Yanks, Sox team up to help hurricane vics

THE Yankees and Red Sox have put their fierce rivalry aside temporarily to team up to raise money for Hurricane Harvey relief.

The AL East foes announced a joint initiative to auction off various items of autographed team memorabilia from Sunday’s season-series finale at Yankee Stadium, with all proceeds going to support hurricane relief efforts in the Houston area.

“In difficult times such as this, we stand united with our traditional rival in helping those affected by the hurricane,” Yanks owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. “We hope that fans are inspired to support the hurricane rescue and recovery efforts in whatever way they can.”

Game-used jerseys from all players and coaches from both teams from Sunday’s game are available to be bid upon at www.steinersports.com/harvey for Yankees items and www.redsox.com/harvey for Boston items.

The websites, which are currently live and accepting bids, also are offering a non-game used home plate signed by all members each team, as well as non-gameused autographed caps from every player and coach.

“The effects of this crisis have been felt across the country, including in our own clubhouse where the hearts of many of our players have been with their family and friends who call Texas home,” said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. “Tonight, we put our rivalry aside and team up with the Yankees to bring support, attention and funds to help relief efforts in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

There also was a home plate ceremony before Sunday’s game with Yanks manager Joe Girardi and Red Sox manager John Farrell to kick off the fundraising efforts. Girardi wore a T-shirt before the game that read “Texas Forever” that are being sold at the www.magnoliamarket.com.

“The hearts of the whole Yankee organization goes out to the people in Texas and what they’re going through,” Girardi said.