"MLB Charity Event Makes Sport Out of Poker" by Lisa Wheeler

September 6, 2010

Turnout, for the Second Annual Celebrity Poker Tournament, was higher than the year previous.  Word had spread that the event was not only an amazing social affair, but also challenging.  Major, American and World League athletes swarmed to Las Vegas to catch up on old times, donate to charity and compete against each other at the No Limit Hold’em attraction.  If that wasn’t enough, you could see them battling it out at the Live Auction (during the break that followed the first three rounds).  Do these guys ever put down their bats and stop swinging?  As a matter of fact they do.  The night before, celebrities, their families and assorted VIPs were treated to a special evening at the world famous Ghost Bar, high atop the Palms Hotel.  It was a beautiful night for January, where friends and family could talk, dance and drink at the open bar.

Cory Lidle was 25 years old when he broke into the big leagues in 1997 with the New York Mets.  About that time he discovered poker and was immediately hooked. Says the current Philadelphia Phillies’ right-hander. “I caught the poker bug, and decided to model a poker tournament benefiting the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’ after the golf events that many professional athletes organize.” So came to pass the annual Celebrity Poker Tournament, now in it’s second year.  It was estimated that around 20 celebrities would show, guaranteeing one at each table when the cards went into the air at noon.  Someone should have taken the over.  More than half of the field consisted of famous athletes, sporting events organizers and VIPs.  Together, with their friends and family, the tournament became quite a spectacle for the fans on the rail.  Says Lidle, "The main difference this year is the venue at the Palms Hotel & Casino. We got a bigger room, a lot more auction items and we hope to raise more money for the charity."

104 players participated in the 2006 Celebrity Poker Event.  It was a sweet payoff for the “Make A Wish Foundation” and Cory Lidle thanked everyone for his or her decision to make the trek to Las Vegas to participate.  The prize pool got a little sweeter shortly after play began.  Less than half way into the first round, one could hear, “re-buy!”  Players started with $1,000.00 in tournament chips.  They could make a one-time, optional, $300.00 re-buy, at any time during the first 3 levels for an additional $1,000.00 of play money.  No one was willing to sit on the bench or head for the stands.  Though $600.00 of the initial buy-in was going for charity, 100% of the money collected for re-buys was going to the foundation.  When the list was tallied there were an additional 91 re-buys, adding another $27,300.00 to the total prize pool.

The levels would last 30 minutes.  This would prove challenging for the athletes, celebrities and pro poker players alike.  Blinds would be going up fast.  “Real” poker pros would have to adjust their play.  Was it because they were playing against highly competitive persons with natural and developed traits; such as strength, agility and endurance, which are necessary for any competition?  Not a chance.  The athletes couldn’t have cared less about the money.  It was ego that turned these powerhouses into maniacs at the tables.  The action became wild and unpredictable.  All that poker pros could do was pull their hoods over their heads, don their sunglasses and turn up their iPods.

Precariously missing from the event was Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox, the World Series’ Most Valuable Player and 10-year baseball veteran.  Jeremy and Jason Giambi had paid for their seats in advance.  Jeremy Giambi was right on time, making himself comfortable at table 11, right next to the dealer in seat 1, and ready for the first “pitch” (of the cards).  But Jason Giambi’s seat was notably vacant.  Giambi, of the NY Yankees, a former AL MVP, and comeback POY for 2005, was MIA.  With lightening rounds raising the blinds and antes, it wasn’t long before his chips had been whittled away.  Someone offered to do a re-buy, in case he showed up later, but officials ruled against it.  About 2 p.m., Jason Giambi finally arrived and offered his apologies.  “No problem,” someone said.  “You just contributed to two charities today.” He was referring to the players prize-pool and the Make A Wish Foundation.  Giambi stayed and supported his teammates while taking time to sign autographs, do interviews with  the press and take photos with fans.

Charles Poe, the Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach, said to Card Player,  “I didn’t even come to play.  I’ve known Cory and his brother, Kevin, since grade school.  I couldn’t miss this (event).  I love these guys and I love what they’re doing. “  Poe adds, “I don’t even play poker.  I came out to rub elbows with a lot of my friends.  This is a chance for me to catch up.”  Poe had bigger plans for his $1,200.00 contribution.  He decided to participate in the live auction, Emceed by Art Thomas and his wife Darlene.  Charles Poe “struck out” against Jimmy Rollins who outbid him on a set of rims for $4,500.00.  Then, Eric Chavez won the final $900.00 bid for the “Scarface” pictorial, autographed by Al Pacino.  Over 30 items were negotiated.  Poe came away empty handed.  So he took a swing later at the silent auction.  “It’s my way of contributing without making a fool of myself against these guys at the table,” he added with a sheepish grin.

Everybody’s darling was Eric Cesar Chavez (pronounced Shah`vez), who bats left and throws right for the Oakland A’s.  He’s appropriately titled “The Third Baseman”, and with a look like his it probably applies to more than just the baseball field.   The fans and press couldn’t get enough the almost-30-year-old athlete.  As soon as passers by eyed the handsome Chavez they were a little more willing to pay the $100.00 cover to witness more of the event.  The California native was able to prove himself as something more than just another pretty face, when he bounced back from a loss to enter the later rounds.  Chavez was knocked out just before the money and was clearly disappointed.  “I’m good at sports but I suck at poker.  Last year I was number 50 out, and this year I made it past 50^th.  It’s all good.  It’s a win for me already.”

