2002 MLS Supporters Auction The 2002 MLS Supporters Charity Auction, held in conjunction with 2002 MLS Cup and sponsored by the Midnight Riders, will "go live" this evening starting at 5:00PM EST when a preliminary selection of items will be made available on-line through Ebay. Links to these auctions as well as others scheduled to start in the coming days can be accessed through the Midnight Riders website at: http://www.midnightriders.com/Auction/Auction.htm All proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Massachusetts Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to aid in their mission "to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families." Earlier this year New England Revolution G.M. Todd Smith was diagnosed with acute myopic leukemia, and after a brief period of remission he is once again battling the disease, undergoing further chemotherapy treatment and needing a bone marrow transplant. Big often, bid high and help others like Todd by contributing to those efforts focused on eradicating this disease. The last auction conducted in conjunction with a Cup final at Foxboro raised $1,500 back in 1999. We'd very much like to beat that figure... by a lot. The following is a list of those items up for bid: Colorado Rapids: Match-worn Pablo Mastroeni Colorado Rapids Jersey This jersey is an authentic 2002 autographed Colorado Rapids #25 jersey from U.S. National Team defender Pablo Mastroeni. It is signed on the front. The jersey is a size extra large and will be shipped with a letter from the Colorado Rapids. Dallas Burn: Match-worn Steve Morrow Dallas Burn Jersey* This jersey is an authentic 2002 autographed Dallas Burn #6 jersey from Steve Morrow, formerly of Queens Park Rangers, Arsenal, and captain of the Northern Ireland National Team. It is signed on the back. The jersey is a size large and will be shipped with a letter of from the Dallas Burn. * To the winner of this auction goes a voucher good for two tickets to any Dallas Burn home game for the 2003 season. N.E. Revolution: Authentic Taylor Twellman New England Revolution Jersey This jersey is an authentic 2002 autographed New England Revolution #20 jersey from 2002 Major League Soccer Budwesier Scoring Champion Taylor Twellman. It is signed and is a size large. N.E. Revolution: Autographed goalkeeper gloves from the N.E. Revolution's Adin Brown N.E. Revolution: 2002 Team-Autographed N.E. Revolution replica ball U.S. Men's National Team: Authentic Carlos Llamosa 2002 World Cup U.S. Men's National Team Jersey This jersey is an authentic 2002 World Cup autographed match jersey from U.S. National Team defender Carlos Llamosa. This now rare red jersey was worn during the qualification phase of the 2002 World Cup and is no longer worn by the U.S. National Team. It is signed on the back, is a size large and will be shipped with a letter of authenticity from the United States Soccer Federation. D.C. United: Match-worn Eddie Pope D.C. United Jersey* This jersey is an authentic 2002 autographed D.C. United #23 jersey from U.S. National Team defender Eddie Pope. This "home black", long-sleeved jersey is signed on the back, is size extra large and will be shipped with a letter from D.C. United. D.C. United: Autographed goalkeeper gloves from D.C. United's Nick Rimando* These Nike "Kraken" Elite Keeper Gloves are from and signed by U.S. National Team and D.C. United goalkeeper Nick Rimando. D.C. Included with these gloves is the original carrying bag. D.C. United: Match-worn Captain's armband from D.C. United's Marco Etcheverry* This armband was worn during D.C. United matches against the San Jose Earthquakes on 8/17/02 and on 8/25/02 against the Metrostars. It is signed on the front, dated on the back, and will be shipped with a letter from D.C. United. That person making the highest bid on any D.C. United item will receive an autographed D.C. United John Harkes poster. K.C. Wizards: Autographed Kansas City Wizards posters and soccer ball* This awesome selection of Kansas City Wizards memorabilia includes the following autographed items: AYSO Size 4 soccer ball signed by Tony Meola #1, Peter Vermes #6, Nick Garcia #3, Mike Burns #4, Carey Talley #14, Matt McKeon #2, Igor Sumetnikov #21, Eric Quill #19, Dario Fabbro #9, Chris Klein #17, and Stephen Armstrong #16. A Wizards vertical poster signed by Chris Klein #17, Eric Quill #19, Peter Vermes #6, Chris Brown #8, and Kerry Zavagnin # 5. Finally, a Wizards Team poster signed by Davy Arnaud #22, Matt McKeon #2, Dario Fabbro #9, Chris Klein #17, Peter Vermes #6, Nick Garcia #3, Stephen Armstrong, Eric Quill #19, Chris Brunt #18, Diego Gutierrez #7, Kerry Zavagnin #5, Chris Brown #8, Taly Goode, Tony Meola #1, and Mike Burns #4. * To the winner of this auction also goes a full set of 2002 K.C. Wizards player cards and a 2002 Kansas City Wizards Media Guide. S.J. Earthquakes: Autographed Ian Russell mounted card.