Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 5, will be a day long remembered by several youngsters, their parents, and many staff members at the T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital in Chattanooga.
An entourage led by Braves General Manager John Schuerholz arrived at the hospital Wednesday about 3:45 p.m. Bearing gifts - including Brave caps, spongy red tomahawks, and Rafael Furcal bobblehead dolls - the Braves arrived to bring some joy to the young patients they visited.
Yesterday the caravan was in Birmingham, Ala.
Ryan Langerhans said this was his first experience visiting kids in a hospital and he obviously enjoyed it.
The Braves Foundation sent a check to T.C. Thompson for $2,215. Thompson officials said the gift was an unexpected blessing.
Superstar Gary Sheffield and hitting coach Terry Pendleton were the most well-known players. Newly signed pitcher Mike Venafro, outfielder Ryan Langerhans, and announcer Jim Simpson were members of the team also.
Several hospital staff indicated they were very excited to have the Braves at the hospital.
Players moved from room to room, greeting the children and their parents while signing autographs. Many children received autographed hats, and a few got a Rafael Furcal bobblehead doll.
One of the luckiest patients may have been Mason Parker of Chickamauga. Mason and his Mom caught up with the players in the hallway as they returned from the ICU area. He was overjoyed to meet the players and for their attention.
Mickey Gilbert and her Mom were awed to meet the Braves. She received an autographed hat and wore it proudly.
Many children will fall asleep tonight wearing their Atlanta Braves hat, and some have wonderful dreams of playing baseball for Atlanta.
Mickey Gilbert wearing her autographed Braves cap. Click to enlarge this photo
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt