Deborah steps up to the plate

Hospital cares for baseball players’ association members

      Deborah Heart and Lung Center is proud to announce a partnership agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA). As a partner, Deborah joins an impressive roster of business and non-profit organizations that support the MLBPAA and offer special benefits to former and present major and minor league players.

      To raise awareness of the dangers of heart disease and to announce the partnership, former New York Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher Goose Gossage and former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams have been appearing in television commercials on behalf of Deborah. Williams will also be participating in a number of events in association with the hospital.
      The television ads, shot at both Deborah and the Trenton Thunder’s Waterfront Park, began airing this summer in the Philadelphia and New York areas during baseball’s All-Star break.

Providing needed care
      “It’s a distinct pleasure to be affiliated with such a prominent organization,” says Deborah President and Chief Executive Officer John R. Ernst. “The MLBPAA has been representing the needs of retired baseball players since 1982 by providing them a unified community, access to special services and programs, and a variety of philanthropic opportunities. MLBPAA continues baseball’s legacy as America’s preeminent sport, and Major League Baseball players’ reputation as being among the most charitable athletes.”
      “The partnership with Deborah expands our offerings to our members and provides high quality healthcare and specialty services that are desperately needed, particularly for our aging former players,” say MLBPAA Chief Executive Officer Dan Foster. “Having access to wonderful heart, lung and vascular care is a tremendous plus for our members.”

      About the MLBPAA
      The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., has over 6,200 members nationwide, including 3,700 former major league players, 1,200 current players, and former minor league players, umpires, managers, coaches and fans.
      Look for this article and more in the Fall 2009 issue of pulse! from Deborah Heart and Lung Center. If you’d like to be added to the pulse! mailing list, contact us at askaquestion@deborah.org.