Chris Davis, Wife Jill Become Ambassadors For Children's Hospital

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and his wife Jill are new ambassadors for the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, team officials announced Tuesday.

Throughout next season, they'll visit with pediatric patients, provide autographed memorabilia to include in silent auctions and help out with fundraising events. The announcement comes ahead of the annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party at Dave & Busters in Arundel Mills Mall, where they and other Orioles will be joined by 80 patients treated at UMCH.

The cause is personal for their family. Jill Davis is a former nurse.

“Jill and I wanted to deepen our involvement in the Baltimore community through a cause that is close to our hearts,” said Chris Davis. “Everyone at UMCH has inspired our family – from the patients and families who show such courage in the face of overwhelming challenges to the medical professionals and caregivers who dedicate their careers to saving and improving children’s lives.”

Last year, the hospital served nearly 40,000 children in outpatient and inpatient settings.

“The University of Maryland Children’s Hospital is thrilled to have the support of Chris and Jill Davis,” said Dr. Steven Czinn, the hospital's physician-in-chief. “As we continue to bring world class medical care to the children of Baltimore and the state of Maryland, the generosity of the Davis family will enhance our efforts to support the many life-saving and life-changing programs we implement every day, and we greatly appreciate their commitment to us.”

Later this week, the couple will donate and distribute nearly two dozen MamaRoos to the neonatal intensive care unit there, completing a project to get one for every room in the unit. MamaRoos are infant seats that mimic the way parents rock their baby. They'll also be giving presents to the hospital's annual Snow Pile event, which brings holiday cheer to hospitalized children and their families.