Good Guys: Biscuits Raise Spirits at Baptist Hospital

[Via email from the Montgomery Biscuits' broadcaster Jon Laaser.]

Montgomery Biscuits' players and mascot Big Mo recently made two trips to Baptist Hospital's Pediatric Unit to visit children, sign autographs, pose for photographs and deliver memorabilia.

Five Biscuits' players made two separate visits to the Pediatric Unit, and all reported a positive impact that the trips had on not only the children they visited, but also on their willingness to get involved in the community.

"It's not really about having the time to make a difference," said Biscuits' pitcher Paul Phillips who visited Baptist Hospital on August 12th. "It's about realizing what an opportunity we have to affect somebody in a big way through a small gesture."

The realization that those gestures have made a difference ensures that the program will continue to be a staple of the Biscuits' philanthropic calendar, which includes numerous events and visits throughout the year.

"We are so thankful each and every time the Montgomery Biscuits come to visit," said Baptist South Child Life Specialist Heather Talley. "The players, Big Mo and the Biscuits staff who accompany them are so eager to make the time with the children the best. They take the opportunity to talk with the children and their families, take pictures and sign autographs. They go out of their way to make sure the patients feel special. We are so blessed to have such a great group of young men representing the Montgomery area! Baptist South Pediatrics loves our Biscuits!! Go Biscuits!!"

The Biscuits visited Baptist Hospital on May 20th, and again on August 12th. They plan on continuing that partnership well into the future.

"Making these visits is one of the highlights of our season," said Biscuits' Community Relations Director April Catarella. "We look forward to it every year, and can't wait until we go back again in 2010."

Outfielders Rashad Eldridge, Desmond Jennings and Pedro Powell, along with pitchers Ryan Morse and Phillips each made a visit to the Pediatrics Unit this year.

"I would do anything for the kids," said Powell. "I always leave wishing we could do more, and hopefully each season we can."

The Biscuits conclude their 2009 home schedule with a five-game series against the Carolina Mudcats at Riverwalk Stadium August 28th - September 1st. Tickets are available and can be obtained by logging on to BiscuitsBaseball.com, visiting the Biscuits Box Office at Riverwalk Stadium or calling the Biscuits at (334) 323-2255.