12/10/2007 5:33 PM ET

(Photos by Todd Olszewski/Orioles)

Second baseman takes initiative to adopt local families

By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com

BALTIMORE -- Brian Roberts did double duty Monday, headlining one community event and then spearheading another one later in the day. Baltimore's All-Star second baseman spent the morning at the team's holiday party for kids and the afternoon teaming with the local police and fire departments to help save the holidays for four local families.

Roberts donated money and put in a public appearance to help the four families with their holiday shopping at a local Wal-Mart, and he got fellow teammates Jay Gibbons and Jamie Walker to join him. Roberts was counting on contributions from Baltimore Ravens Matt Stover and Mark Clayton in his endeavor, which started as a simple brainstorm.

"My initial plan or thought was to do a toy drive for kids in need during the holidays," said Roberts, a heavy fundraiser for a local hospital. "It was something I wanted to do. I love doing what I do at the hospital, but I also wanted to branch out a little bit and do something for the holidays. Hopefully, it will turn out great. It's something that I'm really excited about."

All four families were selected by the Baltimore police and fire deparments, and they received money to spend in the store as well as a Giant Food gift card. Roberts, a prior nominee for the league's annual Roberto Clemente Award, has long made it a priority to venture out into the community and try to make Baltimore a better place to live.

"He's a great example of what you can do as a baseball player," said teammate Jeremy Guthrie. "He dedicates time, money and energy to it. He's a good example, and when young guys come up here and see that, hopefully that tradition will continue for a number of years."

Roberts, who runs Brian's Baseball Bash as an annual fundraiser for the University of Maryland Hospital for Children, preferred not to think of himself as a role model for his teammates.

"Once you get involved and you see something happen," he said, "It makes you want to do [more]."

Spencer Fordin is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Roberts, other O's bring early holiday