Stars trade bats for taps at Celebrity Bartender Night

SCOTTSDALE Ariz. -- In the professional baseball world, a Rolodex is usually for closing deals or scouting talent. For Erica Brooks, it’s a tool for saving lives.

Brooks is a veteran real estate professional and former community relations specialist who has spent over 25 years helping players and staff establish themselves in Arizona. On Wednesday night at Wasted Grain nightclub in Scottsdale, she put those connections to work for the 16th annual Celebrity Bartender Night, a high-energy baseball mixer that has grown from a modest gathering into a premier Spring Training staple.

The event’s origins trace back 16 years to a collaboration with former Major Leaguer and current Red Sox executive Craig Breslow. Originally partnered with Breslow’s Strike 3 Foundation, Brooks switched the focus after her father passed away from amyloidosis, which is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed disease.

"When [Breslow] left Arizona, I pivoted and started raising money for the disease my dad died from," Brooks shared during the event. "There's no cure ... so it's very important to get information and to raise awareness."

What started with just three bartenders -- including Breslow -- and half a bar has exploded into a full-venue takeover. This year, Brooks and her organization, Issues Concerning Athletes, set their sights high with a goal to raise $100,000 for Amyloidosis Support Groups. The cause has hit close to home for the baseball community recently, as Hall of Famer Harold Baines and Cubs legend Lee Smith were both diagnosed with the disease and underwent organ transplants.

The guest list read like a who's who of the industry, spanning from Minor Leaguers and current stars to front-office executives and managers. Over a dozen Major Leaguers, including Ryan Walker and Tristan Beck of the Giants and Nolan Jones and Scott Alexander of the Rockies, stepped behind the bar to serve drinks.

Brooks is adamant that the players aren't just there to fulfill a commitment.

"I never want to throw an event where a guy feels like they’re doing someone a favor," Brooks said. "The fact that they come back shows me that they value [the cause]."

Current players echoed that sentiment.

"Yeah, it's a great time. It's for a great cause," Beck said. "Every time you get to go out and help the community a little bit, it's awesome."

Some players, like Angels left-hander Brent Suter, have taken a deep dive into the medical specifics of the cause. Brooks noted that Suter has studied the disease so extensively that he has conducted interviews on the subject.

"He knew more than I did," she laughed.

While players poured, guests participated in a silent auction, bidding on unique sports memorabilia and Marriott getaways. While the atmosphere was chill and relaxed, the mission is urgent. Amyloidosis is notoriously difficult to detect, and Brooks pointed out that many patients die before receiving a correct diagnosis.

"Early detection can prolong life," Brooks emphasized. "My favorite part is knowing that possibly I gave somebody an extra few days with their parent, their spouse or their child."

As the night wrapped up, the sentiment among the crowd was clear. They came for the drinks and the baseball talk, but they left with knowledge that could save a life. For Brooks, using her contacts for good is more than just a project. It is a vital save for families fighting a rare disease.