Chicago Cubs catcher Koyie Hill stepped up for the team this year when Geovany Soto struggled and got hurt. No, Hill didn’t replace Soto’s 2008 production, but he gave the Cubs another option behind the plate, played good defense, and caught a good game.
He did all that after sawing off a bunch of his fingers last year. So when I say Koyie Hill is an awesome guy, you’ll agree. And now he’s an awesome guy for another reason.
The Cubs catcher will host a charity event on Dec. 5 at the Hartman Arena in Wichita, Kan., to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Kansas.
“Playing in the big leagues was always a dream of mine,” Hill said. “Now I have the chance to help others see their dreams come true.”
General admission tickets are available for $65, and anyone interested should contact the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Kansas. There also are a limited number of VIP tables available; prices start at $1,000. The table has seating for eight on the arena floor and includes a VIP cocktail hour and autograph session.
Country music star Tracy Byrd will perform. There will be a silent auction that will include autographed baseballs from players, including Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg and Ozzie Smith, and former Cubs players Kerry Wood and Mark DeRosa. There will also be items signed by Albert Pujols, Don Mattingly, and a ball autographed by both Greg Maddux and Fergie Jenkins.
There will be signed jerseys, bats and other items such as a game-used hat from Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly, cleats from first baseman Derrek Lee, batting gloves from Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder, and a Cubs team-signed “W” flag with a certificate of the date when it was flown over Wrigley Field. cubs.com.
I rarely wish I lived in Kansas, but this is one of those times. Sounds like a heck of an event for a heck of a cause.