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 Flach Makes Pitch to Defeat ALS 

Published on June 2, 2026 9:24 pm
Last Updated on June 2, 2026 9:24 pm

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Effingham’s Phil Flach made his pitch count Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.

Flach, who is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, had plenty of stamina to fire a low pitch to Cubs mascot Clark the Cub. Flach was assisted by his son Andrew to make the pitch, but was up and out of his wheelchair to make the delivery.

Flach was accompanied by his wife Karen and his children and grandchildren.

The Cubs and all of Major League Baseball marked June 2nd as Lou Gehrig Day, the date on which Gehrig died from ALS.

Thanks to Cindy Eder of Effingham for the photo of the Flach family.