Here’s what happened to the belt
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Oct 02, 2009 
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As you guys know, the Yankees – led by A.J. Burnett – decided to autograph and then auction off the original WWE championship belt that was passed around the clubhouse and awarded to that day’s player of the game. The proceeds would go to Camp Sundown, a year-round camp in upstate New York for kids suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a rare genetic disease which causes the body to be unable to repair cells damaged by UV light. You might remember that the Yankees welcomed Camp Sundown to the Stadium for a late-night visit during HOPE Week.
Well, the auction is complete now and I thought you might like to know what happened. The winner was Mark Boynton, who along with his fiance bid an amazing $9,400 for the belt. I had an e-mail exchange with Mark today to find out what prompted him to be so generous, and this is what he wrote:
I am a lifelong fan. My fiancé, born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, knew zero about baseball and the Yankees until we started dating but now is a huge fan. This season has been special for us personally, including going to the first game at the new stadium, and special for the team as they once again win the AL East and make their run at number 27. … This team has found a chemistry and camaraderie that feels like the late 90′s.
The belt was one of the first and most visible signs. It’s a really special, one of a kind piece of Yankees history. Then you actually have the signatures of the players including some of the greatest Yankees ever to play! On top of all that, the proceeds go to a great charity in the middle of one of the worst giving climates in economic history. We talked about it and decided we would forego some other things and instead, go for the belt! The last minute bidding was nerve-wracking!
We don’t have kids so our plan right now is to stare like goofy school kids at this very special, instant heirloom and then eventually donate it to Cooperstown or the Yankees organization. … I don’t know what else to say other than it’s really special and we’re thrilled and honored to receive it.
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Thanks to Mark for his generosity, and for sharing his story with us. Game post coming in a few hours.
i actually put a bid for this belt when it first was open for auction… although my budget was a little less (240$) i still dream of wearing it one day.. lol
Kicka$$ move, Mr. Boynton
Wow, that is awesome!!
What a great story. I am jealous, but happy it went to a loving home.
What a great gesture. Congrats on winning the auction and for sharing your story behind it.
That is so nice! What did the belt end up going for?
I’m sorry, I wouldn’t pay a dime for a WWE belt no matter whose signature’s on there. Not a chance.
Very generous Mr. Boynton, congrats!!
Wow, that’s great. Congrats to Mr. Boynton!!
that’s a great story
do you know how much that belt will be worth, say in, 10 years if they end up winning the WS in 09?
Sam -
Thanks for sharing that with us. What good that money is going to do! I can’t imagine those kids not being able to go out in the sunlight. Such a basic thing we all take for granted. It was a great idea to auction it off, and such a wonderful gesture by the winners of the auction.
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Repost:
Off topic, but -
First, I’m watching Nick Turturro on MLB (I Breathe Baseball). You have got to watch this. I’m cracking up.
Second, is this a good sign? We’re painting the basement, so I’m cleaning off a bookshelf and the last thing I got to was an envelope addressed to our home when we lived in Illinois in 1998. I opened the envelope and inside was the Daily News Special World Series Edition.
It’s a good sign, right???????????
Wow. I’m blown away by Mr. Boynton’s generosity and eloquence.
And another angel just got their wings. Another Yankee fan in the fold.
aww, that’s really sweet. What a wonderful couple Mark Boynton and his fiancee seem to be……how generous they are. I hope they stare the heck out of that thing, and if it ends up in Cooperstown? Fabulous.
Sam, thanks for updating us!
Doreen – I saw that first episode of “I love baseball” and thought two things:
1. that is hysterical
2. is that what I look like to the outside world
sorry “I breath baseball”
Betsy
In the previous thread, I sent you some info.
Great read! Way to go Mr. Boynton!
wow that is a beautiful story
Damn San your making this blog come alive with some really fresh insights.
I know a new broom sweeps clean but I bet your going to keep striving to fill those huge shoes of Abe’s
very sweet, glad it went to a couple who truly appreciate it
jennifer:
http://www.forbes.com/lists/20....._Rank.html
Forbes’s list of revenue and operating income for the 2008 season
Maybe he will give it to Camp Sundown some day.
I’m sure that would help raise spirits there even more than his donation will
Kudos to him and his fiance
Marlins and Nationals with the highest operating income *face palm*
i need to start playing poker again. i miss being rich.
That’s awesome Mark!!
Well done!
Sam, thanks for sharing this story with us….it is so refreshing to know that there are folks out there who spent a huge sum to benefit people with a horrible disease and that these folks are actually going to donate the belt after a time…..in this time of “how can I make a buck off” everything, their generosity stands heads about the crowd!!!!
I think the value for the belt doubles if they win the World Series this year. Not bad for something that costs $17 on WWE.com
I was actually hoping they would keep that belt around through the playoffs. But a good story, very generous of Mark to do that.
Great story and great people right there who made that generous bid/donation.
such a great story; I had to comment to acknowledge this whole thing…it is what makes America so great. Thanks for the story Sam!
Donate it to the Yankee organization? Keep it, dude.
How can I donate to Mark and his Fiance? Wouldn’t it be great to help them build a life which in turn helped them get the Belt that helped the camp that will be shown to millions to enjoy once it is donated??
Sam…let’s start something great!
Folks,
First, we GREATLY appreciate all of the support and comments! WOW! It’s such a great demonstration of the strength and class of the Yankee Community. Thank you!
Second, Captain, your offer is amazing but please, if we’re going start a donation pool, let’s do it for Camp Sundown. My lady and I have great jobs, while I can’t tell you how much we are moved by your offer, we don’t need that generosity.
So, here it is Yankee fans – a challenge!! If every person who commented on this blurb gave $50 (a couple tanks of gas!) we’d have another $1500+ for those kids. If you managed $100 a piece we’d have $3000!
DONATE IN HONOR OF “THE BELT!” LET’S SHOW REAL YANKEE PRIDE!