"Whenever I was born with a club foot they fixed it. And I want to play baseball and donate money through baseball to help the kids because if (the doctors) wouldn't have fixed it, I wouldn't be playing baseball," Mast, of Blair County, said.

He said he is so grateful that he's partnered with Children's Hospital to raise money through the 2010 baseball season.

"Every homerun I hit, I donate $10. Every strikeout I throw, I donate $5 and for every base hit, I donate $2 to Child Life," Mast said.

Child Life helps makes kids more comfortable in the hospital. Mast said the organization raises the spirits of sick children and gives them hope.

"It's all free-zones. No doctors, no medicine, no reports, no nothing. It's just they can have fun all the time," he said.

As Elliot gets ready for the season with the East End Youth Baseball League, he said he wants to make a difference for those who may not be able to play ball on opening day because of the challenges in front of them.

"I'm playing for a purpose. I'm playing for them," Mast said.

Donations can be sent to: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation C/O Elliot Mast 1230 22nd Avenue Altoona, PA 16601

For more information, visit www.elliotmast.blogspot.com