NEW YORK -- The Red Sox and Yankees are joining forces to assist those affected by Hurricane Harvey, by partnering to raise money for relief efforts by auctioning off various autographed items of team memorabilia from Sunday's game at Yankee Stadium.
All of the proceeds raised through this joint initiative will go to support hurricane relief efforts. Before Sunday's game, Yankees manager Joe Girardi and Red Sox manager John Farrell will kick off the fundraising efforts by unfurling a large Texas state flag signed by members of both teams.
"The effects of this crisis have been felt across the country, including in our own clubhouse where the hearts of many of our players have been with their families and friends who call Texas home," Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said. "Tonight, we put our rivalry aside and team up with the Yankees to bring support, attention and funds to help relief efforts in the aftermath of this tragedy."
Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said: "In difficult times such as this, we stand united with our traditional rival in helping those affected by the hurricane. We hope that fans are inspired to support the hurricane rescue and recovery efforts in whatever way they can."
Yankees items, including game-used jerseys from all players and coaches, will be available to be bid upon at steinersports.com/harvey. Additional items will include a non-game-used home plate signed by the entire Yankees team, along with non-game-used autographed caps from every Yankees player and coach.
Red Sox items, including game-used jerseys from all players and coaches, will be available to be bid upon at redsox.com/harvey. Additional items will include a non-game-used home plate signed by the entire Red Sox team, along with non-game-used autographed caps from every Red Sox player and coach.
Both websites are currently live and accepting bids. During his pregame news conference Sunday, Girardi wore a T-shirt with "Texas Forever" across the front.
Hurricane Harvey came ashore Aug. 25 as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in 50 years. It killed at least 47 people with the death toll continuing to rise. The hurricane also displaced more than 1 million people and damaged approximately 200,000 homes in a path of destruction that stretched more than 300 miles.