MLB Umpires Mark Wegner and Brian Runge invited 4 children and 2 chaperones of Hillsborough Kids, Inc. to Tropicana Field in Tampa on August 25, 2007 for a Big League Umpiring Experience (BLUE). Dakota, Eddie, Randall, and Quasan tried on equipment, watched batting practice from the field, rubbed mud on baseballs, and asked a number of questions about baseball. Even a couple of players stopped by to visit them. The BLUE is an opportunity for kids to learn, laugh, and have fun!

View the event photos on our Flickr page. Click Here for Photos!

EVENT COMMENTS

"Another great experience for these children! Thank you for the opportunity, and many thanks to the Devil Rays and Mark Wegner and Brian Runge for their gift of time and enthusiasm for the project. I know the effort that it takes from all involved, including the incredible Susan Gicking; the smiles and lifetime memories for the children are the undeniable return on the investment of time. " - Rita Soronen, Executive Director, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

"Just wanted to thank you for the opportunity on Saturday! We all had a wonderful time, the kids were just so excited the entire time." - Susan Gicking

SPECIAL THANKS TO

• Cherie Lewison, Suzanne Murchland, and the entire Devil Rays Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
• Susan Gicking, Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter, Hillsborough Kids Inc. for all the time and effort in identifying the kids. Also thanks to Krista Linder who, along with Susan, served as a chaperone.

Labels: blue, mlb, runge, tb, wegner, wwk

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Umpire Jon Merry invited 2 mentor/youth matches of Big Brothers Big Sisters to Security Service Field on July 29, 2007 for a Big League Umpiring Experience. Mary Ann, Lauryn, Molly, and Unique tried on equipment, rubbed mud on baseballs, watched batting practice, met a pitching coach, and took some photos. The BLUE is an opportunity for kids and their mentors to learn, laugh, and have fun together - the chance to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship.

View a few photos on our Flickr page. Click Here for Photos!

Special Thanks To

• Ira Liebman (Sky Sox Community Relations) for assistance at the ballpark.
• Jan Jarrold and Meg Bunka (Big Brothers Big Sisters) for identifying two wonderful matches

Labels: bbbs, blue, cs, merry, milb

MLB Umpire Marvin Hudson invited 3 mentor/youth matches from Big Brothers Big Sisters to Petco Park in San Diego on July 21, 2007 for a Big League Umpiring Experience (BLUE). Jeff, Donovan, Jimmy, Tristin, Kevin, and Shawnee tried on equipment, watched batting practice from the field, rubbed mud on baseballs, and took a bunch of photos. Even a couple of players stopped by to see what the group was all about. The BLUE is an opportunity for kids and their incredible mentors to learn, laugh, and have fun together - the chance to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship.

View the event photos on our Flickr page. Click Here for Photos!

Event Comments

"Marvin, thank you for putting together an experience that will stay with us forever. You are unbelievable! Your enthusiasm throughout our time together, coupled with your warm personality made this a once in a lifetime adventure that will always bring back great memories." - Jimmy Fraser

Special Thanks To

• Nhu Tran (Padres Community Relations) for assistance at the ballpark.
• Amy Benson (Big Brothers Big Sisters) for identifying some great matches.
• Amy Rumbin, an awesome BLUE for Kids supporter, for helping with the event and taking photos.

Labels: bbbs, blue, hudson, mlb, sd