Major League Baseball will enter the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) market by releasing a series of digital collectable memorabilia. The first being a 1-of-one NFT of Lou Gehrig’s iconic “Luckiest Man” speech, jumping way back in time to 4 July, 1939.
The launch date for the Lou Gehrig NFT will coincide with the anniversary of his 4 July 1939 farewell speech, that the Yankees legend delivered to the baseball world upon learning of his ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) diagnosis. According to a press release, the proceeds from the sale of the NFT will go to ALS charities.
Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in June 1939 and, a little over a month later, at The Yankee Stadium, delivered one of the most famous speeches in sports history.
“From trading cards to autographed balls, baseball fans have demonstrated their passion for the sport and its players through collectibles for decades,” said Robert D. Manfred, Jr., Commissioner of Baseball.
Adding that: “We’re delivering an exciting new addition to the robust baseball collectible market.”
MLB today announced that it has agreed to a long-term deal with @CandyDigital, a new next-generation digital collectible company that is building MLB's official NFT ecosystem.
Fans will be able to purchase, trade and share officially licensed MLB NFTs: https://t.co/9pzrVtRfee pic.twitter.com/wsiUg4ZHGB— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) June 1, 2021
Sports NFTs have been on the top of the NFT list, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars.
There’s no doubt MBL will be banking on many more NFTs. From memorabilia-style NFTs, to baseball card-style NFTs, and more – the options are endless.