Emmet Sheehan: The Meaning Behind ‘K ALS’ on His Glove

ST. LOUIS — Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan has made headlines not only for his pitching prowess but also for his heartfelt tribute to MLB.com researcher Sarah Langs, whom he first met during last year’s World Series.

Langs, who recently celebrated her 33rd birthday, has rapidly established herself as a key figure in baseball analytics. Her knack for uncovering engaging statistics, matched with her enthusiasm for the game, has distinguished her in a competitive field. Sheehan’s connection to Langs deepened through a significant personal message: the phrase “K ALS,” which he has stitched into his glove.

“Just getting the chance to meet her was awesome,” Sheehan shared in an interview. “She’s a great advocate and a really smart mind in the world of baseball. So it’s awesome to have her.”

Langs, diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2021, actively promotes research and awareness for the disease, famously known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Her partnership with Project ALS has helped amplify the voices of others dedicated to raising funds and awareness.

In a recent social media post, Langs expressed her gratitude for Sheehan’s support. "Oh my goodness this is so incredibly meaningful. Thanks so much to Emmet and everyone who made this happen," she wrote.

Each time Sheehan takes the mound, Langs follows up with posts that celebrate his commitment to ALS awareness, particularly during ALS Awareness Month in May. "How lucky are we to have that sentiment represented on an MLB mound?” she noted in a recent update.

The day after Sheehan’s notable start, Major League Baseball shared a heartwarming video of him surprising Langs with a glove, a gesture that underscored their growing friendship. “I’m happy I get to be a part of the league where ALS research and awareness is a main focus," Sheehan remarked, also highlighting the efforts of Chicago Cubs broadcaster Jon “Boog” Sciambi.

Sheehan’s advocacy for ALS began during his time at Boston College, where he learned about the disease from Pete Frates, whose inspirational story helped launch the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. "We talked about it a ton," Sheehan recalled. "It was a huge part of our program, providing a good opportunity to learn about how terrible the disease is and how it can affect people."

Now, as he navigates his career in Major League Baseball, Sheehan remains dedicated to continuing the conversation around ALS, ensuring that the lessons he learned resonate beyond the field.