For the first time, UMPS CARE Charities made a children’s hospital visit – complete with 100 Build-A-Bear furry friends – in Milwaukee! Major League Baseball Umpires (L to R) James Hoye, D.J. Reyburn, Sean Barber and John Libka took time out from working the Milwaukee Brewers’ series against the Pittsburgh Pirates to deliver lots of joy to sick children who need it most. (Photo credit Referee magazine)
UMPS CARE Charities made its first visit to a children’s hospital in Milwaukee, and it was a grand slam!
The entire MLB Umpire crew working Milwaukee Brewers games against the Pittsburgh Pirates took time out to deliver 100 Build-A-Bear furry friends to young patients undergoing treatment at Children’s Wisconsin. The crew of James Hoye, D.J. Reyburn, John Libka and Sean Barber were joined by friends from the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) – Brad Tittrington, Mike Brya and Mike Dougherty – for a special day of giving back and providing just the right medicine for sick children.
The visit drew plenty of media interest with all four networks from the Milwaukee area joining in the fun!
“It was such a privilege to partner with UMPS CARE Charities for the first time today,” said Leslie Scott, Child Life Specialist, Programming & Special Events at Children’s Wisconsin. “Witnessing the genuine joy shared by patients, caregivers, staff, and volunteers was truly inspiring, and we look forward to collaborating again next year.”
Local news organizations took notice of the great work Major League Baseball Umpires do in the community!
Here are some of the news segments:
Children in hospitals have received a Build-A-Bear® from MLB Umpires
