Since 1955, Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity has presented the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award<\/a> to the Major League Baseball player, who best exemplifies the spirit and character of Lou Gehrig, both on and off the field. Created to memorialize beloved Phi Delta Theta member Lou Gehrig following his death from ALS (Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease), the award is housed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. Through the growing impact of the award, Phi Delta Theta recognizes some of the best men in baseball while positively impacting the ALS community of its winners and finalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, to further Lou Gehrig\u2019s legacy and his storied baseball career that began at the collegiate level at Columbia University, Phi Delta Theta, in partnership with the Live Like Lou Foundation<\/a>, has created the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team<\/a> to annually recognize the giving character and community impact of collegiate baseball players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCollege baseball players have many opportunities to create a positive impact in their communities, and we know that many are leveraging their platform to accomplish precisely that. Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation strongly believe these players merit recognition. Through the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team, we will recognize and share the stories of college baseball players who are setting admirable examples for their teams and communities, all while honoring the legacy of Lou Gehrig and caring for the ALS community.\u201d <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014Steve Good, Lou Gehrig Memorial Award and Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inaugural Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team will be announced in February 2024, and it will celebrate nine collegiate baseball players from various levels, including NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA. Honorees will be chosen annually based on outstanding achievements in three key areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The player who garners the highest number of votes among the nine team members will be designated as the Captain. The Captain\u2019s college or university will then have the chance to collaborate with Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation to organize an on-field ceremony dedicated to honoring the player and contributing $4,000 to support a family affected by ALS in the local community. Additionally, every Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team member will receive a commemorative plaque celebrating their remarkable achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each fall, communication will be sent to the nearly 1,200 collegiate athletic departments that field baseball teams, encouraging the nomination of a player. All nominations for the inaugural team are due by December 15, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n