The New York Mets and GHI hit a home run for kids at Schneider Children's Hospital when infielder Damion Easley, starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey and Mets mascot Mr. Met spent the afternoon cheering up pediatric patients. The visit came courtesy of the GHI-Mets Magic Program, which has been bringing magic to hospitalized children for six years.

Easley, Pelfrey and Denise Shearer, manager for special events at GHI, read Hello Mr. Met by baseball legend Rusty Staub for the kids and chatted with them individually. Easley, Pelfrey, and Mr. Met also signed autographs and posed for photos, providing the children with keepsakes and priceless memories.

"The Mets are great role models for children who face medical challenges," said Frank Branchini, president and COO of EmblemHealth, the parent company of GHI and HIP. "The Mets teach kids wonderful lessons about persistence and dreaming big."

This is the eighth consecutive year the New York City-based health insurer Group Health Incorporated (GHI) has partnered with the N.Y. Mets to recognize, honor and bring special moments to deserving individuals through the GHI-Mets Magic Program. In fact, the visit to Schneider is one of several events that GHI sponsors as part of its relationship with the team.

Yesterday, a 16-year-old fan with autism threw out the first pitch in the Mets-San Diego Padres game. He is supported by ACLD (Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities), which is an affiliate of North Shore-LIJ Health System.

Over the years, many youngsters, some recovering from life-threatening illnesses, have experienced the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of throwing the first pitch at a Mets game. Adults who devote themselves to volunteer work have received pre-game on-field honors, plus a contribution to their favorite charity.

"Today, we're delighted to be able to help The Mets bring joy and a message of hope to the great kids at Schneider Children's Hospital," added Branchini. "On behalf of all of us at GHI, I wish them swift and complete recoveries."

Group Health Incorporated (GHI) is a statewide health insurer serving New Yorkers since 1937. GHI offers customers a variety of PPO, EPO, and HMO programs, as well as prescription drug, dental, and vision plans. In November 2006, GHI affiliated with HIP Health Plan of New York under a common parent, EmblemHealth, Inc. HIP and GHI serve more than four million members and provide access to nearly 92,000 physicians and other providers in 142,000 locations. For additional information about GHI, please visit www.ghi.com. Schneider Children's Hospital opened in 1983. Recently, the 154-bed, regional, tertiary care facility was listed by U.S. News & World Report in its top 30 list of "America's Best Children's Hospitals." Last year, the hospital began phase one of a $110 million expansion project.