BALTIMORE -- Ever wondered what it's like to be on the field at Camden Yards? How about you and your closest friends being steps away from your favorite players, watching the Orioles take batting practice?
You can bid on that once-in-a-lifetime experience and much more right now to support a good cause.
Major League Baseball umpires are offering up more than 300 items that include priceless autographed sports memorabilia, one-of-a-kind VIP experience and upgraded ticket packages during its 10th Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. The auction is under way at www.mlb.com/umpscare and closes at 10 p.m. ET on Monday, April 30. Some of the items up for bid are signed bats, cleats, jerseys, photos and baseballs from some of the biggest stars in baseball. There are BP chances, hotel stays with game tickets -- such as the Hyatt Regency in Baltimore -- opportunities to have lunch with an MLB umpire, suites and tickets from Minor League Baseball clubs, golf foursomes and more.
All proceeds from the 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.
"Each year thanks to the support from our friends in Major League Baseball and throughout the sports world, we get some fantastic items for our auction, and this year is no exception," said Gary Darling, former MLB umpire and board president for UMPS CARE Charities. "This is the biggest fundraising initiative that we have to help so many children in need, and we can't thank everyone enough for all of the support. Please tell all of your friends, bid early and bid often to help this great cause."