TD Garden Hosts New Exhibit for ALS Advocate Pete Frates

A new exhibit at the Sports Museum at TD Garden in Boston is honoring Pete Frates, a Boston sports legend and ALS advocate. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Frates' family participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate his legacy.

“Pete, we're so very proud of you. We're still inspired by you as you take your rightful place here in this hallowed hall with the greatest legends of New England,” Pete's father, John Frates, said during the ceremony.

The exhibit features memorabilia from the baseball player's early life. It traces his journey from playing baseball at Boston College to developing a mission to raise awareness and money for ALS research after he was diagnosed in 2012 at 27 years old. He passed away in 2019 at age 34.

Frates was the creator of the Ice Bucket Challenge, which has become a global fundraising effort. The viral challenge features people pouring icy, cold water over their heads to raise money for ALS research. The challenge has raised more than $1 billion over the past decade, according to a 7NEWS Boston report.

Ice buckets, including one signed by the 2013 World Champion Red Sox team and the book written about Frates' efforts, are also included as part of the exhibit. 

Frates' story has captured global attention, including that of Ray Bourque, a Boston sports celebrity and hockey giant, who is also featured in the museum. Bourque praised Frates' bravery and positive outlook in the midst of battling the illness. 

“Who says this, that when you're asked about having ALS, and the answer is, it's an opportunity. Who says that? Pete Frates says that,” Bourque said in a statement shared with NBC10 Boston.