Paris’ Charm and Appeal Is the Toast of Rochester

Kelly Paris, a journeyman infielder for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, may not possess the kind of playing skills it takes to be a standout major league baseball player, but when it comes to charitable work, there are plenty of children in the upstate New York city who consider him big league--all the way.

Paris, a former Taft High baseball player who has spent time in the major and minor leagues with five organizations, has bought 10 season tickets to the Red Wings home games for the Community Partners for Youth, a program affiliated with Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

The block of seats, located behind home plate, originally were red, but the team painted them blue--Paris’ favorite color--and has advertised the event as “An Evening in Paris.”

Paris paid $1,250 for the seats.

“He wanted to do something for the kids, but he never really got a chance,” said Jack Stich, a Red Wings official. “Now, he seems to be a little more settled in Rochester and decided to do it. I think it’s a great thing.”

Paris, 28, was an International League all-star for Rochester, the Baltimore Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate, last season. In addition to the Orioles organization during his 12-year career, he has played for St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and the Chicago White Sox.