Photography: Jon Willey

 

You can buy an authentic D-backs jersey. You could even buy an autographed, authentic D-backs jersey. But every year, to close out Fandemonium weekend, the D-backs do something special for the fans who have been so supportive throughout the year — they offer something you certainly cannot buy.

 

After the D-backs finish their game with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 26, the entire roster of players and coaches will greet fans on the third base line. Each meets with one fan individually, with a hug and a photo opportunity, and then gives away the shirt right off his back.

 

“Shirts Off Our D-backs is a great way to thank our fans for their support,” said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. “We have the best fans in baseball, and we are constantly striving to find more ways to give back. It thrills me every season to see the excitement as our fans meet their favorite players on the field.”

 

The D-backs’ 12th annual Shirts Off Our D-backs event is presented by Panda Express and in addition to the chance to meet a D-backs player and get his jersey, fans will know they’ve given back to their community in the process.

 

Fans can purchase $5 raffle ticket packs, which include three raffle tickets, throughout the final weekend against the Dodgers on Sept. 24-26. Each ticket pack comes with an offer from Panda Express, and don’t worry if you don’t receive a jersey. Fans with non-winning raffle tickets will receive a discount offer from the Team Shop, a buy-one-get-one ticket offer for 2011 or a second chance to win a Chris Young jersey.

 

Furthermore, the D-backs have combined efforts with United Way in 2010 to help the community by taking advantage of this popular annual event. The D-backs will donate proceeds from Shirts Off Our D-backs to a United Way education program that focuses on impacting the education outcomes for students in the transition years, grades 5-12. Helios Education Foundation will be teaming up for education with the D-backs, donating $50,000 in matching funds to United Way.

 

“Positive change in education has to be driven by collaboration and effective community partnerships,” said Paul Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. “That’s why we’re excited about our work with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Shirts Off Our D-backs initiative.”

 

“Helios Education Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals to succeed in postsecondary education, and that work begins by supporting initiatives that help create a college-going culture in our homes, neighborhoods and communities. Through this partnership, we’re elevating the conversation about preparing our students for success across the education continuum, from pre-kindergarten to postsecondary education. And, that truly is a home run for all of us.”