* * To the winner of this auction goes a voucher good for 2 complementary Rumble seats to any 2003 Earthquakes home match… Metrostars: 2002 Team-Autographed Metrostars Replica Jersey This authentic 2002 Nike Metrostars replica jersey features identifiable signatures from the following players: Ross Paule #11, Paul Grafer #30, Joe Addo #14, Martin Klinger #27, Craig Ziadie #16, Andy Williams #7, Jeff Moore #6, Rodrigo Faria #22, Byron Alvarez #9, Tim Howard #18, Mike Petke #12, Steve Jolly #5, Marcelo Balboa #17, Tab Ramos #10, Craig Ziadie #16, Byron Alvarez #9, Ted Chronopolous #2 , Sam Forko #3, Daniel Hernandez #7, and Brad Davis #4. There are also three unidentified signatures. The jersey is size large. Chicago Fire: 2002 Team-Autographed Chicago Fire Replica Jersey This authentic 2002 Nike Chicago Fire replica jersey features identifiable signatures from the following players: Kelly Gray #6, Craig Capano #19, Chris Armas #14, Jim Curtin #5, Dema Kovalenko #21, C.J. Brown #2, Orlando Perez #30, Zach Thornton #18, Ante Razov #9, Evan Whitfield #3, Billy Sleeth #11, David Vaudreuil #22, Denis Hamlet (Asst. Coach), Henry Ring #13, Billy Walsh #26, Mike Nugent #23, Sergi Daniv #20, Carlos Bocanegra #4, Damarcus Beasley #7, Tom Soehn (Asst. Coach), Peter Wilt (General Manager), and Hristo Stoichkov #8. Los Angeles Galaxy: 1999 Team-Autographed Los Angeles Galaxy MLS replica ball This ball features signatures from players composing the 1999 Los Angeles Galaxy, identifiable autographs from Greg Vanney#3, Jose Botello #8, Marvin Quijano #25, Cobi Jones #13, Danny Pena #2, Carlos Hermosillo #27, Clint Mathis #14, Joe Franchino #16, Kevin Hartman #22, Roy Myers #21, Ezra Hendrickson #17, Robin Fraser #4, Matt Reis #1, Simon Elliott #12, and John Jones #9. All autographs are 100% authentic. Miami Fusion: 1999 Team-Autographed Miami Fusion club replica ball This ball features signatures from players composing the 1999 Miami Fusion, identifiable autographs from Diego Serna #17, Saul Martinez #19, Scott Budnick #18, Jaime Rojas AR, Jim Rooney #14, Garth Lagerwey #26, Brian Kamler #7, Leo Cullen #2, Tyrone Marshall #15, Jeff Bilyk #23, Jeremy Aldrich #12, Nelson Vargas #8, Henry Gutierrez #20, Wade Webber #3, Welton #16, Pablo Mastroeni #25, and Jeff Cassar #1. All autographs are 100% authentic. If any additional items are received in the coming days such information will also be posted to the Midnight Riders website highlighted earlier. -Evan
Eh Magpie, I'll give you three guesses why a lot of Crew fans could care less about your little auction. Hopefully you don't need more than one.
1) There's no Crew stuff, although I'm really not surprised. 2) There's ************ in there from a former team that no one cares about. 3) Taylor Twellman, size large. So, he's about the same size as ABMOD. 4) Once again, he started a freakin' new topic when that reply button is right there. Has someone been taking lessons from you-know-who??
Unless you're a fire fan. But then you would spend $200 on a fire jersey because you would be an idot.
Bill, Bill, Bill: First off, why the hell would anyone drop $200 for a Fire jersey? They are barely good enough for cleaning my bathroom floor, much less wearing them around town. With that said, some people DO collect different kinds of jerseys, ya know. Once again, the complete obvious hostility towards most ANYONE who doesn't live and breathe The Columbus Crew is demonstrated, as Magpie is immediately tossed into the center of town and stoned to death for daring to post here. It's a FREAKING auction for charity, people!!! I can understand if Segroves or RichterBoy rolls in here with their predictable tired GaySmack™ or McBrideSmack™ ... but damn people... get some actual perspective.
