Rangers visit children's hospital

12/16/2005
DALLAS -- Several Texas Rangers players and representatives took off their baseball hats and put on their Santa hats on Thursday morning.
Players, both current and former, including David Dellucci, Kevin Mench, Mark Teixeira, Brian Shouse, John Wetteland, Jim Sundberg and Minor Leaguer Thomas Diamond joined the Rangers' mascot; radio and television announcers Eric Nadel, Victor Rojas, Eleno Ornelas, Jose Guzman, Tom Grieve and Josh Lewin; and general manager Jon Daniels, along with assistant general manager Thad Levine at the Children's Medical Center in Dallas to spread some Christmas cheer to patients spending this holiday season in the hospital.
The Rangers signed autographs, took pictures and made crafts with about 30 children and their parents. But the real celebrity in attendance wasn't a first baseman, outfielder, or even an All-Star -- he was a jolly old fellow.
Nine-year-old Devon Allen grinned from ear to ear as he carried around his autographed sign.
"Santa signed this!" he proudly said.
The annual visit put a smile on many faces who may struggle to find joy this year. The players split into smaller groups and surprised patients who were unable to leave their rooms and several children waiting to go into surgery.
Mench, an outfielder on the Rangers, said he looks forward to the trip every year.
"It's great to know that you can make a difference for kids who might not be able to enjoy Christmas at home," Mench said. "I love doing this."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/