B.A.T. and Reds step up for Viola

While it is true that a number of Major League Baseball players earn substantial incomes, it is not true of all professional baseball players.

There are those who are not in the Major Leagues, and those who shuttle back and forth between Major League and Minor League clubs. Many players, such as Pedro Viola, become baseball players not for the money, but because of their ability and passion for the game.

In 2009, Viola had to overcome many obstacles. He was originally signed by the San Francisco Giants as an outfielder, but was released shortly thereafter. The Reds snapped him up and changed him from a position player to a left-handed pitcher. To make it to the Majors, Viola would have to overcome his late conversion to pitching and the resulting lower level of experience than would be expected of a 25-year-old pitching propspect.

Earlier this year, Viola had to face an even greater obstacle. In April, Dr. Tim Kremcheck, the Cincinnati Reds' team doctor, called the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) Office regarding the situation Viola was facing with his mother, Teresa, who had a thyroid tumor that had spread to her brain.

The tumor had pushed her eye out of the socket and caused major damage to her face. Teresa was in dire need of an operation to save her life. The initial medical cost estimate ranged between $500,000 and $1 million. The doctors performing the operation agreed to operate pro-bono, but there remained a hospital charge of $164,000.

What makes this a truly amazing story is that not only was B.A.T. there to assist, but many of the players on the Cincinnati Reds roster also came forward to assist Pedro and B.A.T.

"Pedro Viola is one of our members of our family," said Jerry Hairston. "Every time something happens to one of us or our immediate family. we definitely want to chip in. It was good to see everyone here didn't hesitate to help his mother out."

Francisco Cordero added, "It was amazing how everyone stepped up. B.A.T. was a big help. It was a great feeling -- actually an honor -- to help Pedro, especially for me."

The Reds provided a substantial share of the funds needed to pay for the operation.

"If it was my mom, I would do the same," Brandon Phillips added. "It was really nice that some people didn't know who he was, but in baseball everyone's family."

"The Minor Leaguers are the players that actually need the most help," said Ramon Hernandez. "Some players really don't make much for a number of years. It's good to know that there are people to help."