Capahas to host annual benefit auction Friday

Editor's note: The headline of this story has been updated to reflect that the auction will be held Friday.

After more than 40 years of organizing the Capahas benefit auction, owners of local businesses and fans know what it means when Mary Bolen walks in.

"It's got to the point where you walk in and they're, 'Oh, is it auction time already?'" Bolen said. "... They'll call if they don't see me because they know it's about that time."

Bolen, the wife of longtime Capahas manager Jess Bolen who does much of the work behind the scenes for the team, repeatedly expressed her appreciation to all who help one of the oldest amateur baseball teams in the country stay on the field.

"People have really been helpful," she said. "We've had some wonderful sponsors in the past, and it's been great. I can't say enough about everybody who's helped us out. Like this year, all the merchants who have kicked in and donated items and some of the fans that have donated things. It's been great."

This year's auction will take place Friday night at the Isle Casino event center in Cape Girardeau. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with a dinner featuring ribs, a baked potato bar, salad bar, numerous desserts and more, to follow at 6 p.m. A dinner ticket can be purchased at the door and costs $15.

Both a silent and live auction will take place to raise money to support the team's trip to the NBC World Series in Kansas later this month.

"There's a little bit of everything," said Bolen, who was on her way to Le Bounce in Cape Girardeau to pick up a certificate good for a birthday party for up to 10 people that will be auctioned off.

Other items include multiple pieces of memorabilia with an authenticated Stan Musial signature, an item signed by Lou Brock, a gas grill, power tools and Cardinals bobbleheads of Chris Carpenter, Albert Pujols, Mike Matheny and others. There are also gift certificates to Chick Fil A, Lambert's, Ray's of Kelso, Buffalo Wild Wings and more up for grabs. A listing and photos of additional items can be found on the "Capaha Baseball Team Benefit Auction" Facebook page.

The event is open to all.

"You can bring kids because it's totally separate from the casino," Bolen said. "Kids are welcome. The ballplayers will be there if anybody wants anybody to sign an autograph or anything like that. The guys work it. It's very accessible. The guys are great. It's a lot of fun. We have a good time with it."

Bolen said the connections she and her husband make with the players and their families are what keep them working to support and manage the team year after year.

"It's not just about baseball," she said. "I love baseball. I grew up in St. Louis. I saw my first Cardinals game when I was probably 3 years old, so Jess and I were a good match. It's not just about baseball, it's about the people. It's about the kids. It's everybody you meet -- the families."