Toledo Mud Hens players, including pitcher Matt Wisler and infielder John Valente, took their day off Monday to decorate baseball jerseys with ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital patients.

The players will wear the jersey a pediatric patient decorated as a part of Kid’s Takeover Weekend, a three-day event for children which will feature games, contests, giveaways, and specialty jerseys at Fifth Third Field from June 9 to 11.

“It’s such a cool event to do because a lot of times we’ll just come and talk to the kids, but when you’re actually interacting with them and give them something they can do for the players, I think they’ll be super excited,” Toledo Mud Hens manager Anthony Iapoce said. 

Baseball fan Matthew Raglow, 14, who lives in Walbridge, decorated his Mud Hens jersey while discussing sports, pizza, and school with Mr. Wisler and catcher Donny Sands.

They debated about whether pineapple belongs on pizza and their favorite baseball teams, young Raglow’s being the Cleveland Guardians, he said.

Young Raglow said it will be exciting to see Mr. Wisler wear the jersey he decorated while he’s pitching on the field.

“I think it’ll be a pretty full circle moment,” he said. “It’ll be really crazy because I’ll kind of be on the field.”

Jajuan Howell, 14, was in a terrible mood before the players walked into his room, his grandmother, Lisa Howell, said. 

She said that his attitude changed when Mr. Valente and catcher Andrew Knapp walked into the room with a jersey to decorate. 

“It was good seeing him interact with the players because it uplifted his spirits and brightened up his day,” Ms. Howell said. 

Mr. Wisler said he enjoyed meeting and spending time with the patients. 

“It’s great to see the kids,” Mr. Wisler said. “Hopefully, we put a smile on their faces and forget about what’s going on.” 

“We like giving back,” Mr. Knapp said. “Monday’s our off day so for us to be able to share some time with them, it’s just been really rewarding.” 

First Published May 1, 2023, 9:26 p.m.