Autographed MLB baseballs to assist Collegiate All-Americans

August 6, 2005

United States Rugby Football Foundation to Auction Autographed Baseballs to Assist Collegiate All-Americans

The United States Rugby Football Foundation is auctioning off 12 baseballs autographed by some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball in its ongoing efforts to raise money for the U.S. Men’s Collegiate All-Americans for their upcoming tour of New Zealand.

The baseballs, signed by current players Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, David Eckstein, Eric Gagne, Torii Hunter, Albert Pujols, Ben Sheets, and Ichiro Suzuki; New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre; along with Hall of Famers Tom Seaver, Don Sutton and Bob Uecker; were donated by Dan Larrea, Director of Team Travel for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club and a former rugby player.

“As a former collegiate rugby player, I recognize the importance of the All-American program and hope this auction of autographed baseballs will raise added support to their tour of New Zealand,” said Larrea.

The baseballs can be found on eBay and the auction will run until 10:00 am PST on Wednesday, August 10, 2005.

The autographed balls can all be viewed on eBay by clicking here.

“It is very generous of Dan to donate these autographed baseballs to assist us in our fundraising efforts for the All-Americans,” said USRFF Executive Director Brian Vizard.

“It's great to see rugby players, whether they are still actively involved in the game or not, giving back to the sport.”

“Dan Larrea’s recognition and support of the All-American program is greatly appreciated,” said All-Americans coach Dave Hodges.

“The National Team benefited from Dan's support during the 2003 RWC qualifier versus Spain in Florida when Dan arranged tickets to the Brewers’ game against the Marlins. As this is a player funded tour, the auction of these baseballs will help ease the financial burden on the players and allow them to focus on performing at the highest level.”

The Collegiate All-Americans, comprised of the finest young rugby talent in the country, play Wellington’s Old Boys University Rugby Club on August 20 in Wellington and close out their tour with a match against Massey University in Palmerston North on August 24.

The USRFF is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1963. Although its main focus is supporting youth and high school rugby, the Foundation also provides grants to coaches and referees; establishes international student exchanges and college scholarships, has assisted the United States Collegiate All-Americans and Boys Under-19 teams, and also provides grants to Safety and Risk Management Research.

For more information about the United States Rugby Football Foundation, visit www.usrugbyfoundation.org.

UPDATE: The United States Rugby Football Foundation raised just over $1,000 for the U.S. Men’s Collegiate All-American rugby team from its recent eBay auction of autographed baseballs. The baseballs, donated by Dan Larrea, Director of Team Travel for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club and a former rugby player, are signed by some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball, including current players Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, David Eckstein, Eric Gagne, Torii Hunter, Albert Pujols, Ben Sheets, and Ichiro Suzuki; New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre; along with Hall of Famers Tom Seaver, Don Sutton and Bob Uecker.

“Our goal at the beginning of the auction was to reach $1,000 and with some heavy activity as the auctions came to a close, we were able to surpass that mark,” said USRFF Executive Director Brian Vizard. “I want to thank all those who participated in the auctions and for the many others who have contributed to the All-Americans cause. I also want to thank Dan Larrea for providing another fund raising opportunity for the USRFF.”