In 2001 MLB Umpire Mike DiMuro spent 5 days at St. Joseph’s Hospital undergoing major neck surgery.  On May 16, 2006, DiMuro returned to St. Joseph’s this time, to help ease the traumatic hospital experience of the children in the Pediatric Unit. 

“Having been a patient at this hospital and knowing the difficult time adults can have, it was fitting that I was able to return and try to brighten the spirits of the children here.”  DiMuro reflected after the event.

DiMuro visited approximately 25 kids and presented each with a Build-A-Bear “Cuddly Bear” or a “Playful Puppy” and offered words of encouragement to the children and their parents. 

The BLUE REACH event at St. Joseph’s Hospital marks the second of a number of scheduled events taking place this year. BLUE REACH is a hospital-based program for professional baseball umpires to visit children coping with serious injury or illness and is part of the non-Profit BLUE For Kids, Inc.  

DiMuro was guided by Terri Wambach, Child Life Specialist for St. Joseph’s Hospital. Also, participating were Dawn Cirri, Director of Managed Care for Catholic Healthcare West and Carmelle Malkovich, Public Relations for St. Joseph’s Hospital.

“It certainly was a very rewarding time to be able to spend with these children, and during the event it became clear how important a role Terri Wambach plays in their lives.”  DiMuro commented.  “Watching the children light up when they saw Terri and seeing the close, personal interaction that took place was truly inspirational.”

DiMuro, a Major League Umpire the past seven seasons, sees that role as secondary in the BLUE REACH Program. “While my position as a MLB Umpire allows me to participate in the event, the goal of our program is not about baseball.”  “Watching their faces light up when they saw the Build-A-Bears represents what we hope to accomplish.”   

Each child was presented their choice of a Build-A-Bear Workshop® ‘Cuddly Bear’ or a ‘Playful Puppy’ stuffed animal.  They selected one of three different t-shirts for their animal.  Blue jean shorts and an Arizona Diamondbacks hat and shirt rounded out each outfit.