I introduce the catcher as the first player up for auction then relinquish the microphone to the auctioneer. Backstage, I join Delta who is sipping from a water bottle as the bids climb higher and higher. When the amount surpasses the winning bid for him last year, I return to stand beside the auctioneer on stage. Eventually, the bids cease, and I’m handed the microphone once again.

“$75,000! Your stock rose a bit from last year,” I state as the catcher exits the ...