MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL UMPIRES TO HOST 7TH ANNUAL ONLINE AUCTION FOR UMPS CARE CHARITIES FRIDAY, MAY 1st - MONDAY, MAY 11th

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires will offer up more than 300
items that include priceless autographed sports memorabilia, one?of?a?kind VIP experiences and
ticket packages during its 7th Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. The auction opens at
8 a.m. EDT on Friday, May 1 at www.mlb.com/UmpsCare and closes at 10 p.m. EDT on Monday,
May 11.
Some of the items up for bid include a signed baseball by 2014 National League MVP
and three?time National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, a jersey signed by
two?time American League MVP Miguel Cabrera, a signed Albert Pujols game worn cleat,
opportunities to watch batting practice from the field at many MLB ballparks or have a meet
and greet with a player and manager, hotel stays with game tickets from the finest hotels in the
country, opportunities to have lunch with a Major League Baseball umpire, and more than 50
suites or ticket blocks from Minor League Baseball clubs for fans to see some of baseball's rising
stars up close.
There are signed jerseys, bats, baseballs, batting helmets and caps from stars of
yesterday and today as well, including Hall of Famer Lou Brock (signed baseball), Madison
Bumgarner (signed Giants jersey with 2014 World Series patch), Alcides Escobar (used signed
bat), Alex Gordon (signed Royals Louisville Slugger bat), Bryce Harper (signed baseball), Felix
Hernandez (signed baseball with perfect game and Cy Young inscription), Matt Holliday (signed
cleat), Hall of Famer Al Kaline (signed baseball), Derek Jeter (signed baseball), Hall of Famer
Tony LaRussa (signed baseball), Mike Moustakas (signed batting helmet), Buster Posey (signed
baseball), Max Scherzer (signed baseball), Vin Scully (signed baseball), 2015 Hall of Fame
inductee John Smoltz (signed baseball), Hall of Famer Joe Torre (2014 World Series signed
baseball) and so many more.
Auction items from other athletes and celebrities outside of baseball also are available
from the likes of actor/comedian Billy Crystal (signed 2014 World Series signed baseball),
Country Music star Trisha Yearwood (signed 2014 World Series signed baseball), Seattle
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (signed mini helmet), Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver Julio
Jones (2013 NFL Pro Bowl Authentic Game Jersey), Washington Redskins Quarterback Robert
Griffin III (signed adidas print), former professional soccer star David Beckham (signed adidas
print) and Arizona Coyotes Captain Shane Doan (signed Authentic NHL Arizona Coyotes jersey).
"The online auction is one of the biggest fundraising initiatives for UMPS CARE Charities
and has grown tremendously since our first auction in 2009," said Gary Darling, former MLB
umpire and President of the Board for UMPS CARE Charities. "The auction has something for
everyone, from autographed memorabilia to once?in?a?lifetime experiences, so we encourage
fans to tell all of their friends and family to check out the available items on MLB.com and bid
generously to help support a great cause."
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. UMPS CARE Charities is the official charity of Major League Baseball
umpires.
For more information or to make a bid, visit www.mlb.com/UmpsCare. The auction
opens at 8 a.m. EDT on Friday, May 1 and closes at 10 p.m. on Monday, May 11.
UMPS CARE Charities is a 501(c)(3) non?profit established by Major League Baseball
(MLB) umpires to provide financial, in?kind and emotional support for America's youth and
families in need. Through its youth?based programs, professional baseball umpires enrich the
lives of at?risk youth and children coping with serious illness by providing memorable baseball
experiences, supporting pediatric medical care, and raising awareness for foster care children
waiting to be adopted. UMPS CARE Charities provides benefactors with "Major League" support
by remaining true to its established creed, "Helping People is an Easy Call." For more information, go to www.UmpsCare.com.
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