Readers,

As a result of the devastating tornadoes that struck down in Peoria, Illinois last week, the Cardinals Midwest League affiliate is having an auction to raise money for the victims.   These acts of mother nature can wipe a family’s house  away in mere seconds and destroy lives, so they need all they help they can get.  This is a way you can help and also collect some fine memorabilia for your baseball trophy room.

Here are some of the items being sold.  The auction currently includes great Cardinals items including baseballs autographed by Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Tony La Russa, Willie McGee, Lee Smith, David Freese and Joe Kelly; a hat signed by Matt Adams; Allen Craig and Yadier Molina jerseys; and a Chris Carpenter game-used bat.

More auction items will be added as they are received, including tickets for several 2014 games from the Cardinals plus items from the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks and other Midwest League teams.

The auction is ongoing — and the holidays are coming. Great gift ideas for your favorite people and, more importantly, all proceeds support the victims of last Sunday’s tornadoes.

Check out the Chiefs online auction here and sign up to start bidding.   Help someone out while providing another with a great gift.

Thanks for reading this,

Dan Buffa