in a Saints uniform wasn't a long one, but it was iconic enough to be immortalized outside of the Superdome. Gleason's blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons in the Saints' first game back in the dome represented a massive return for the team and the city. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, one of Gleason's teammates for that iconic moment, took to Instagram to share his appreciation for the moment out at Wrigley.
"What an incredible moment today," Brees posted to Instagram, sharing a photo of Rivers' first pitch.