Feb 6, 2009 11:28 pm US/Eastern
Mt. Washington Dedicates Sports Zone To O's Player
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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A Baltimore Oriole is making news, and it has nothing to do with baseball.
A Baltimore Oriole is making news, and it has nothing to do with baseball.
Sally Thorner reports Melvin Mora and his wife Gisel gave the "quint-essential" gift to a local children's hospital.
The baseball star and his wife took their six kids on a field trip Friday to visit the place they credit with allowing them to be one big happy and healthy family.
There's Genesis, Rebekah, Jada, Matthew and Christian. Seven-and-a-half years ago, they were born two-and-a-half months early.
They would spend the next several months at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital.
"It's amazing. When we came here from the beginning, you know it was like we don't even have space to play with the kids, and now we have a lot of space. I hope in the next two or three years we can grow more," said Melvin.
"When Melvin was fortunate enough to sign a contract with the Orioles, we knew that if there was anywhere that we were going to give back, it was to Mt. Washington Pediatric. So honestly, the honor is all ours to get such a, we never did it with that intention, and that's what makes it more special," said Gisel.
The hospital is saying thank you, too. They dedicated their new outdoor play area to one generous couple.
By the time Melvin Mora and the rest of the Orioles are down in sunny Florida for spring training, the Melvin and Gisel Mora Sports Zone at the hospital will be filled with young patients who need rehabilitation and recreation.
The Sports Zone includes a putting green. The Moras host an annual golf tournament that has raised more than half a million dollars for the hospital.
The third baseman says the births of his quints and their time at Mt. Washington Pediatric changed him forever.
"Right now, nothing bothers me because you know if my kid gets out of the hospital, was in an incubator, and now my kid was able to walk and run. There's nothing now that can bother me," said Melvin.
He can still remember his reaction eight years ago when Gisel told him they were expecting five babies.
"I had to check my wallet," said Melvin.
Melvin Mora joins the Orioles for spring training on Feb. 18, leaving Gisel and their very mature 12-year-old daughter Tatiana to coach the home team.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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