On July 4th, 2019, the New York Yankees honored Sarah Langs, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2018. This special event was held on the anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s famous speech at Yankee Stadium in 1939, where he declared himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth”.
Sarah Langs was an outfielder for the Cleveland Indians and the San Francisco Giants from 2001 to 2006. She was one of the first women to play in the MLB and was a part of the Women’s National Team in 2004. After her career ended, she went on to become a coach and an advocate for ALS awareness.
At the Yankees game, Langs was honored with a special video tribute and a standing ovation from the crowd. She threw out the ceremonial first pitch and was presented with a plaque from the Yankees. Langs said that it was an honor to be recognized in such a special way and that she was humbled by the experience.
The event was especially meaningful for Langs because of her connection to Lou Gehrig. She said that Gehrig’s speech had always been an inspiration to her and that it was a privilege to be honored on such a special day.
Sarah Langs is an example of courage and determination in the face of adversity. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Her courage and strength are an inspiration to us all.
