Bucket List
IT'S ALMOST impossible to go on Facebook lately without seeing videos of posters dumping ice water over their heads. It's the #icebucketchallenge, and those who are challenged have 24 hours either to donate $100 to research for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or to take the challenge themselves; if they do, they can challenge three friends.
It has become a phenomenon thanks in part to Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball captain who has become a minor local celebrity since being diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 2012. Frates's involvement helped lead to a flurry of donations to the ALS Association, which received more than $1 million last weekend; the same time period last year brought in less than $10,000.
Because of the illness, Frates uses eye-tracking software to communicate; he emailed SI the five athletes he'd most like to see take the challenge.
KEN GRIFFEY JR.
The former Mariners star "will always be my favorite player. I'd love to see him join in."
DEREK JETER
"This would be a great chance for the current Yankees captain to honor a past one."
TOM BRADY
Frates already challenged Brady once, but the QB has yet to accept.
MICHAEL JORDAN
He may be the greatest basketball player of all time, but could he stay cool doing this?
BOBBY ORR
The legendary Bruin was "the best on the ice. He'd be great pouring it on his head!"
SIGN OF THE APOCALYPSE
The Falcons will sell alcohol-infused cupcakes at the Georgia Dome this season.
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MATTHEW J. LEE/THE BOSTON GLOBE/GETTY IMAGES (FRATES)
Boston Strong Frates, a former centerfielder at BC, threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park's ALS Night on May 30, 2012.
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CHUCK SOLOMON FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (GRIFFEY)
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CARLOS M. SAAVEDRA FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (JETER)
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SIMON BRUTY/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (BRADY)
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AL TIELEMANS FOR SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (JORDAN)
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TONY TRIOLO/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (ORR)
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