Mariners Lift Spirits at Spokane Children's Hospital - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

A pair of Mariners made a meaningful stop in Spokane Wednesday, visiting sick kids at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital.

Pitcher Charlie Furbush and outfielder Casper Wells were on hand, as were the Mariner Moose and Mike Blowers, for the get well tour. The players spend the afternoon meeting and talking with kids, taking pictures and signing autographs.

The players had an obvious impact on the children, but the Mariners see it the other way around.

"Just a part of making these kids smile and laugh a little bit, it's so important and they really need that," said Wells.

"Just to take their mind off some of the troubles they're going through, just for a few minutes, it makes it worth it," added now-broadcaster Mike Blowers. "It was a lot of fun to come visit the hospital."

Perhaps nothing, though, was better than watching Mariner Moos light up the children's faces.

"When the Moose came and busted through the door they seemed to just glow, and it's really something special to see how excited those kids are, how much excitement you can bring to them."

The Mariners Caravan continues its tour through Washington through the month of January. They are in Walla Walla on Thursday and in Tri-Cities on Friday. They wrap up the tour in Tukwila on January 25.

*Mobile users can see video of the Mariners' visit here: http://bit.ly/UTdrwV