Muscular Dystrophy Association and Rawlings Join Forces to Honor Lou Gehrig’s Legacy and Raise Funds to End ALS
NEW YORK, Tuesday, May 20, 2025 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is proud to announce its partnership with Rawlings®, honoring the legacy of Lou Gehrig and advancing MDA’s longstanding commitment to defeating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). As part of this collaboration, Rawlings® will launch a limited-edition "End ALS with MDA" baseball and glove collection, with proceeds supporting MDA’s mission to fund research, provide care, and advocate for people impacted by ALS.
Beginning this May for ALS Awareness Month and leading into Lou Gehrig Day celebrations by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams throughout June, fans who donate $10 or more here will receive a custom-designed collectible baseball. In addition, Rawlings® will unveil a one-of-a-kind ‘End ALS with MDA’ glove that will be displayed at The Rawlings® Experience throughout the month and later auctioned to benefit MDA's ALS-focused initiatives.
“Lou Gehrig represents more than baseball excellence, he symbolizes resilience, courage, and compassion. It’s an honor for Rawlings to partner with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to carry forward that legacy,” said Lindsey Naber, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Rawlings®. “Through this collaboration, we hope to elevate awareness for ALS and contribute to the incredible work MDA is doing to support families, fund research, and drive progress toward a cure.”
The campaign will be amplified through partnerships with Rawlings® ambassadors on Major League Baseball teams including Milwaukee Brewers’ Rhys Hoskins an MDA advocate and volunteer. The MDA community will also participate in various MLB team in-stadium events in recognition of Lou Gehrig including pre-game on-field activations with the Boston Red Sox and more.
“I’m thrilled to represent Muscular Dystrophy Association and their mission to end ALS at the June 1 Cardinals vs. Rangers game in Arlington, Texas. As a person living with ALS, I’m grateful to Muscular Dystrophy Association and Rawlings for their collaboration to raise awareness and funds keep the momentum for a cure moving forward!” said Sunny Brous, MDA advocate.”
On June 6 an on the field pre-game Meet and Greet with Milwaukee Brewers first baseman and MDA supporter, Rhys Hoskins and his wife Jayme will honor Lou Gehrig Day to raise awareness and funds for ALS research at the start of the San Diego Padres vs Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee at American Family Field. MDA families may request tickets here.
“I’ve been a longtime supporter and volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, before my career began and throughout my time in baseball,” said Rhys Hoskins of the Milwaukee Brewers, who received his first career Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award as well as the Philanthropist of the Year award in balloting for the 2024 Players Choice Awards. “Neuromuscular diseases, including ALS, require a strong community of support through caregiving, advocacy, and access to treatments. Many people don’t realize that MDA has supported people living with ALS since its founding. We must continue to accelerate progress, and in honor of Lou Gehrig, I’m proud to raise awareness for MDA’s critical role in this fight to end ALS.”The partnership is one of several high-impact initiatives led by MDA this year as part of the organization's 75th Anniversary campaign, celebrating a legacy of progress and recommitting to a future where neuromuscular disease no longer limits lives.
“Lou Gehrig’s legacy continues to inspire strength, hope, and urgency in our fight to end ALS,” said Morgan Roth, Chief Marketing Officer at MDA. “Our partnership with Rawlings represents the power of collaboration in action, bringing together fans, athletes, and advocates to raise awareness and funds. As MDA marks 75 years, this effort shows how far we’ve come, and how much further we can go when we work together.
About Rawlings®
Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, and protective headwear. Rawlings' unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the official glove, baseball, helmet and faceguard, and base of Major League Baseball, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball and the official baseball and softball of the NCAA and NAIA, and the official softball of the NJCAA. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions. For 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating support and inclusion of families living with neuromuscular disease. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube
About Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 75th Anniversary
In 2025, the Muscular Dystrophy Association proudly marks 75 years legacy, impact and momentum in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Since our founding, MDA has been at the forefront of research breakthroughs, providing access to comprehensive care, and championing the rights of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular diseases. This milestone has been made possible by generations of dedicated support from people living with neuromuscular disease, their families, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and donors—who boldly drive our mission forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring this legacy, building on the impact we’ve made together, and continuing our momentum toward transformative progress for people living with neuromuscular disorders. Learn more at MDA75.org.
