Roberts readying for Brian's Baseball Bash on July 24

Brian Roberts may be missing from the Orioles lineup, but he's been busy putting the finishing touches on one of every summer's top fundraising events: Brian's Baseball Bash. The sixth annual event, which raises money for programs at the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, will be held July 24 at 6 p.m. at Dave and Buster's at Arundel Mills Mall, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle. This year's edition will benefit three programs - expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit, clinical research and Child Life programs. But who better to tell you about Brian's Baseball Bash than the O's second baseman himself? Roberts has turned to YouTube to promote his namesake fundraiser. This year's live and silent auctions include the usual array of autographed jerseys and baseballs, jewelry and tickets to the upcoming Baltimore Grand Prix. But a new wrinkle will allow bidders to participate in the live and silent auctions via BidPal, a state-of-the-art technology that allows guests to bid using small, handheld devices like an iPhone or iPad. A partial list of the auction items can be found here, along with ticket information. Last year, Brian's Baseball Bash raised more than $200,000 for the hospital's pediatric cardiopulmonary and Child Life programs.