Young ballplayers to join fight against Lou Gehrig's disease

The Agoura Hills-based Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the ALS Association and the Conejo Valley Little League are stepping up to the plate to battle amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Together they will host the second annual "Strike Out Lou Gehrig's Disease" all star tournament from July 20 to 23. The tournament is open to 24 all-star teams, including teams from Ventura and Los Angeles Counties in three age groups (12 and under, 10 and under, 8 and under).

All games will be played at the Conejo Valley Little League fields in Thousand Oaks. Sponsorship monies will go toward ALS patient services within each of the team's home counties and to help find a cure.

The city of Thousand Oaks has proclaimed the week of the tournament as "Strike Out Lou Gehrig's Disease" week.

"This is a great chance for the youth in our service area to make an important contribution in helping people with ALS," said Fred Fisher, executive director of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter.

"Baseball and ALS are indelibly linked because of Lou Gehrig and Catfish Hunter both succumbing to the disease. Partnering with the Conejo Valley Little League will bring an increased awareness of ALS to the entire Southern California community while giving kids the chance to play a game they love to help others," said Fisher.

Today, Thurs., July 20, the public is invited to kick off the tournament with a free baseball skills clinic followed by a barbecue beginning at 4 p.m. at the Conejo Community Park baseball field.

Former major league players from the Angels, along with former Major League Baseball player and local pitching coach Mark Davis, will be on hand to provide instruction on how to improve a player's hitting and pitching. There will also be autograph booths and raffles for baseball memorabilia.

ALS is an incurable progressive neuromuscular disease that may strike anyone at anytime. It attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control movements such as walking, speaking and breathing. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years.

Teams wishing to participate should call Robert Fanto at (310) 962-9671. Businesses and individuals wishing to become sponsors may call Giovanna D'Angelo at (818) 865-8067.