Nationals put media access for a day, lunch with Baker and coaches up for auction

If I've heard it once, I've heard it 100 times ...

"Wow, you have the coolest job ever. If you ever need an assistant, sign me up!"

Well, you now have your chance.

As part of the "Play Ball" charity auction during the Winter Meetings, fans have the opportunity to bid on a slew of interesting and unique items and experiences associated with Major League Baseball teams. The auction will benefit the renovation of an existing youth baseball and softball field in Little Ferry, N.J., the hometown of the late Shannon Forde, a longtime member of the Mets public relations department who passed away at 44 in March after a long battle with breast cancer.

"Shannon was a special member of our baseball and communications families who touched many lives throughout our game," said Pat Courtney, MLB's chief communications officer. "We all miss her very much, but are pleased to have this opportunity to ensure that her legacy lives on by giving young people, including Shannon's own children, the chance to play and watch the game that she loved at Shannon Forde Field."

Each of the 30 major league clubs - along with MLB, MLB Advanced Media and MLB Network - have donated items and experiences that will be up for auction at www.mlb.com/shannon through Dec. 8 at 9 p.m.

Which brings up back to the opportunity for one lucky fan to be a media member for a day. The winning bidder will enjoy the chance to see a Nationals game through the eyes of beat writer assigned to cover the team. Included in the experience are the opportunity to attend Nats manager Dusty Baker's pregame and postgame press briefings, access to the field at Nationals Park during batting practice, a tour of the press box and broadcast booths, and the chance to meet and greet media members and broadcasters covering the Nationals.

One important caveat: The winner must abide by the longstanding rule that prohibits cheering in the press box.

It won't be inexpensive - the bidding started at $25 and has already zoomed past $500 while I've written this entry - but the money goes to a good cause. You can bid here.

If the chance to watch a game from the highest reaches of Nationals Park doesn't tickle your fancy. maybe you'd like to have lunch with Baker and his coaching staff. One lucky bidder will get to chown down with Baker and his coaches before a 7 p.m. home game during the 2017 season. Lunch will be served between 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the home clubhouse, and the package also includes tickets to the game, pregame batting practice field passes and access to Baker's postgame press conference.

The bidding has already been fast and furious. This item started at $25 and has already attracted bids in excess of $1,500. You can bid here.

Check out the other items up for bid and you might find something that interests you. The Rangers are offering a round of golf with former catcher - and National - Ivan Rodriguez, who could be a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the time you hit the links.

Good luck!