Andy, Everyone is agreed that this is a good cause. However, the fact there isn't even ONE item associated with the Crew shows, IMO, the lack of respect paid to the club by the MLS Supporters, or whatever they call themselves. In addition, I don't think anyone should be surprised by the reaction on this board. I guarantee that if another team was "snubbed" and this auction was posted in their forum, the reaction of those fans would be the same.
Toon, We don't know why there is no Crew merchandise. Maybe they did try to get some and were not able to. I just think that there does not need to be such blatant hostility towards Magpie. I don't believe Evan is necessarily and directly responsible for the dearth of Crew gear in the auction. Magpie was NOT running any smack, or trolling the board in any way. He created a thread about a charity auction. He could have done far worse. And like I said, some people DO collect other jerseys from other teams.
There are no Columbus Crew items because the Columbus Crew did not donate any items. I do not have an explanation as I have not yet heard from any representative of the club. Multiple letters have been sent to the club starting back on August 8th, the last one being sent roughly two weeks ago, that being followed up by a final email plea. Those people having been contacted were President / General Manager Jim Smith, Director of Public Relations Jeff Wuerth, and Marketing Coordinator/Community Relations Manager Rich Thayer. Not one of these individuals has contacted me either by phone, email, or official letter. There hasn't even been a letter indicating that they can't contribute, an example reason because perhaps they want to focus such efforts on local charities. I just don't know... Back in 1999 the Crew were kind enough to donate a Match-worn and autographed Stern John jersey, one that received the second highest winning bid at the 1999 MLS Supporters Charity Auction. In 2002 they are the only MLS club not having contributed anything to the auction. Why haven't they? You'll have to ask your front office... As for why I posted the auction details here, simple: you're American soccer fans and there might be something on the list that maybe you'd bid on, even being dyed-in-the-wool Crew supporters. Hell, pitch in and buy the Fire jersey: you could keep it or burn it at a tailgate next year, I really don't care. I do care about raising money and I'll beg, grovel, and shake the trees to try and get a good chunk of cash. Some years ago Robert Warzycha's son Bartosz contracted cancer in 1998, having surgery to remove it as well as chemotherapy to fight it. According to the Crew website he has been in remission. At that time the Midnight Riders were one of any number of MLS supporters groups that contributed money towards his treatment in a fundraising campaign organized by Crew supporters. We were there to help, and we're asking for your help in this case. Revolution G.M. Todd Smith was diagnosed with acute myopic leukemia last winter and after aggressive treatment involving chemotherapy and more he was diagnosed as being in remission. I saw him at a tailgate soon after and he looked good, was growing his hair back, and was looking forward to spending time with his family after the Revolution season ended. At the end of the Columbus playoff series it was made known that the leukemia had returned, and not only would further chemotherapy be needed, but a bone marrow transplant as well... ... a bone marrow transplant... Todd's got kids and family just like Warzycha, only we don't know what the outcome will be. I've asked for the Crew's help and heard nothing. I've asked for your help and have been openly met with derision and hostility. If you want to contribute then please do so. If you don't then feel free not to. The Magpie
I had a fear my complaint would be countered with the answer "The Crew didn't ante up". Since I was the first to complain, I will be the first to offer some help. I have a game-worn Jason Farrell jersey long-sleeve (TruthCommision...hear that?) that is clean and the real-deal...not replica. It's not signed, but it's the real stuff and of a now-Seattle player. It's the best thing I've ever got as a fan of the Crew and I'm sure the guy that bought it as a present to me from Obetz wouldn't mind me giving it to a charity auction to raise money for this cause. My uncle died of leukemia, and slowly so is one of my best friends here at Loyola. Magpie, PM me your address and I will ship it. As long as you promise to have it auctioned in both of their names. Bailey
Thanks for the reminder on Bartoz, Magpie. It's easy to lose perspective and get me oriented. Wonderful touching post, Bailey. Nice gesture on the donation. I know you've mentioned the jersey, and it's importance to you, previously.
Hmm, no response from the Crew office? Why is that a shocker? couldn't McBride donate a used pair of shoes signing the bottom? I have a pair if you want them. #20...he signed them...tell me where to send them.
Heck, I'd chip in to help Chris win his jersey back. Perhaps someone should talk to hangthadj and 3stripe; I'm pretty sure they're heading out to MLS Cup.
Props to Bailey for his donation... ...and to Magpie for his explanation on the lack of participation from Ned Flanders & Co....