(L to R) The MLB Umpire crew working the San Diego Padres’ series against the Arizona Diamondbacks – Junior Valentine, Ryan Blakney, Brian Walsh and Tripp Gibson – stopped by Rady Children’s Hospital to deliver Build-A-Bear® joy and lots of smiles!
The Major League Baseball Umpire crew working the San Diego Padres’ series against the Arizona Diamondbacks took time out from the ballpark this morning to deliver 150 stuffed toys, outfits, crafts, activity books and more to kids who are undergoing treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
The MLB Umpire crew was joined by the San Diego Padres’ beloved mascot, the Swingin’ Friar and the Pad Squad.
This delivery at Rady Children’s Hospital marks the 233rd visit to a children’s hospital since Major League Baseball umpires started their visits back in 2006. With this visit, UMPS CARE is proud to share that we have delivered 23,765 Build-A-Bear® furry friends to children undergoing medical treatment in pediatric hospitals across the country and in Canada.
“The Major League Baseball Umpires believe strongly that helping people is an easy call,” said UMPS CARE Charities Executive Director Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt. “Taking time out to bring a smile to the face of a child in the hospital, their siblings and their caregivers is a very easy call for them to make, and they were grateful that they could deliver some joy today at Rady Children’s Hospital.”
Special thanks to Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Umpire Association, and our partners at Sysco for their continued volunteer and financial support for our hospital program.
