Cubs, affiliates to raise money for tornado victims

PITTSBURGH -- Double-A Tennessee will join outfielder Ty Wright in his efforts to raise funds for the tornado victims in Oklahoma. The Smokies will hold several events throughout the current homestand with proceeds going to the American Red Cross relief efforts.

"After watching the coverage of the tornado, it was tragic to see," Wright said. "I played baseball for Oklahoma State for four years and Oklahoma is like a second home to me."

The Smokies will donate $10 for every hit they collect during their current five-game series. On Saturday, the Smokies will hold a memorabilia auction on the concourse, featuring signed memorabilia from the team, the Cubs, and other Minor and Major League teams with 100 percent of those proceeds going to disaster relief and the Red Cross. Former Smokies Darwin Barney, Andrew Cashner and Tyler Colvin have all pledged to donate items to the auction.

The Smokies will present the American Red Cross a check, on Wright's behalf, prior to Monday's game.

Cubs outfielder David DeJesus announced a "mystery ball" event on Wednesday at Wrigley Field to raise money for victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes. Tickets are $40 per ball, and all proceeds will go to the families affected by the deadly storm. The Cubs play host to the White Sox in an Interleague game that day.

Triple-A Iowa also is chipping in. The Iowa Cubs front office and a group of the players' wives and girlfriends will hold a memorabilia auction on Friday during the game against the Oklahoma City RedHawks, and all proceeds will be donated to the Oklahoma City Red Cross. Fans will have a chance to bid on autographed jerseys, baseballs, bats, and various other equipment in the concourse at Principal Park in Des Moines. The silent auction will start when the gates open at 5:35 p.m. CT, and run into the middle of Friday's game.