The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation is partnering with Mercy Medical Center this Sunday, Feb. 6 to commemorate the birth date of Babe Ruth, who was born in Baltimore in1895. From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the hospital, individuals will have the opportunity to hold an actual bat that Babe Ruth used in 1927 when he set the single-season home run record. 

"February 6 is not just an important date for the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation, it's a significant day in the landscape of sports," said Michael Gibbons, executive director of the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation. "On that date, sports first true superstar was born and his legacy lives strong today."

The bat has never been on public display and is kept in the private archives at the Babe Ruth Museum. But on the Babe's birthday, fans will be able hold the piece of sports history and have their picture taken for a donation of $10. Proceeds from the event will help purchase blankets, respiratory equipment and other items Mercy Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which cares for more than 400 babies each year.

"Babe Ruth was a son of Baltimore, a star player, and a man larger than life," said Thomas R. Mullen, president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center. "Today, more babies are born at Mercy than at any other hospital in Baltimore.  Some need the high-quality care of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit so they can be stars in their own lives.  We're happy to partner with the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation this Sunday and welcome everyone to celebrate this special day at our new hospital."

"Babe loved children," Gibbons said, "so we know that he would enjoy us partnering with Mercy to commemorate his birth date while supporting the tremendous work performed by the staff in the hospital's NICU."

The Birthplace Foundation will host its annual "Babe's Birthday Bash" Feb. 11 at Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. The event includes admission to the museum's galleries; unlimited food and beverages; a silent auction; and appearances by special guests, including new University of Maryland football coach Randy Edsall and Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. The evening will also honor the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation as the recipient of the 2011 Babe Ruth Museum Community Service Award.

-- Sports Legends press release

Posted Feb. 2, 2011