That life-saving experience is a major reason why Roberts, 30, holds his annual charity event, “Brian?s Baseball Bash,” designed to raise money for the University of Maryland Hospital for Children. The event, which will include many of his teammates, is scheduled for Aug. 26 at the ESPNZone in the Inner Harbor.

“This has been something that has changed my life 100 percent,” said Roberts of the event. “It?s something that, at first, I did to hopefully change the lives of the kids [at the hospital] and then, in turn, realized that it changed my life?This is something that very is close to me, I went through as a kid, and that I can relate to with children in the hospital and going through these things.”

Last year?s event raised more than $130,000, but Roberts wants to eclipse that total this year. Roberts hopes his star power-he?s the only Oriole to play in the All-Star game in each of the past two seasons-raises the event?s profile. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Roberts entered the week batting .320 with 6 home runs, 28 RBIs, 27 stolen bases and 59 runs scored.

“That?s one of the reasons God has put me here to help make a difference in people?s lives,” Roberts said. “We all need to try to focus more on helping others and not always focus so much on ourselves.”

Roberts said regularly visiting children with life-threatening ilnesses in hospitals keeps him grounded and puts his troubles in perspective, including when he suffered a dislocated elbow that sidelined him near the end of the 2005 season.

“What I tell people is it puts a whole new perspective on life when you go in the hospital, and you see those kids and what their battling through,” Roberts said. “You then realize how fortunate you are.”

Brian?s Baseball Bash

» What: Brian?s Baseball Bash

» When: Sunday, Aug. 26 from 6-9 p.m.

» Where: ESPNZone in the Inner Harbor

» Tickets: $200 for adults, $150 for children under 12 and can be purchased by calling the University of Maryland Medical System Foundation at (410) 328-6064.