D-backs unveil Children's Hospital Sandlot

PHOENIX -- Longtime teammates in the Valley, the D-backs and the Phoenix Children's Hospital announced a wide-ranging marketing partnership on Friday, beginning with the ribbon cutting of the newly renamed Phoenix Children's Hospital Sandlot, a fun-filled area in the left field upper deck at Chase Field that caters to kids.

Highlighting the initiative, PCH will have a large presence at every Sunday home game, with mascot appearances and giveaways in the Sandlot before and during the game.

Then, after every Sunday home game, the D-backs will hold a "Kids Run the Bases for Phoenix Children's Hospital" opportunity. For every child that runs the bases, the D-backs Foundation will donate $1 to PCH. One patient from the hospital will be highlighted for his or her story each Sunday, and that child will serve as the leadoff runner for the event.

"I encourage everyone to get out there on Sundays," D-backs All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said. "Run the bases, have some fun and best of all, raise some money that will go to a great cause."

The D-backs Baseball Academy and PCH also will help educate families and young athletes about Phoenix Children's Hospital's Sports Medicine, Urgent Care, Concussion Program and injury prevention at D-backs Baseball Academy's summer camps.

In addition to other fundraising efforts, the D-backs will ramp up their visits to PCH, bringing players to the hospital throughout the year.

"Can you imagine how much fun it is to have a member of the D-backs arrive at your doorway with a stuffed animal and an autographed baseball?" Phoenix Children's Hospital Director of Marketing Debra Stevens said. "Visits from players and Baxter brighten the day of children staying at Phoenix Children's Hospital."