BOSTON, Mass. – UMass Boston baseball student-athlete Breon Parker Jr. has been named to the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team, recognizing his outstanding leadership, service and character on and off the field. 

The Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team was established by Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity in partnership with Live Like Lou Foundation to honor collegiate baseball players who exemplify the spirit and legacy of Lou Gehrig through their commitment to service and community impact. 

Since 1955, Phi Delta Theta has presented the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award to the Major League Baseball player who best embodies Gehrig's character and integrity, both on and off the field. Created to memorialize the beloved fraternity member following his death from ALS, the award is permanently housed at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. Through the growing impact of the award, Phi Delta Theta continues to recognize some of the best men in baseball while positively supporting the ALS community connected to its winners and finalists. 

Now, by expanding the award's reach to the collegiate level, the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team further cements Gehrig's enduring legacy — a storied baseball career that began at Columbia University — while shining a spotlight on student-athletes who are making meaningful differences in their communities. 

Parker's selection reflects his dedication to service, leadership within the UMass Boston community, and his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the diamond. His efforts embody the values that defined Lou Gehrig's life: humility, perseverance, and selfless leadership. 

"Breon has been a fantastic representative of the baseball team and UMass Boston athletics in the community," said Head Coach Brendan Eygabroat. "He has taken a huge role on campus with his leadership in SAAC. He is a four-year member of SAAC and a three-year executive member. Breon has consistently been visible with SAAC's community service the last four years, helping with our nationally recognized partnership with Special Olympics, and our annual food drive on campus." 

In addition, Parker has been a member of the baseball leadership team with Team IMPACT, consistently helping with the U-Access Food Pantry, Community Servings, and with youth little league clinics. 

"I am super happy for him to have this amazing recognition," said Eygabroat. "He deserves all the credit for the time and commitment he has put into impacting our community." 

With this recognition, Parker joins a distinguished group of collegiate baseball players nationwide who are committed not only to excellence in competition, but also to uplifting those around them. 

For more information on the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team, visit phideltatheta.org.