Here are all the awesome things you can win during this year's Winter Meetings charity auction
The actual wheeling and dealing of the Winter Meetings steals all the headlines, but that's not the only reason for fans to be excited: For the last six years, MLB has held a Winter Meetings charity auction, letting fans bid to win once-in-a-lifetime baseball experiences while benefitting a great cause.
The auction is back for 2017, and the prizes are predictably jaw-dropping. We've compiled a few of our favorites below, and make sure to check out the full list right here -- all proceeds go to the Katharine Feeney Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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One lucky winner will win: 1) Four tickets in the Judge's Chambers section in right field (actual Supreme Court justices not guaranteed). 2) Four batting practice passes -- which, given certain recent events, might be even more fun than the game. And 3) the chance to meet Aaron Judge himself, along with one other player of your choosing. Yes, please.
Throw out the first pitch at Fenway
Take the rubber just like Pedro, Clemens, Sale and so many more -- just make sure to keep your head on a swivel:
Play chess against the Orioles
In recent years, the O's have developed a rather unique clubhouse tradition: playing chess. They even got schooled by a 12-year-old national champion back in 2016:
Items include: Chess with the Orioles: A fan and a guest will have the chance to play chess against such Orioles ˇ°Grandmastersˇ± as Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop, @Dylan_Bundy and/or @KevinGausman at Oriole Park. https://t.co/2kdrGUgErX (Players subject to change). pic.twitter.com/szIGOCxsU3
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) December 11, 2017
You might not be a national chess champion, but you can still have the opportunity to take on your favorite Baltimore stars.
Do your best Vin Scully impersonation
Scully may be retired, but one of his iconic traditions remains at Chavez Ravine: Every Dodgers home game begins with the proclamation that "It's time for Dodger baseball."
For one game in 2018, that voice over the PA system can be yours -- along with four field-level seats for the game.
Dine with the Mets' broadcast team
Whether hanging with Jerry Seinfeld, struggling with some bandages, or engaging in all manner of telestrator shenanigans, the trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling never ceases to amaze/amuse -- and now you can have dinner with all three of them before a game at Citi Field, including a tour of the SNY studios.
Get nutrition planning tips from Gabe Kapler
Back in October, Kapler was hired as manager of the Phillies. More importantly, however, he is quite possibly the buffest man alive:
#LiveOnMLBN: New @Phillies skipper @gabekapler joins @MrBrianKenny LIVE on #MLBNow! pic.twitter.com/yO2UwVAJLW
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 9, 2017
If you'd like him to put that physique to work for you -- and really, who wouldn't? -- you're in luck: Kapler has offered one lucky fan the exercise experience of a lifetime.
It starts with a phone call, in which Kapler will discuss your current fitness level and design a workout specifically suited to your needs. You'll then join him in the Phillies' clubhouse for a training session in the team gym -- followed by a meal in his office, during which the two of you will collaborate on a custom nutrition plan.
Be a member of the Mariners grounds crew
Set up batting practice, get Safeco Field ready for game action, drag the infield between innings, maybe even do a little dance. Be careful with the tarp, though:
Take a private tour of the Baseball Hall of Fame's Collections Archive
Among the items on display in the Cooperstown vault: bats used by Ted Williams, a shirt worn by Cy Young, even scorecards from some of the most significant games in baseball history. Need we say more?
