In 2025, the French Baseball Federation organized a day dedicated to Lou Gehrig’s disease, known in France as Charcot’s disease. Let’s take a moment to look back at this severe neurological condition that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, during this winter season. When they degenerate, the muscles no longer receive signals and gradually atrophy. Symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps, fasciculations, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
The created emblem combines the logos of the FFBS and the Invincibles, and refers to the uniform of Lou Gehrig’s New York Yankees, whose number 4 has become a symbol and has been retired by the American club
The name « Lou Gehrig’s disease » comes from a famous American baseball player, Lou Gehrig (1903-1941). Lou Gehrig was one of the best hitters of his generation and played for the New York Yankees for 17 years. In 1939, at the age of 36, he was forced to retire from his sports career after the symptoms of ALS appeared: fatigue, weakness in the arms and legs, and difficulty holding his bat. Lou Gehrig then gave a moving speech in front of the Yankee Stadium audience, stating that he was « the luckiest man, » despite the diagnosis that would cost him his life. His notoriety made this disease known to the general public.
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In France, this condition is called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Charcot’s disease, named after the French neurologist Jean Martin Charcot who described it in the 19th century. The disease inevitably progresses to a loss of autonomy and affects about 2,000 people each year in France. There is still no curative treatment, only care to alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression.
Among recent testimonies, that of Olivier Goy is particularly striking. Entrepreneur and former fintech executive, he was diagnosed at 46. His disease gradually limited his mobility and speech. Thanks to artificial intelligence, he was able to continue communicating and sharing his message. Olivier Goy wrote a book, Invincible, to raise awareness and support research, donating the rights to the Brain Institute.
His journey illustrates that, even in the face of ALS, it is possible to remain an actor in one’s life, maintain dignity, and mobilize society around research and patient support. Through the story of Lou Gehrig and the fight of Olivier Goy, we see that this disease, although formidable, can inspire courage, solidarity, and commitment.
