Chris Davis partners with Casey Cares Foundation, talks about Toronto series

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis will serve as race ambassador for the seventh annual Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, Aug. 6, as the Orioles and OriolesREACH once again partner with the Casey Cares Foundation to host the race.

All proceeds will benefit the Casey Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides personalized, uplifting and ongoing programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their family members throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Over the past two years since moving to Oriole Park, the race has raised nearly $300,000.

"It is something that my wife and I are extremely excited about," Davis said this afternoon. "Kind of had our hand in it the last few years. Think Nicky (Markakis) was the head of this the first couple of years we were here and then Brian (Matusz) last year. Now neither one of those guys are here now, so we're stepping in. It means a lot to us.

"It is something we want to do. One of the big draws coming back here (re-signing over the winter) was knowing we could continue the relationships that we had and cultivate some new ones. We love the city of Baltimore and we've lived in the city for several years. We enjoy being around the people of the city and we are going to do anything we can to help.

"It puts things in perspective. When you have a chance to go out in the community and see the impact you can have, it brightens up your day. It really gives you a sense of worth and makes coming to the ballpark every day a little bit more special."

Registration for the race is open now and both teams and individuals are encouraged to register. Entry fees are $45 per person through Friday, Aug. 5, or $50 per person on race day (cash or check only). Children 8 and under can be registered for only $20. To register, visit www.orioles.com/caseycares.

"We thank the Orioles for again serving as an integral partner of Casey Cares this season," said Casey Baynes, executive director of the Casey Cares Foundation. "Last year, with the support of the Birds, Casey Cares was able to provide more than 19,000 activities to our community. The Orioles' ongoing commitment to the critically ill children in our programs helps these kids have an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience."

As for the Orioles outlook heading into the weekend series with Toronto, Davis said it got a positive jolt last night when Tyler Wilson pitched eight scoreless innings in the win at Fenway Park, as the Orioles won that series.

"That was huge for us," Davis said. "The way the road trip started, we weren't necessarily happy, but we felt like on offense we were swinging well and putting some things together. To see Tyler throw the ball like he did last night was great. The talent is obviously there. To see him put it all together was pretty impressive."

The Orioles (38-27) lead the American League East by one game over Boston and two over Toronto. They host the Blue Jays for three games this weekend after Toronto took three of four last weekend at Rogers Centre.

"I think it's big. Anytime a division rival comes in it's going to be a big series and we are starting to get to the middle of the season," Davis said. "Not only that, but we're starting to roll right now and we want to take advantage of that and win as many as possible. A weekend series against a division rival at home, that is when we expect to come out and play our best ball."