Flyers' Win Raises Money for ALS
Published on July 23, 2009 under Northern League (NL)
Schaumburg Flyers News Release
SCHAUMBURG, IL-The Schaumburg Flyers topped the CNMSBL Strikeouts 10-2 at Alexian Field Thursday night, but it was never about the final score. The Diamond Dare event, the second of the year, hoped to raise $100,000 for the Les Turner ALS Foundation with the two games combined.
The organization was founded in 1977 to help raise funds for research, provide services to patients and raise awareness about ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Since its inception, the Les Turner ALS Foundation has raised more than $33 million to fight this disease, including over $45,000 at the first Diamond Dare game this season back in May.
The Strikeouts managed to load the bases against the Flyers regulars in the 3rd inning, but couldn't bust through for a score. When it looked like another shutout brewing against them in the annual charity game, the men's league veterans managed to push across a couple of runs in the top of the ninth to put some numbers on the board, giving the happy fans a 10-2 final tally.
The Chicago North Men's Senior Baseball League won the right to play the first Diamond Dare game against the Flyers back in 2005 by winning an online auction on eBay. They've been participating in the yearly fundraiser ever since, sending a team of all ages to Alexian Field for the game. The one stipulation: each player has to raise at least $500 for the Les Turner ALS Foundation. No invite to the game without the money raised, and many players go above and beyond, with a few raising over $5,000.
It's also not like the team they fielded against the Flyers were lacking in talent. The CNMSBL team was highlighted by starter Cory Lapinski, a Niles native who was drafted in the 11th round by the Houston Astros. Lapinski played for the Tri-City ValleyCats, the A affiliate of the Astros, putting up a 4.24 ERA out of the bullpen. Tommy John surgery ended his professional career after just two years. Mike Trimarco, who threw for five seasons in the Baltimore Orioles system, relieved Lapinski after two innings.
Admission was free to the event, but a $10 donation was encouraged at the door. Fans bought raffle tickets throughout the game for a variety of prizes, with winners being announced in between every inning. The big prizes were saved for the silent auction table, where fans could bid on donated items like a Jay Cutler autographed football, a Lou Piniella autographed jersey and baseball, and White Sox tickets. Topping the bill was a guitar autographed by the entire Dave Matthews band, which was played by Dave Matthews at the opening ceremony for the Salt Lake City Olympics.
Anyone interesting in contributing to this cause can contact the Les Turner ALS Foundation by calling (888) ALS-1107 weekdays between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, or visiting their website at lesturnerals.org
Northern League Stories from July 23, 2009
- Flyers' Win Raises Money for ALS - Schaumburg Flyers
- Bolton, T-Bones Take Loss Despite Three-Hit Gem - Kansas City Monarchs
- Goldeyes Win Another Close Game - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Redhawks Sweep Joliet with 10-5 Win Thursday - Joliet JackHammers
- Welcome to the Show - Schaumburg Flyers
- RedHawks Sweep JackHammers 10-5 - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
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