Major League Baseball umpires are offering more than 300 pieces of memorabilia, tickets and fan experiences during their 10th Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction.
Some of the items up for bid include signed bats, cleats, jerseys, photos, and baseballs from some of the biggest stars in baseball including 2017 AL MVP Jose Altuve, 2017 NLCS MVP Justin Turner, multiple-time MVP Albert Pujols, 2012 NL MVP Buster Posey, and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Feller.
There are jerseys, bats, baseballs, and other items from current stars and past greats of the game including Dansby Swanson (signed hat), George Brett (signed jersey, signed bat), Kris Bryant (jersey), Bobby Cox (signed baseball), Lorenzo Cain (signed bat, signed cleat, signed baseball), Bucky Dent (signed baseball), Bryce Harper (jersey), Eric Hosmer (signed bat); Clayton Kershaw (jersey); Aaron Judge (jersey), Mike Moustakas (signed bat, signed jersey), Giancarlo Stanton (jersey); Dustin Pedroia (signed baseball), Salvador Perez (signed bat, signed batting helmet), Joe Torre (signed jersey, signed baseball, signed hats) and Vin Scully (signed baseball).
There are also dozens of umpire signed items and autographs from other sports as well. Among the fan experiences on the block are opportunities to watch batting practice on the field at many MLB ballparks, hotel stays with game tickets and opportunities to have lunch with an MLB umpire.
All proceeds from the Online Auction support UMPS CARE Charities youth programs to provide Major League Baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption, Build-A-Bear Workshop experiences for hospitalized children coping with serious illnesses, college scholarships for deserving young adults who were adopted as children, and financial assistance for families in need.
“Each year thanks to the support from our friends in Major League baseball and throughout the sports world we get some fantastic items for our auction, and this year is no exception,” said Gary Darling, former MLB umpire and Board President for UMPS CARE Charities. “This is the biggest fundraising initiative that we have to help so many children in need, and we can’t thank everyone enough for all of the support. Please tell all of your friends, bid early and bid often to help this great cause.”
To view all auction items or to make a bid, visit www.mlb.com/UmpsCare. The auction is currently underway and closes at 10 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 30.