Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team
Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team – College Baseball
To further Lou Gehrig’s legacy and his storied baseball career that began at the collegiate level at Columbia University, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, in partnership with the Live Like Lou Foundation, introduced the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team to annually recognize the giving character and community impact of collegiate baseball players.
The Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team celebrates nine collegiate baseball players spanning all divisions who are making an impact on and off the field.
Honorees are chosen annually based on outstanding achievements in three key areas:
- Demonstrating a substantial commitment to their community through service and philanthropy.
- Embodying the generous spirit and character of Lou Gehrig.
- Making remarkable contributions to the success of their respective teams.
Following our voting committee’s review, the player who garners the highest number of votes among the nine team members is named Captain of the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team. The Captain’s college or university has the opportunity to collaborate with Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation to organize an on-field presentation, dedicated to honoring the player and contributing $4,000 to support a family affected by ALS in the local community.
The 2025 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team
Cole Fellows
Columbia University
Jacob Anderson
Michigan State University
Javier Cardoso
Point Park University
Bobby Dingell
DeSalles University
Alex Fitz-Hugh
Hampden-Sydney College
Alex Levesque
William Peace University
Jake McKee
Florida Gulf Coast University
Kamau Neighbors
University of Louisville
Eli Paton
Grand Canyon University
Honorary Captain:
Keith LeClair was a highly respected baseball coach and former head coach of East Carolina University’s baseball program. Taking the reins in 1997, he quickly turned the Pirates into a national powerhouse, leading them to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and building a reputation for competitive, high-energy baseball. Known for his leadership, LeClair emphasized player development and fostered a close-knit team environment that propelled many players to professional careers. In his five seasons with the Pirates, LeClair tallied a win-loss record of 212-96-1. He was twice named the Colonial Athletic Association Coach-of-the-Year and ABCA East Region Coach-of-the-Year.
In 2006, LeClair’s life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Despite his rapid physical decline, he continued to coach, showing extraordinary resilience and determination. His battle with ALS became an inspiration to many, not just in baseball, but in the broader community. He retired that same year, leaving behind a legacy of toughness, integrity, and leadership.
LeClair passed away on July 18, 2006, at the age of 41, but his impact lives on. The ECU baseball team honors his memory with the annual Keith LeClair Classic, and his story continues to inspire athletes and individuals facing adversity. LeClair’s contributions to college baseball and his courageous fight against ALS remain a testament to his strength and character.
The 2024 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team
John West
Boston College
RJ Austin
Vanderbilt University
Karter Fitzpatrick
Wayne State University
Rodney Green Jr.
University of California, Berkeley
Ben King
Georgia Institute of Technology
Nick Kurtz
Wake Forest University
Brandon Peace
Ripon College
Colton Stegman
Union College (KY)
Tommy White
Louisiana State University
Honorable Mention Team:
Connor Goodman – University of Maine
Lawson Harrill – Cambell University
Dylan Hoy – University of Louisville
Dylan Jeffries – University of Mount Olive
Jacob Lojewski – Florida Gulf Coast University
Luke Longo – New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mason Nichols – University of Mississippi
Nick Powers – Michigan State University
Joe Sheets – Columbia University
Honorary Captain:
Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball player, holds a special place in the heart of college baseball and the ALS community. Diagnosed with ALS in 2012, Pete became a beacon of hope and resilience, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. His courageous battle against the disease, coupled with his unwavering determination, inspired millions worldwide. Pete and his family, friends, and many, many supporters — collectively known as ‘Team FrateTrain’ — made it their mission to raise education, awareness, and funds for a cure for this dreaded disease. In the process, they helped to create the worldwide sensation ‘Ice Bucket Challenge,’ which raised over $220 million to fight ALS.
Within college baseball circles, Pete’s legacy looms large as a symbol of strength and perseverance. His alma mater, Boston College, and countless other collegiate programs have rallied behind Pete’s cause, organizing fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and tribute events in his honor. Pete’s impact transcends the boundaries of the baseball diamond, as his story continues to motivate athletes, fans, and supporters to join the fight against ALS. Through his tireless advocacy and unyielding spirit, Pete Frates has left an indelible mark on college baseball, inspiring a generation to come together in the quest for a cure and offering solace and support to those affected by ALS.