Major League Baseball umpires to host 7th annual online auction for Umps Care Charities Friday, May 1 - Monday, May 11

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 mlb.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 mlb.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.