Trade rumors. Steroid allegations. A possible rebuilding process.
Orioles All-Star Brian Roberts cast those worries aside Monday, as he spent a few hours at ESPN Zone entertaining 90 students from George Washington Elementary before buying gifts for four underprivileged Baltimore families.
Roberts, who regularly visits sick children at local hospitals, wanted to make sure the holiday season was special for everyone, regardless of financial means.
“My initial plan or thought was to do a toy drive for kids in need during the holidays. We started working on these things a couple months ago, and it turned into what it is today,” Roberts said. “It was something I wanted to do. I love doing what I do at the hospital, but I really wanted to branch out and do something during the holidays.”
Roberts was joined at ESPN Zone by teammates Jamie Walker, Jeremy Guthrie and Gibbons, and former Orioles Dave Johnson, Scott McGregor and Rick Dempsey, who arrived as Santa Claus and sang Christmas carols.
The team lost its biggest community representative two years ago with the death of longtime bullpen coach Elrod Hendricks.
“Elrod got me into this about five years go and I love it,” Gibbons said. “Seeing the kids smile and playing games with them ? I?m not going to miss this for anything.”
Guthrie credits Roberts for fueling his drive to serve the community.
“He?s a great example of what you can do as a baseball player,” Guthrie said. “He dedicates time, money and just energy into it. It?s a great example, and the young guys coming up can see that, and hopefully that tradition will continue on for a number of years.”
Guthrie became involved during the season, when he volunteered to help Roberts at “Brian?s Bash,” an August event for hospitalized children. Roberts? intention isn?t to be a team leader off the field, but he?s pleased his involvement has sparked his teammates? interest.
“I think, once you get involved and you see something happen and you?re involved in something, it makes you want to do that,” Roberts said. “I think [Guthrie] saw how cool it was and how much fun it was and how you can make a huge impact.”
