Memphis, Tenn., July 23, 2000 - Baptist Memorial Health Care's six-foot-tall pediatric mascot, P.D. Parrot, opened his new home at AutoZone Park today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-East pediatric patients were on hand for P.D. Parrot's Playhouse Perch opening, including 4-year-old Will Nowell, who helped P.D. Parrot throw out the first pitch of the game. P.D.'s Perch, a playground for kids, features a pretend baseball playing field and observation towers, as well as a dugout bench for parents to use as they supervise their children during the game.

"We're proud to join the Memphis Redbirds in opening P.D. Parrot's Playhouse Perch at AutoZone Park," said Stephen C. Reynolds, Baptist Memorial Health Care CEO and president. "Through this partnership, we strengthen our commitment to downtown Memphis and offer a safe place for children to play. P.D. Parrot's playground will add an exciting dimension to AutoZone Park, making games a fun event for the whole family."

The Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation is the first and only not-for-profit entity to own and operate a professional sports team and facility; the $72 million AutoZone Park - called the finest ballpark ever built in the United States below the major league level. Incorporating the Memphis Redbirds as a not-for-profit allows the community to own the team and facility. For the first time in history, Mid-South residents, corporate leaders and baseball fans are able to give back to the community and, at the same time, enjoy first class entertainment by supporting Memphis Redbirds baseball.

P.D. Parrot teaches children about health and safety through entertaining, kid-focused skits and songs. He has a Web site especially for children, as well: www.pdparrot.org.

The Pediatric Department at Baptist Memorial Hospital-East provides a complete range of inpatient and outpatient medical and health care services. General care and 24-hour emergency services are available for newborns through teens, including acute asthma, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, new-onset diabetes and orthopedic and sports injuries. For more information about Baptist Pediatric services, log on to www.baptistonline.org.

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