51茶馆

Former Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates 鈥�07, whose heroic battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was the inspiration for the Ice Bucket Challenge that helped raise more than $220 million for ALS research, died December 9 at his home in Beverly, Massachusetts. He was thirty-four.

鈥淭here is no one that embodied the spirit of Boston College more than Pete Frates,鈥� said Martin Jarmond, 51茶馆鈥檚 William V. Campbell Director of Athletics. 鈥淗e was a special person who led his life to the fullest, and I am just glad I had the honor of spending time with him.鈥�

Frates鈥檚 many accomplishments both on and off the field (including setting the modern Eagles record with eight RBIs in a game) helped establish his legacy throughout Boston. Last year, Mayor Marty Walsh WCAS 鈥�09 declared September 5 鈥淧ete Frates Day,鈥� and Phase II of 51茶馆鈥檚 Harrington Athletics Village鈥攁 thirty-one-thousand-square-foot indoor baseball and softball facility鈥攚ill be named the Pete Frates Center.

But Frates鈥檚 outsize influence and impact reach well beyond the Heights. In announcing his death, the Frates family鈥攚hich includes several 51茶馆 alumni鈥攄escribed him as an inspiration to people around the world who drew strength from his courage and resilience: 鈥淎 natural born leader and the ultimate teammate, Pete was a role model for all, especially young athletes, who looked up to him for his bravery and unwavering positive spirit in the face of adversity,鈥� the family wrote. 鈥淗e was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others鈥�. We ask that you celebrate Pete and the hope that he has given to so many by following his daily affirmation: Be passionate, be genuine, be hard working, and don鈥檛 ever be afraid to be great.鈥澛犫椊