Hall of Fame Pitcher Goose Gossage and Local Baseball Hero Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams to Appear in Television Spots in the New York and Philadelphia Markets

Deborah Heart and Lung Center has announced 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 partnership, and the dangers of heart disease, former New York Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher Goose Gossage and former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams will be appearing in television commercials on behalf of Deborah Heart and Lung Center. Williams will also be participating in a number of events in conjunction with the hospital. The television ads, shot at both Deborah Heart and Lung center and the Trenton Thunder’s Waterfront Park, will begin airing in the Philadelphia and New York markets during the All-Star Break.

The MLBPAA, headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, has over 6,200 members nationwide, including 3,700 former major league players, 1200 current baseball players, and former minor league players, umpires, managers, coaches and fans.

“It is a distinct pleasure to be affiliated with such a prominent organization,” said Deborah President and CEO John R. Ernst. “The MLBPAA has been representing the needs of retired baseball players since 1982 by offering them a community of unity, entrée to special services and programs, and a variety of philanthropic opportunities that continue baseball’s legacy as America’s preeminent sport, as well as Major League Baseball players’ reputation as being among the most charitable athletes.” Ernst added: “As a specialty heart, lung and vascular hospital, we offer former baseball players a wonderful facility for personalized and specialized care. Additionally, with our mission that “there is no price on life” we provide an opportunity for former players to get the quality care they might not otherwise receive.”

MLBPAA Chief Executive Officer Dan Foster noted: “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. Having access to wonderful heart, lung and vascular care is a tremendous plus for our members."

Goose Gossage

Mitch Williams