Hey, Umpires Can Be All Right: They're Hosting a Charity Auction for Kids

by Brandon Sneed

I know, I know—we all want to hate umpires. It's just a fun part of the game. But then they go and do something like this and risk wrecking everything. 

Friday marked the start of the fourth annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. It lasts until 8 p.m. on May 13, and there are some pretty sweet items up for grabs, including 200 ticket packages, signed items and incredible VIP experiences. (Full list after the jump.) You can bid at MLB.com/UmpsCare. Proceeds benefit children awaiting adoption, coping with cancer and adopted kids who are trying to go to college.

There are goodies for everyone from the hardcore baseball fan to ... well, whatever's most opposite of that. Lists after the jump. 

Here's what you can win: 

• The opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field
• Signed Albert Pujols Angels jersey
• Family four-packs for a special Father's Day outing
• Chances to watch batting practice from the field at many MLB ballparks
• More than 50 suites or ticket blocks from Minor League clubs
• A home plate from the 2011 All-Star Game in Arizona, signed by Commissioner Bud Selig and that night's umpiring crew at Chase Field. 
• Baseballs, bats, and jerseys signed by Roy Halladay, Frank Robinson, Derek Jeter, Ernie Banks, Ichiro, Yogi Berra and Bryce Harper.
• Greg Gibson's No. 53 World Series Base Jacket, size medium.

And for non-baseball fans:

• A golf experience at Pinehurst with a PGA pro
• Two-night hotel stays from the finest hotels, including the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan
• Build-A-Bear signed by The Jonas Brothers
• A Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus gift pack
• A pin flag from the 2011 PGA Championship signed by winner Keegan Bradley
• And lots more. 

UMPS CARE Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established by MLB umpires to provide financial, in-kind and emotional support for America's youth and families in need. Through their youth-based programs, 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. For more information, like Facebook.com/UmpsCare.

[MLB.com]