Jays Helping the Fight Against Cancer

Spring Training in Dunedin wasn't only filled with excitement on the field, but off the field as well. All throughout Spring Training the Blue Jays had been raising money for the American Cancer Society through various fundraisers; one including some highly touted autographed memorabilia.

On Friday, March 17 against the Cincinnati Reds the Blue Jays, like many other Major League teams playing in their home facilities that day, sported special green attire, including jerseys and caps, out onto the field to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The difference between the Blue Jays and other team's is that the players were not allowed to keep their jerseys. Instead, they were asked to autograph their jersey and donate them to a special raffle that would benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The thirty-nine players that dressed that day kindly obliged.

Throughout Spring Training the Blue Jays had been selling special raffle tickets that would give purchasers the chance to win one of these special autographed, game worn jerseys. Five hundred twelve entries were gathered, and at ten dollars a piece, the Blue Jays raised over five thousand dollars for cancer research. An additional twenty four hundred dollars was raised with a special silent auction of various autographed baseballs during March 22's home game against he Pittsburgh Pirates.

The following fans were the lucky recipients of the special autographed jerseys: Donelda Ferguson, Darren Lund, Michael Filanowski, Dennis Stencel, Jill Mercer, Dennis Kieswetter, Rick Schaffer, Michael Curtin, David Bloomer, Ed Werner, Mitch Aidelman, Kevin Donoghue, Michael Bonema, Paul Spencer, Cathy Edkins, Bob Mickle, John Derderian, Carole McGivney, Peter Ko, Fred Britton, Tom Moyer, Joseph Paulsen, Gary Price, Joe LaBelln, Mike Dwyer, Travis Smith, Dylan Glazier, Carolyn Greenwood, PJ Lamothe, Ed Underwager, PJ Falconi, Ed Groth, Pat Martin, William Nalencz, and Paul Turc.

To find out how you can still donate to the Dunedin Relay for Life contact the Dunedin Blue Jays at 727-733-9302. They will be hosting the final Dunedin Relay of Life all nigh event at Knology Park on April 28.