Swisher, Danks, Hall go pink for a cause

5/7/2008 7:42 PM

CHICAGO (AP) -Nick Swisher wasted no time making his mark on the Chicago White Sox. On Wednesday, he added a pink twist.

Swisher, pitcher John Danks and backup catcher Toby Hall dyed their facial hair hot pink in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer and pay tribute to Mothers Day.

``Obviously, mothers are huge in our lives and cancer affects a lot of us,'' said Swisher, acquired in an offseason trade with Oakland.

A group of children from Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a national support group for those affected by pediatric cancer, watched as Swisher, Hall and Danks took the pink plunge while seated on top of the White Sox's dugout on Wednesday afternoon. The players also made a donation on behalf of their teammates.

The enthusiastic Swisher quickly endeared himself to teammates and the White Sox's fans. He and several players dyed their facial hair blond at the start of the season in a bonding ritual. Now, they're doing it for a different cause.

Some of the children helped with the hair coloring. And Swisher painted a pink stripe down 9-year-old Jeremy Campus' chin, giving the boy a goatee just like his own.

Swisher said the players will keep the pink dye in place through at least Sunday - maybe longer if they get hot.

``I guarantee it'll stay (then),'' he said.