Martin Mathews with Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa and Carole Buck. Martin Mathews and Tony LaRussa with Cardinals players Jason Motte, Tyler Greene, Joe Thurston and Colby Rasmus. Barbara Washington with the Cardinals "That's A Winner" awardees. KTVI Fox 2's Glenn Zimmerman was the auctioneer and KMOX's Tom Ackerman served as emcee of the program.

Fans caught St. Louis Cardinals pennant fever and paid tribute to the memory of legendary Hall of Famer Jack Buck at the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club’s 18th annual sports auction on Sunday, June 28, at the Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington Ave. The beloved humanitarian established this fund-raiser to support the Club’s summer recreational programs 18 years ago, with Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa stepping up to the plate to continue the tradition. This was a special year, as Mathews-Dickey rededicated the event as the “Jack Buck Celebrity Night with the Stars & Tony LaRussa” with the Redbird skipper, Carole Buck and family, and Martin Mathews and staff.

“Tony has done an arduous job as captain — keeping the fund-raiser alive for the children in memory of his and our friend Jack Buck,” said Martin L. Mathews, the Club’s president, CEO & co-founder. “We’re pleased to celebrate the legacies of two great friends and humanitarians.” 

Sports lovers enjoyed hob nobbing with a rookie quartet of “That’s A Winner” awardees: Shortstop Tyler Greene, Pitcher Jason Motte, Outfielder Colby Rasmus and Third Baseman Joe Thurston. KMOX Radio broadcasted live from the dinner auction, with Sports Director Tom Ackerman emceeing the festivities. KTVI Fox 2 Meteorologist Glenn Zimmerman kept the auction bids rising through the roof on items, including a Stan “The Man” Musial Louisville Slugger, Spring Training package by Cardinals Care and American Airlines and American/National League team autographed 2009 All-Star game baseball. Dennis Jenkerson, fire chief and commissioner of the St. Louis Fire Department, announced the results of the department’s “Safety Weekend for Kids” toll road.

A wave of excitement rushed over the gala, completed with organ antics by Ernie Hays. Sponsors who signed on for a Team Player table of 10 at $1,000, nominated one representative to take a picture with LaRussa and receive a replica 2006 World Series championship ring.

More than 250 sports lovers attended the delicious dinner gala and high-level silent and live sports/celebrity memorabilia auction. Cardinals Care, the St. Louis Rams, Blues and others, donated auction items this year. American Airlines was the official airline sponsor.

Proceeds benefited the Mathews-Dickey Sports Program, which brings families together and fosters strong character in young people through “America’s Past-time” Baseball, Hoops Basketball, Bulldog Football, Swimming and more. The Club annually provides educational, athletic and cultural enrichment programs to more than 40,000 young people from throughout the St. Louis-metropolitan area, and is a United Way member agency. For more information, call Barbara A. Washington or Bill Fronczak at (314) 382-5952, ext. 234.

See Jack Buck Tribute

Archived:

Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2008
Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2007
Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2006
Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2005
Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2004
Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2003
Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2002
Jack Buck Celebrity Night With the Stars - 2001

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