The Midwest Collegiate League has named the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter as its charity partner.   They will officially announce their partnership at the 2011 Midwest Collegiate League All-Star game, which will take place at Oil City Stadium in Whiting, Indiana on Wednesday July 13th with the first pitch schedule to take place at 7:05pm.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS — more than 5,600 people per year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS.  The disease occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.  ALS can strike anyone. Every single American is threatened by this disease.

Both the Midwest Collegiate League and the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter is asking everyone to “Step Up To The Plate” and strike out Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Fan’s can show their support by coming out to the All-Star game at Oil City Stadium in Whiting Indiana on Wednesday July 13th.  For every ticket sold the Midwest Collegiate League will be donating $2 dollars to the ALS Association.  ALS patient, Brad Anderson from Hammond, Indiana will be one of the dignitaries to throw out one a ceremonial first pitch.  The ALS Association will have volunteers on hand at the event to help generate awareness about Lou Gehrig’s disease. To find out more information, you can access their website at www.alsachicago.org.

Julie M. Sharpe, the Executive Director of the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter states, “We are very grateful for this opportunity to partner with the Midwest Collegiate League and it’s really for a couple of different reasons. It will generate awareness of ALS Lou Gehrig’s disease; it will help our patients and families.  Anything we can do to help the awareness in our community is great as its the players being involved in helping others by using their platform, baseball and the love they have for the game.“  Don Popravak, Commissioner of the Midwest Collegiate League stated that “as an organization we are delighted to Step Up To The Plate as a partner for ALS and spread the word on their behalf to our local communities and to all the fans who love the sport of baseball”.

The Midwest Collegiate League’s All-Star Players and Coaches will be wearing Red T-Shirts for their pre All-Star workouts on Tuesday July 12th and prior to the All-Star Game itself on July 13th.  Each shirt will be Red, the official color of ALS, and each will be adorned with the number 4 to honor Lou Gehrig whose name is synonymous with ALS.  Gehrig wore the number as a player for the New York Yankees and the Midwest Collegiate League wants to honor his memory.

For more information on the Midwest Collegiate League All-Star Game please go to: www.midwestcollegiateleague.com.