Pete Frates, a former college baseball player at Boston College who was later diagnosed with ALS and is credited with inventing the Ice Bucket Challenge, has been awarded an honorary contract by the Boston Red Sox.

Frates has collaborated with the Red Sox on fundraising and awareness efforts in the past, and the club has enjoyed its relationship with the activist. During Spring Training, the Red Sox played an exhibition game with Boston College, and each team wore Frates' name across the backs of their jerseys, along with No. 3 -- his college playing number.

Now, he's an official member of the Red Sox organization.

"Everything that Pete has gone through, there's been a pretty strong connection made here with the Red Sox,” manager John Farrell said at the ceremony. "We weren't aware that there was going to be the honorary contract signed. I thought it was a great gesture on the part of [general manager Ben Cherington] and the organization.

"It's just great to see the attention that he's bringing to his own challenge and what it's meant, really, worldwide."

Frates' new teammates were eager to give him a warm reception.


Previously: Red Sox, Boston College Honor ALS 'Ice Bucket Challenge' Founder