News
Friars offer 'Shirts Off Their Backs'
Jersey fund-raiser to benefit team's Foundation for Children
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
09/29/09 10:10 PM ET
SAN DIEGO -- Gone are the days when Jim Saxton had to peddle scratcher tickets for the Padres annual "Shirts Off Their Backs," the fundraiser that benefits the Padres Foundation for Children."Now I have people looking for me," Saxton said Tuesday prior to the Padres' game with the Dodgers at PETCO Park.
Once again, the Padres and Sycuan Casino are teaming up for the 10th annual "Shirts Off Their Backs" fund-raiser.
By purchasing special scratcher tickets, which went on sale Tuesday for $1, fans have a chance to win an actual game-worn Padres jersey right off the back of a player.
The scratcher tickets will continue to be sold this week at games, and with the Padres' off-day on Thursday, at the ticket office. Tickets are available while supplies last.
"It's something fans look forward to," said Sue Botos, the director of the Padres Foundation. "... For a single dollar, they have a chance to win a jersey and have a neat baseball experience."
Ticket sales begin when gates open and continue through the third inning of each game. Scratcher tickets will be sold at three locations: within the Gaslamp Gate near Palm Court Plaza, on the Concourse Level behind home plate and within the East Village Gate near Park at the Park.
Fans can also purchase tickets from Foundation volunteers roaming PETCO Park. Those volunteers will be wearing navy blue Padres Foundation aprons, much like the one that Saxton was wearing on Tuesday, the same one he's worn every year since the very first event.
Approximately 40 winners will receive a game-worn camouflage jersey immediately following the conclusion of the Padres game against the Giants game on Sunday. Each player will autograph their jersey for their winner.
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
