The Philadelphia Phillies were honored for their Philanthropic Excellence on Thursday after being named as the 2016 recipient for the Allan H. Selig Award. Specifically, the Phillies were honored for their efforts in the fight against ALS, something they've been heavily involved in since the 1980's.
"I congratulate ownership, David Montgomery and the entire Phillies organization for their decades-long commitment to fighting ALS," Manfred said. "As the sport of Lou Gehrig, baseball is proud to support efforts against this terrible disease, particularly in recent years alongside courageous patients and advocates like Pete Frates and Pat Quinn in the 'ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.' The Phillies' commitment to their local ALS Association is a great example of how our game can make a difference."
"To receive this prestigious award is indeed an honor, and one that we dedicate to the patients and families who live with or have succumbed to this awful disease," said Phillies chairman David Montgomery. "The Phillies family is committed to putting an end to ALS. I would like to thank our players, Phillies wives, coaching and front-office staff, day-of-game employees, ownership, sponsors — and especially our fans — who have joined us, and continue to join us, in the fight to end Lou Gehrig's Disease." [Phillies.com]
The Phillies and the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia began their partnership back in 1984 and the team has raised over $17 million over that time to help fund research and support patients that have been diagnosed with the terminal neuromuscular disorder.
This season, the annual Phillies Phestival raised over $715,000 for the ALS Association this season and Cody Asche has been one of the leading presences for the Phillies in their efforts against ALS.
