Major League Baseball 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 8th Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. The auction is currently underway at mlb.mlb.com/UmpsCare and closes at 10 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 2.
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, an authentic Washington Nationals home jersey from 2015 NL MVP Bryce Harper, a signed game worn cleat from Albert Pujols, a baseball signed by David Ortiz, a signed bat from Evan Longoria, 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 and caps from stars of yesterday and today as well, including George Brett (signed baseball), Kris Bryant (authentic Cubs jersey), Madison Bumgarner (signed baseball), Nelson Cruz (signed baseball), Prince Fielder (signed baseball), Ken Griffey Jr. (signed baseball), Felix Hernandez (signed baseball with perfect game and Cy Young inscription), Eric Hosmer (signed bat), Derek Jeter (signed baseball), Pedro Martinez (signed baseball), Mike Moustakas (authentic Royals jersey), Dustin Pedroia (signed baseball), Buster Posey (signed baseball), Anthony Rizzo (authentic Cubs jersey), Max Scherzer (signed baseball), Vin Scully (signed baseball), 2015 Hall of Fame inductee John Smoltz (signed baseball), Hall of Famer Joe Torre (signed Yankees cap) and so many more.
Auction items from other athletes and celebrities outside of baseball also are available from the likes of actor/comedian Will Ferrell (signed Oakland A's jersey, signed baseball), two-time U.S. Women's Soccer Olympic Gold Medalist and 2014 FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd (signed baseball) and legendary Virginia Tech head football coach Frank Beamer (signed Virginia Tech football).
"The online auction is one of the biggest fundraising initiatives for UMPS CARE Charities and really drives our efforts to help out so many children in need," said Gary Darling, former MLB umpire and President of the Board for UMPS CARE Charities. "There is a great variety of items up for bid and something for everyone, so make sure to check out the entire auction collection on MLB.com, tell your friends and family, and please 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 mlb.mlb.com/UmpsCare. The auction opens at 10 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 22 and closes at 10 p.m. on Monday, May 2.  
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.