Ranger Players bring Holiday Cheer to Children in Hospital

Robinson Chirinos and Martin Perez visit sick children at Scottish Rite Hospital in downtown Dallas 12/11/2014.

Today I was privileged to witness some special moments at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas where Robinson Chirinos and Martin Perez touched some lives. Chirinos and Perez spent time signing hundreds of pennants, baseball cards, and hats between the two of them. The two walked around and gave out these signed items as well as goodie bags.

Strolling about all levels of the hospital, the Venezuelans and crew hauled several wagons full of goodies to the young patients all over. I watched as the two gave away every single item they brought. You could see the earnesty on the faces of these two men as they brought smiles and hope to the faces of many children. I managed to get a few pictures of the duo that I tweeted out earlier so here they are.

When I got a chance to talk to Robinson and Martin, this is what Robinson had to say initially about the day “A lot of people have struggles and go through hard times like those kids. For me, my family, my foundation, and Martin and his family we are blessed to help these kids and bring a smile to them. To say something to these kids to push them or give them some hope that things are going to get better so for me I take this very seriously. Like the way I prepare for the game. In life we all play a game. These people are going through a struggle and to me it is a blessing to have a chance to come here and spend time with these kids.”

The Robinson Chirinos Foundation was founded in 2012. It was started originally in Robinson’s home country of Venezuela but now has roots in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex according to the Director Leticia Sanchez with whom I spoke. Chirinos had this to say when asked about his foundation: “Everything we can do to help people and try to fee people who really need it we have to do. I want to say thank you to the Texas Rangers because they have really been supportive of my foundation. I thank God from now on we can do a lot of stuff, not only for Christmas but for the whole year to help people who really need it.”

Hospitals are not an unfamiliar sight to Chirinos. Robinson missed the entire 2012 season with a very serious concussion that almost ended his career. It was noticeable how this experience had impacted him in regard to his want to reach out and support people in the midst of tough times. I asked him about how the injury impacted him and Robinson said “I remember that year I had a lot of support from my family and the people who love me. To have a chance to give a little bit to these kids is a gift for me. It’s something you need when you’re sick in the hospital and in the bed. you need people that really care about you. I think that my foundation, the Texas Rangers, my friend, and my wife we care about people getting better.”

What an experience it was to see two young men who are so passionate about helping people bring such great joy to so many kids today. These are two fantastic young men who Ranger fans everywhere should be proud to have on their team. It was truly a joy what I was able to experience today. From Martin, Robinson, myself, and the whole Nolan Writin’ crew, merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your families!