Before the game...
The Orioles don’t expect shortstop Alex Cintron to come off the disabled list until after the break, and following an injury rehab assignment in the minors.
Reliever Jamie Walker wanted to return before the break, but he’s more likely to report to Single-A Frederick and begin a throwing program while the Orioles are in Boston next weekend, with an eye toward being activated for the Tigers series that begins July 17.
Before today’s game, the Orioles and the family of Shannon Obaker, the club’s director of community outreach who passed away in January 2007 at age 29 after a long and courageous battle with cancer, will present a check for $50,000 to the University of Maryland Medical Center, establishing an endowment called "Shannon's Fund.” It promises to be an emotional moment for many of us.
Funds will be donated to hospital patients and their family members as need arises to assist with the general expenses associated with the treatment process, including hospital parking, alternate housing, food costs and household bills.
Money for the endowment was collected through proceeds of the sale of Brian’s Bracelet, the baseball seam bracelet created by second baseman BRIAN ROBERTS, as well as memorabilia sold at Orioles FanFest and a donation from the Orioles Charitable Foundation. Money raised from the online sale of photographs from today’s Kids Run the Bases promotion also will benefit Shannon’s Fund.
The Orioles will continue to contribute to the fund via proceeds collected from future charitable endeavors and OriolesREACH initiatives. You can purchase the bracelets at briansbracelet.com and at the team store.
I knew Shannon for many years, and if there was a sweeter, more genuine person on the planet, I never met her. And she had the best laugh ever. Unmistakable and highly contagious. I hope some of you had a chance to meet her. She lit up a room. I miss her dearly and think of her often.
My father often says, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," and if you know Shannon's family, you understand why she turned out to be so special.
Those wishing to make contributions in Shannon’s memory should make checks payable to Orioles Charitable Foundation and mail to:
Shannon’s Fund
c/o Orioles Charitable Foundation
333 West Camden Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Comments
Sorry to stray from the topic, but I accidently turned to MASN to see the Orioles game, instead of MASN2.
Check out the Reds’ camo uniforms that the team is wearings against the Nats. Phew!
f is for f’ugly!
Posted by: Kevin on Shore | July 6, 2008 1:36 PM
Another reason not to trade BRob,he such an asset to the community.
Posted by: John | July 6, 2008 1:42 PM
Sorry to hear about Shannon Obaker. Sad story indeed and sounds like a good cause to contribute toward.
Back to the game, can someone tell Bynum he has glasses on his cap he's allowed to use?
Posted by: nebraska_jeff | July 6, 2008 1:58 PM
there was a sweeter, more genuine person on the planet, I never met HER.
So you're assuming that if there was a sweeter, more genuine person on the planet it would automatically be a female? Guess guys can't be sweet and genuine.
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Nah. I'm sure you qualify, big guy. - Roch
Posted by: Randy | July 6, 2008 2:28 PM
So if we buy these bracelets now, will they still go towards the fund? Because on the website it says all sales through the 2007 season, so I'm kind of confused on that.
Posted by: guitarpunk | July 6, 2008 2:44 PM
Roch, Thank you for so quickly answering my question regarding Shannon's fund. Now a couple of quick observations---Marty Foster is a pathetic plate umpire and this inning shows why. Duran leads off and takes two consecutive pitches on the corner both of which are called balls, the count is now 2-0 and Liz is forced to throw the ball down the middle. Duran doubles and the result is the start of another big inning. The pitcher must know what are strikes and today he has no idea, nor does the umpire. Secondly, three years ago Ramon Hernandez was an excellent catcher defensively who blocked pitches in the dirt very well. Over the last 2 years he has regressed to the point to where he is just plain lousy. He simply is trying not to get hurt as evidenced by his refusal to block the plate, which he demonstrates on every opportunity.It is time to get rid of him and I do not care how well he is starting to hit. A catcher's primary job is to lead not to retreat.
Posted by: lefty | July 6, 2008 3:12 PM
lefty--Marty Foster is not only a pathetic plate umpire he is lousy on the bases.
It was Marty years ago on the 4th of July who cost the Birds a game against the Yankees when he ruled a putout was made at third base to force a runner during a rally in the 9th inning. Only problem was the ball had popped out of the third baseman's glove--immediately.
Posted by: Barry | July 6, 2008 6:25 PM