Baseball in America Tour - Ice Bucket Challenge
"I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for." - Lou Gehrig
I remember the summer of 2014 when the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral. It was one of those rare moments when something that took off online actually ended up doing a lot of good. The challenge was simple—dump a bucket of ice water over your head and challenge others to do the same or donate to ALS research. It brought so much attention to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and it ended up raising over $115 million for the ALS Association. I loved seeing the ripple effect of people joining in, and it felt like a true example of the power of social media to make a positive difference. That money funded new research and treatment options, and it gave hope to so many who needed it.
Originally Posted on August 25, 2014
I am sitting in the press box at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut, attending the Connecticut Tigers game as they take on the Lowell Spinners. I drove over from Williamsport, Pennsylvania today, about a six-hour drive. I had a great weekend attending the Little League World Series, and I recommend that all true baseball enthusiasts make it to Williamsport at least once. Little League has managed to keep the experience as authentic as possible. I also attended the championship game of the American Legion World Series last Tuesday in Shelby, North Carolina. Mike Douglass, a friend from Ashland, met me in Shelby. We hadn’t seen each other in at least 25 years. We had a great time—we even did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge—and watched a game that was pretty much over before it even started. New Jersey beat Michigan 18-0. But that didn't matter as much as seeing Mike, reminiscing about years gone by, catching up on family members, and reminding each other of the idiotic things we had done.
People have been criticizing the Ice Bucket Challenge, which is bound to happen when things go viral, but it has raised a lot of money for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Personally, I have been taken to task on some issues regarding why people are doing it. I was presented with statistics on how many people are affected by ALS and how the money raised would be better spent on other causes, given how relatively few people are affected. I understand the frustrations, I really do, but having a rational discussion about an emotional issue is tough. Someone actually told me that the Ice Bucket Challenge only became "trendy" because a couple of baseball players have it.
I hope that the criticisms calm down. I know people think some are doing the challenge for narcissistic reasons, and so be it—it still brings attention to this devastating disease. Others ask why people can’t just donate. I hope people will, and continue to do so. If people choose not to participate for religious or ethical reasons, I respect that, and I hope others do not frown upon them either.
Please watch Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. If it doesn't move you to donate to ALS, please consider donating to a cause of your choosing. And remember, I am very patient when roads are closed while you run your 5Ks… so please be patient with people participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge.
One of sports' more memorable speeches.