SL1 Birmingham Barons

Charles Barkley Teams up with Barons to Hit a Homerun for Children's Hospital

April 4, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release


BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Birmingham Barons are proud to announce that they will be joining with The Charles Barkley Foundation to bring a little comfort and joy to the patients who enter Children's Hospital this summer. Barkley, a Leeds, AL native, will be making a donation to the hospital with a little help from the Birmingham Barons. Every time this season that a Barons player hits a homerun, Barkley will donate $100 dollars to Children's Hospital. Last year the Barons smacked 74 homers but the ultimate goal this season is to reach $10,000 if the Barons can reach 100 homers.

"Sir" Charles played 16 seasons in the NBA with three different teams after staring at Auburn University. He was a part of the original "Dream Team" that won gold in Barcelona in 1992 and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Since retiring from basketball he has been a color commentator for NBA games and has made a considerable effort in giving back to the community. Charles is very happy to continue giving back to local communities in Alabama and hopes his efforts can make a difference in the lives of young children.

In addition to the homerun donation, the Barons and the Charles Barkley Foundation will provide a get-well ticket to kids at Children's Hospital. Upon exiting the hospital, every child will receive a ticket to a Barons regular season home game. Summer is a busy time for Children's Hospital. Thousands of children will wind up at the hospital for illnesses and summertime injuries large and small. The Barkley Foundation and the Barons hope that they can make their stay a little better.

The Barons players will contribute with their bats at the ballpark, and will bring smiles to the kids' faces in person by making special visits to the hospital throughout the season.

Children's Hospital is the only free standing pediatric hospital in Alabama, providing kid-centered care to over 13,000 inpatients and 600,000 outpatients a year for children throughout the state. "We at Children's have the unique challenge and blessing of caring for children and their very special needs". said Jim Dearth, M.D., Chief Executive Officer. "We rely on community support to provide the extra care that children need, and our partnership with the Barons and Charles Barkley is a wonderful way to help us brighten each kids' day."

"Baseball is a game for kids", said Barons President Tony Ensor, "and anything the Barons can do to make a child's stay in the hospital a little easier we're very proud to be a part of it. We are also pleased to work with Charles Barkley and his foundation to benefit kids in our community."

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