SUMMARY
- Sarah Langs is known for her incredible work in the baseball community and has been recognized as a valuable asset to ESPN.
- In 2021, Sarah Langs received the devastating diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a fatal motor neuron disease.
Everyone who loves baseball, as well as reading about it, knows who Sarah Langs is. A phenomenal woman, who’s incredible at her work. Langs plays a pivotal role as an MLB analyst, contributing significantly to MLB.com, a channel that holds immense importance for fans across the globe. She has also been highlighted as a valuable asset to ESPN by many.
A native of Manhattan, Langs hails from a family deeply in love with baseball. After completing her education at the University of Chicago, ESPN welcomed her on board. Growing up in New York City, her allegiance to the New York Mets was watered and grown, while her mother’s affection for the San Francisco Giants added yet another team to the list of her favorites. Within the Langs household, conversations about sports were regular, shaping her deep connection to the game.
In 2021 a tragedy befell Langs when she received the diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). For a bit more clarity, ALS, a fatal motor neuron disease, is marked by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in both the spinal cord and brain.
It manifests in losing voluntary control over arms and legs and often leads to respiratory difficulties. However, ALS does not impact intelligence, cognitive functions, vision, or hearing. As of now, there is regrettably no known cure for this debilitating condition.
How the Major Leagues Honored Sarah Langs
After the heartbreaking news reached her fans, an outpouring of letters filled with support, love, and sympathy reached Lang. Throughout this challenging period, Langs, determined to “still be me,” found inspiration in the legacy of New York Yankee Lou Gehrig who faced the same disease back in 1941.
Langs initially noticed something was off back in 2019. An avid runner, she had an unexplained limp. Believing it to be an ankle injury, she consulted an orthopedist in early 2020. However, in 2021, she received the diagnosis. She bravely disclosed her diagnosis to the world just before the 2022 MLB postseason. She let it known that despite the challenges, she was going to stay an integral part of MLB coverage.
On June 2, 2023, designated as Lou Gehrig Day by MLB, the league and its teams honored Langs. Collaborating with Project ALS, the league auctioned 30 bats signed by players selected by Langs, with proceeds benefiting the Healey Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The Mets, in a touching pregame ceremony, recognized Langs and, through their foundation, donated $10,000 to Project ALS in her name. Additionally, according to current-affairs.org, she continues to contribute through her writing and speaking engagements on the subject of baseball. In her own words, “Baseball is the best.”