NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Royals vice president of communications Mike Swanson fondly recalls Shannon Forde as "family."
"She was like a sister," Swanson said. "She always made you feel like you were very important in her life. She just put people first. Every time I saw her, she had to see pictures of my daughter [Rachel].
"She was a just a very warm person who will be missed by all who ever came in contact with her."
Forde, a Mets public relations executive, died at the age of 44 last spring from breast cancer. Major League Baseball, MLB Advanced Media and the MLB Network presently are participating in a Play Ball auction of memorabilia and experiences to help fund the Shannon Forde Field in Little Falls, N.J.
The Royals are auctioning off three experiences: a meet and greet during Spring Training with general manager Dayton Moore, manager Ned Yost and players; an ultimate broadcast experience; and being a team photographer for a day. These items are available for bidding at mlb.com/Shannon.
"It's great to be able to contribute in some way," Swanson said. "It's the absolute least we can do."