You know, it’s been more than eight decades since Lou Gehrig, the six-time World Series champion, shared his ALS diagnosis. When he did, it stunned the whole world. At that time, this disease was relatively unknown. In fact, today, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. On Monday night, at Dodger Stadium, Freddie Freeman and the Los Angeles Dodgers honoured a very special lifelong Dodgers fan who was recently diagnosed with ALS.

Following his diagnosis, Jason Ramirez, a beloved high school baseball coach and lifelong Dodgers supporter, had to make the tough decision to retire from coaching after 20 years. For two decades, he coached the baseball team of Whittier High School. Moreover, he has shaped many young athletes who love him to date.

While addressing his presence, Dodgers’ announcer Todd Leitz said, “The former coach of the year poured his heart and soul into his passion for youth and baseball each and every day.” The Dodgers and Freeman then honored him with a heartwarming Lou Gehrig Day surprise.

“We’re thrilled to present him with a custom Los Angeles Dodgers-branded Permobil wheelchair to assist him with the independence he needs and deserves.” In front of more than 48,000 attendees, Ramirez was honored with a blue custom Dodgers-themed wheelchair and a standing ovation.

This heartwarming gift was made possible through donations from Freeman himself, the Permobil Foundation, and Live Like Lou. Moved by this life-changing gift, Ramirez was visibly in tears. It was the Dodgers’ way of giving back to a man who has dedicated his life to baseball for 20 years. They wanted to restore a sense of independence for him and everyone who is battling with ALS. It was certainly a meaningful tribute. In fact, it wasn’t just the Dodgers. The legacy of Gehrig was honored across 30 ballparks to stand in solidarity with everyone diagnosed with ALS.

How MLB’s Lou Gehrig Day led to powerful movements across ballparks

On June 2, it was Major League Baseball’s fifth annual Lou Gehrig Day. All 30 MLB clubs came together to honor the legendary first baseman of the New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig, and every life touched by ALS.

While at Dodger Stadium, coach Ramirez was honored with a wheelchair; other stadiums also had their own ways to spread awareness on ALS. For example, the Seattle Mariners hosted their Lou Gehrig Day on June 3. All the players, umpires, and coaches wore special No. 4 patches. These patches were designed in classic Yankees font and colors. They also wore classic red “4-ALS” wristbands. ALS remains an incurable disease that has affected thousands. Lou Gehrig Day is observed as an annual event. It unites the baseball world in remembrance of its legend and in hope for a cure.

It’s deeply emotional for the Mariners’ employees, too. The experiential marketing manager, Kalli Rutherford, attended because, in 2011, her father, Doug, was diagnosed with ALS. Rutherford stated, “He is taking every day one day at a time. We are doing our best to soak it all in.” She further emphasized the importance of raising awareness of this disease and accepting the fact that it can happen to anyone. “It’s near and dear to my heart and the baseball community’s heart too.”

Washington state standout Steve Gleason, who is a former NFL player, has battled with ALS since 2011. He joined the pregame ceremonies along with his family and also threw the ceremonial first pitch. MLB is committed to ALS awareness and continues to spread the word among its fans by bringing stories to the forefront and reminding them that no one is alone in this.