BALTIMORE -- After signing a seven-year contract in the offseason to remain with the Orioles, Chris Davis is continuing his participation in the community. The O's first baseman will serve as the race ambassador for the seventh annual Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk at Camden Yards on Aug. 6.
"It's something that my wife and I are extremely excited about," Davis said.
Davis and his wife, Jill, a former nurse, have helped out the past few years, but they are taking on a larger role this year.
The event, a 3.1-mile run/one-mile walk that ends on the field, helps raise money for the Casey Cares Foundation, a nonprofit that helps critically ill children and their family members throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Staying involved in the community was one of the reasons Davis chose to remain with the Orioles, whom he has played for since 2011.
"That was one of the big draws of coming back here, was knowing that we could continue the relationships that we had and really cultivate some new ones," Davis said. "We love the city of Baltimore. We have lived in the city for several years. We enjoy being around the people of the city, and we are going to do anything we can to help."
Davis said the chance to stay active around Baltimore outside of baseball helps put the grind of a 162-game regular season in perspective.
"A lot of times, with such a long season, it can kind of work on you a little bit," Davis said. "When you get a chance to go out in the community and see the impact that you can have, it brightens up your day and gives you a sense of worth and makes coming to the ballpark every day a little more special."
Registration for the race is open. The entry fee is $45 per person through Friday, Aug. 5, or $50 per person on race day (cash or check only). Children under 8 years old can register for $20. To register, visit orioles.com/caseycares.