The NIU baseball team auctioned the green jerseys the players wore during its St. Patrick’s Day game last night at Fatty’s Pub and Grille, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway.

A boisterous crowd of more than 100 friends, family and supporters of the team raised nearly $2,200 for the program.

“The proceeds from the auction helps add to the overall experience of our student athletes,” NIU coach Ed Mathey said. “It goes toward bats, balls, field maintenance and the general well-being of the program.”

The highest bid was for the jersey of Scott Simon. The junior first baseman’s digs fetched $100.

Mathey’s jersey went to a football player, David Koronkiewicz, for $37. The freshman tight end said he bid on the jersey because he needed one that would fit.

Jim Godo, a friend of the program, served as the auctioneer. He stood on a chair and entertained bids from a rambunctious crowd eager to up each other’s ante.

“It was nice to see all the people out and to get some support going,” junior second baseman Marc Besteman said. “All the guys here feel something good can happen with our team this year.”

“The best part of the event is that it is a way for parents and players to reconnect and get back together after a spring break that was spent on the West Coast,” Mathey said.

Wednesday’s auction was the first in three years. Last year NIU played Notre Dame and chose not to don the green jerseys.

“We didn’t want to chance the luck-of-the-Irish thing last year against Notre Dame,” Mathey said jokingly.