Key Takeaways
- MLB’s 12th annual Winter Meetings charity auction will benefit the Little League Disaster Relief Fund, marking the first time the fund has been selected as beneficiary
- The auction features memorabilia and VIP experiences from all 30 teams, including a meet-and-greet with Mike Trout and playing catch with Francisco Lindor
- The fund provides direct financial assistance for field repair and equipment replacement to youth leagues impacted by floods, hurricanes, fires, and other disasters
- The partnership emerged from conversations between MLB and Little League International following January’s Southern California wildfires
- Pre-seeded funding enables Little League to respond faster to disasters affecting youth baseball and softball communities
A Strategic Partnership Takes Shape
Major League Baseball announced Monday that its 12th annual Winter Meetings charity auction will support the Little League Disaster Relief Fund. The live auction, which runs through Thursday night, represents a new direction for MLB’s philanthropic efforts during the industry’s premier offseason gathering in Orlando.
“We’re very fortunate,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League International President & CEO, following the announcement.
The collaboration between MLB and Little League International grew from conversations between April Brown, MLB Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility & Diversity, and Liz Brown, Little League International Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Business Relationship Officer. Those discussions gained urgency following January’s wildfires in Southern California, where the Dodgers and Angels provided direct support to local Little League programs affected by the disaster.
What’s Up for Bid
The auction includes items and experiences donated by all 30 MLB teams. Among the offerings are a meet-and-greet with Angels outfielder Mike Trout and the opportunity to play catch with Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. The auction also features team memorabilia and additional VIP access opportunities across the league.
The Winter Meetings, held annually in December, bring together executives, scouts, and front office personnel from across professional baseball. The charity auction has become a consistent element of the event, with this year marking its 12th iteration.
How the Relief Fund Operates
The Little League Disaster Relief Fund was formally established in 2025. It provides direct financial assistance to local youth baseball and softball leagues following natural disasters including floods, hurricanes, and fires. Support includes funding for field repair and equipment replacement, addressing immediate operational needs that can prevent leagues from resuming play.
Wilson explained the strategic advantage of having funds available before disasters strike. “Disasters have happened before this year, but usually it was more the disaster happens and then we respond and try to rally our friends and partners,” he said. “This allows us to have monies already seeded ahead of time in the eventuality that one occurs. No one wants those things to happen, but now we can react a lot quicker.”
The fund addresses a persistent challenge in youth sports: the financial vulnerability of local leagues operating with limited budgets and resources. When natural disasters damage fields or destroy equipment, many programs lack the capital reserves to restart operations quickly.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between MLB and Little League International reflects a growing recognition within professional sports of the infrastructure challenges facing youth programs. By directing auction proceeds to disaster relief rather than reactive fundraising after individual events, the model creates a sustainable response mechanism.
The auction remains live through Thursday evening, with all proceeds supporting the relief fund’s mission to help youth baseball and softball leagues recover and resume operations following disasters.
via: SBJ
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