Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has never played in a meaningful game in late August ? ever. But for the second year he has hosted a fantastic fundraising event at the ESPN Zone, Inner Harbor, which means the world to him. More than 650 gathered recently to rub elbows with the baseball star and raise money for “B-Rob?s” favorite charity, The University of Maryland Hospital for Children.
As fans munched on unlimited grub, former Oriole pitching great Jim Palmer stopped by to show his support for Roberts and the hospital. By the way Jim, ease up on the Botox ? getting scary Hon. Speaking of pitchers, hurler Brian Burres joined first baseman Aubrey Huff and left fielder Tike Redman all in support of their teammate.
“Brian is so wonderful to us, and a cutie too” reports University of Maryland?s assistant director of Media Relations Rebecca Ceraul. Brian obviously has a huge fan base, hitting a grand slam by raising $197,000 to benefit this wonderful organization. The University of Maryland Hospital for Children is well known for helping critically and chronically ill children. For more information on the University of Maryland, call 1-800-492-5538 or go to umm.edu . Great job, Brian, once again a terrific hit.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOHNNY U?
Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University turned five years old last Thursday. No better way to celebrate this fabulous venue, which according to Athletic Director MikeHermann is the third-largest stadium in Baltimore, than a home football season opener. Towson Tiger football fans arrived early to tailgate and raise a beverage to the late, great Johnny Unitas. Former Baltimore Colt and close friend to the Unitas family Tom Matte introduced Sandy Unitas to a cheering crowd that for the most part never witnessed ? maybe were not even born ? the brilliance of No. 9. Socially Speaking had the pleasure of watching the game with Baltimore sports author John Eisenberg. “This quarterback might be the real deal,” Eisenberg said referring to Tiger QB Sean Schaefer, who led his team to a 20-10 victory over Central Connecticut. Can?t wait for the first Ravens? home game? See Towson take on its crosstown rival, Morgan State University, 4 p.m. Saturday at Morgan.
ANNE?S PICKS OF THE WEEK
What: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra 2007 Celebration Gala
When: 6 p.m., Sept. 15
Where: The Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Tickets: In honor of the Hall?s 25th birthday, 1,000 seats for the Gala concert will be available to the public for just $25. For preconcert festivities ? concert and post-party cost $750 per person.
Info: For more information on tickets, contact the BSO at 410-783-8000.
What: The Independent College Fund of Maryland presents the 2007 Evening of Excellence Annual Leadership Dinner
When: 5:30 p.m., Sept. 19. Cocktails ? dinner to follow.
Where: The Center Club, 100 Light St., Baltimore.
Tickets: $125 per person
Info: Reserve your seat by calling 443-997-5700
