Chess match and painting lessons among O's auction items

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The Orioles are again offering tantalizing prizes and opportunities for the annual Winter Meetings Charity Auction, which this year benefits the Katharine Feeney Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of the late baseball executive whose career spanned 40 years.

Feeney, 68, passed away in April following her retirement four months earlier. She was visiting relatives in Maine.

Fans can bid on a variety of prizes, including an opportunity to play chess at Camden Yards with one or more Orioles who are considered "grandmasters" of the game, the candidates including third baseman Manny Machado, second baseman Jonathan Schoop, and pitchers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman.

The date will be determined after both sides agree to it.

The winner will receive a parking pass, two batting practice field passes and two tickets for the game. Experienced chess players are encouraged to bid.

If the venue isn't convenient, the winner has the option of redeeming the prize at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota during spring training - travel not included.

The Orioles are offering two other prizes, including the chance for a fan and guest to paint with catcher and resident artist Caleb Joseph prior to a game on a mutually agreed upon date. The winner also will receive a parking pass, two batting practice field passes and two tickets to the game.

Supplies will be provided by the Orioles and artists of all levels are invited to bid.

The third Orioles-related prize up for bidding is a behind-the-scenes experience at Camden Yards - date also to be determined - that may include attending manager Buck Showalter's pregame session with the media, watching batting practice from the field, visiting the press box, MASN television booth and production truck, Orioles Radio Network booth and scoreboard production room, and watching an inning with executive vice president Dan Duquette in his suite.

The package also includes a parking pass and four tickets to the game.

The auction runs until Thursday at 10 p.m. Fans can click here to start bidding.

Feeney was hired by the National League in 1977 and eventually became Major League Baseball's senior vice president for club relations and scheduling. She's regarded as a pioneer in the business and was a beloved member of the baseball family.

The fund supports an annual scholarship that will be awarded to a female student at the University of San Francisco who "most exemplifies Katy's character," according to the press release. Eligible candidates for the scholarship will be students who are pursuing a career in sports management and who also demonstrate a financial need to attain an advanced degree.