The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the ALS Association and the Conejo Valley Little League are once again stepping up to the plate to battle Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS.

Conejo Valley Little League is currently hosting the Second Annual "Strike Out Lou Gehrig's Disease" All-Star Tournament.

The tournament runs through Sunday and will feature more than 20 All-Star teams from San Bernardino, Ventura, Los Angeles and Kern counties.

There are three age groups competing: 12 and under, 10 and under and 8 and under.

All games will be played at the Conejo Valley Little League fields in Thousand Oaks.

Sponsorship money goes towards ALS patient services within each of the teams' home counties, and to help find a cure.

ALS is an incurable progressive neuromuscular disease that can strike anyone at any time. It attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control movements such as walking, speaking and breathing. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is between two and five years.

Businesses and individuals wishing to become sponsors can contact Giovanna D'Angelo, director of special events, at (818) 865-8067.