Umpires lift Geletas' spirits

By Tory Spedden, Daily Banner
August 7, 2006

BALTIMORE - When BLUE for Kids Inc. began earlier this year, founders Marvin Hudson and Mike DiMuro probably couldn't imagine all the lives they would touch so quickly through the nonprofit organization.

Photo/BLUE for Kids

Marvin Hudson visits Jimmy Geleta at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

One of those first lives touched by the two major league umpires happened to be 8-year-old Jimmy Geleta of Taylor's Island.

The organization has a long list of goals it strives to meet, including providing hope for children battling serious illness. In just a few short months of existence, BLUE for Kids has added hope to youngsters in major league ballparks stretching from Baltimore to San Francisco.

On March 31, Jimmy Geleta fell from his bike and was transported from Cambridge to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for care. A ruptured spleen kept Jimmy in the pediatric intensive care unit for several days.

Major League Baseball umpire Marvin Hudson happened to be in Baltimore to peak in on some youngsters battling illness.

"We had hung Jimmy's Cambridge Little League jersey and cap up in his room to cheer him up," said his father, Mike Geleta.

The umpire noticed Jimmy's cheering section, was impressed by Jimmy's interest in baseball and began to aid in bringing him back to 100 percent.

Hudson's visit, as well as gifts he gave to Jimmy, help to raise his spirits. The umpire told the family he would be following up on his progress.

Jimmy's illness kept him out of school and away from the field for about six weeks. The hospital saved his spleen and Jimmy eventually made it back for his final two games of Little League Baseball as a member of the Cambridge Jaycees.

"And just a couple of weeks ago, he actually got back on his bike again," Jimmy's father said.

Photo/BLUE for Kids

MLB Umpires Bob Davidson and Marvin Hudson with Mike, Jimmy, and Pat Geleta at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

On Aug. 2 at Camden Yards, Mr. Hudson kept his promise and arranged for tickets for the entire Geleta family for the Orioles' game against Seattle. Prior to game time he met with the family and took them down on the field.

"He's just a really unique guy. Really friendly and looking out for the best interest of kids," Mike Geleta said of Mr. Hudson. "He had a lot of nice things to say and really lifted his spirits."

Although the Orioles dropped the game 2-1 to the Mariners, Mike Geleta, his wife Lynn, Jimmy, his twin brother Pat and oldest brother Mike made the best of the afternoon. The boys received autograph baseballs and stepped on the fine grass at Camden Yards.
To cap the memorable event, a foul ball off the bat of the Mariners' Raul Ibanez in the second inning was retrieved by Jimmy's father and provided one more memory that lifted the spirits of the entire Geleta family.

To find out more information about the organization BLUE for Kids, log on to www.blueforkids.com.