Major League Umpires to Host 6th Annual Online Auction for UMPS CARE Charities

Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires will offer up more than 200 ticket packages, autographed sports memorabilia and one-of-a-kind VIP experiences during the 6th Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. The auction opened at 8 a.m. EDT on Friday, May 2nd at mlb.mlb.com/UmpsCare and closes at 10 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 11th.

Some of the items up for bid include a signed Albert Pujols game worn cleat, a Mariano Rivera signed baseball, a bat signed by 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, a baseball signed by 2012 AL Rookie of the Year Mike Trout, opportunities to watch batting practice from the field at many MLB ballparks or have a meet and greet with a player; 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 and gloves from stars of yesterday and today as well, including Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Hamilton, Matt Harvey, Bryce Harper, Felix Hernandez, Matt Holliday, Ryan Howard, Tim Hudson, Clayton Kershaw, Tony La Russa, Don Mattingly, Vin Scully, Alfonso Soriano, Joe Torre, Bob Uecker, Chase Utley, David Wright and so many more.

Signed items from other athletes and celebrities outside of baseball also are available from the likes of actor Kevin Costner, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 2013 PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

"The online auction is one of the biggest fundraising initiatives for UMPS CARE Charities and has grown tremendously since we started this in 2009," said Gary Darling, 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 opened on Friday, May 2nd and closes at 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 11th.  

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. 

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