David Wells is a 19-year MLB veteran with the Redsocks  who currently resides in San Diego with his wife Nina and two sons, Brandon and Lars.  Wells often runs his own charity events and heartedly commented to the press, “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.  It feels great to give back once in a while.”  Wells was the chip leader going into the break, mixing it up with friends, and feeling pretty good.  The deck was treating him well.  He also won all of his biddings at the auction.  Wells boasted over his purchases of a Rolling Stones guitar for $3,100.00 and a Toby Keith guitar for $2,500.00.  Apparently he missed an item that some say might have cost him the tournament.  That is if one is superstitious. 

Wells returned to the tables with the support of his family and fans.  His sons had been huddling up behind him during the first three rounds.  Wells called them both his “good luck charms”.  After the break, his youngest, spied an X-Box 360 Premium Package among the silent auction tables.  He signed his name to the bid form and guarded his chattels, lest he lose control of future ownership.  Even though Lars’ brother urged him to return and root for their dad, he just couldn’t part with his newfound treasure.  Next thing he (the senior Wells) knew, he was all in against Bret Saberhagen, a two-time Cy Young awardee, who sent Wells back to the auction tables to purchase the goods for his son.  Like a true sportsman, he stuck around until the end to congratulate the winners. 

Jimmy Sommerfield, tournament director extraordinaire, was more than pleased with the turnout and conduct of the players.  “I’m just here to have a good time with the rest of theses guys.  This event is a piece of cake.  Things run at a fast pace and it all makes for an exciting day.  Most of these guys are just here to party with each other and it looks like they are going to make that happen, with or without us.” 

With the rounds only 30 minutes long, the blinds were rising fast.  By the 8^th level, things were happening fast.  As players were knocked out they were awarded an official MLB baseball.  They were also encouraged to have it autographed by any of their favorite players or representatives.  It was just another perk included into the fee for entry.  Players were leaving their seats at such a rapid rate that the “ball guy” couldn’t keep up.  He began to toss the balls to whoever had their hands out.  The playing field was becoming dangerous in more ways than one. 

It was down to 7 tables when Mike Lieberthal, a catcher for the Phillies, knocked out Jonnie Forster, Jr.  Forster went all in with 2-3 (though he claimed they were suited).  “Unfortunately it didn’t work out for me this time,” said Forster.  Charming and beautiful Kelly, who spent most of her time on the rails, cutting it up with best friend Camilla, accompanied Lieberthal.  Camella appeared on the Fox hit show “So You Think You Can Dance”.

Jimmy Rollins, who has 6 years with the Phillies and holds the 9^th longest game-hitting streak in the history of baseball, was as cool at the tables as he is on the field.  Rollins could still be seen, with a comfortable stack, during most of the final rounds.  However, he was knocked out before the money and would have gone home empty handed if it weren’t for the rims he’d bid on earlier at the auction and won.  It’s hard to say which had more weight in “bling”, the rims or the chains and diamonds adorning Rollins.

If the Cory Lidle annual Celebtity Poker Tournament was a gathering of royalty, then Scott Erickson and Lisa Guerrero were the prince and princess of the ball.  Considered the hardest workingwoman in sports, Lisa Guerrero took some time from a squash of interviews to talk to Card Player.  “This is my second year at this event.  My husband and I can really enjoy ourselves out here in Vegas.  We’re tired, but I think everyone is suffering from a little ‘red eye’.”  It was amazing that Guerrero found the time to break away to Las Vegas.  Still acting and doing part time commercials, she recently finished a photo shoot for Playboy Magazine, out this month.  The Los Angeles Times sports media critic, Larry, writes, “Lisa Guerrero is more than just a pretty face, she’s also versatile broadcast journalist who one day can do a light feature and the next, do a serious post-game report.”  Lisa Guerrero can be seen regularly on Fox Sports.  Other notable participants were actor Aaron Eckhart who played “George” in the famous film “Erin Brockovich” and Randy Wolf, catcher for the Phillies and recovering from elbow surgery.  Ben “Tres” Brooks, III, a real estate developer out of Arizona was also present and went deep into the event, eventually taking 5^th place. 

Some players were able to qualify for the Celebrity Poker Tournament from home.  Rocco Stagnaro from California accompanied his brother Frank to Las Vegas.  When asked what brought him to the event, he replied, “I didn’t play.  I came to support my brother who won a tournament in Oakmont, Sonoma County and was also financed to come out here.  Unfortunately he went down the tubes in a hurry.”  When asked what they would do next?  “First we’re going to the silent auction to give away some more money.  Then we’re going to find another Texas Hold’em tournament, because we don’t quit easily.”  At that moment, brother Frank arrived.  “I qualified for this event with a chip and a chair and made it all the way to the end.”  After being knocked out his comment was, “I’ll be here next year even if I have to pay my own way.  This was fantastic!”

Other notable poker professionals were Thomas “Thunder” Keller and Marcus Grunner, along with three other unnamed players representing Poker Stars.  Marcus Grunner held on until the 9^th round.  We caught up with him as he headed for the rail.  Grunner had this to say, “I don’t have a bad beat story, really.  The blinds were going up too high, too fast and I didn’t take a re-buy.  I had K-J and hit a K, but the big blind had A-A.  What to do?”  Grunner admitted it was bad for him but good for charity, making it all worthwhile and overall an enjoyable day.  “It was fun.  I would definitely do it again.” He added.

In a little over 8 hours the event was over and the Lidle brothers had themselves a winner.  Paul Felberg, whose poker achievements include 18^th place at the 2004 Legends of Poker, was the 2005 Celebrity Poker Tournament winner.  He took home $31,145.00 and a tasteful, yet familiar looking, trophy.  Felberg had little to say.  He mostly sat, with the Lidle twins, beaming a smile from ear to ear.  It was obvious he’d not only won some money, but also had a very good time rubbing elbows with fellow players and celebrities at the tables. 

The following are the results: