NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Major League Baseball lost one of its family members when Mets senior director of media relations Shannon Forde lost her battle with breast cancer earlier this year.
To honor her legacy, MLB and all 30 clubs created a Play Ball charity auction to benefit youth baseball and softball in Forde's hometown of Little Ferry, N.J. Cancer hits close to home for the Twins, as former general manager Terry Ryan had neck cancer in 2014.
The Twins created three baseball-related experiences fans can bid on as part of the auction that runs through Thursday at MLB.com/Shannon, including a pizza party for 10 in the Metropolitan Club at Target Field with appearances by T.C. Bear and a personalized birthday video from a mutually agreed upon player. All food and beverage is included, as well as 10 tickets in the Legends Club.
Aspiring photographers also have the chance to bid on being the Twins' team photographer for a day. The winning bidder will follow around the Twins' team photographer during a game and will have the chance to take photos and learn about shooting baseball with an all-access pass at Target Field.
Those with more interest in the broadcast side can bid on the chance to see the game from the eyes of the club's broadcast team. The fan will get the chance to meet Twins broadcasters and watch the game from the press box. They'll also be able to check out Fox Sports North's TV production truck during the game. Additionally, the fan will have a chance to shadow the FSN sideline reporter after the game for interviews on the field and in the clubhouse.