Ryan Franklin & Fredbird Make Front Page After Visit To St. John's Mercy Medical Center

KSDK -- For some children too sick to make it to the ballpark, the fun of the ballpark came to them. Children admitted to the pediatric ward of St. John's Mercy Hospital enjoyed a baseball-themed surprise Wednesday morning courtesy the St. Louis Cardinals.

All-Star closer Ryan Franklin and Fredbird went room to room, visiting with visibly excited children and parents and giving out autographed hats.

The visit is part of a full week of activities for children at the hospital and the adults who care for them.

"Benefit for the Kids" week started with a golf tournament and also includes a visit from the St. Louis Zoo and a dinner auction. Proceeds from events benefit programs at St. John's including the Child Development Center, neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit and pediatric oncology.