Manny's Lincoln to be auctioned for charity

By Globe Staff

The Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston is hoping to raise money by auctioning off a custom-built 1967 Lincoln Continental once owned by Manny Ramirez, the former Red Sox star who is now bashing balls for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ramirez donated the car to the hospital before he was traded this season.

"Manny Ramirez was always a great friend to the hospital during his time in Boston," Steven Snyder, the hospital's chief development officer, said in a statement. "This car was a generous gift to the hospital and we're hoping to raise a lot of funds to enhance our programs."

Kevin Flight, a spokesman for the hospital, said the hospital was hoping to get at least $80,000 for the car, which was rebuilt under Ramirez's personal supervision and features a 500-horsepower engine and all the extras.

Ramirez was traded to Los Angeles as part of a three-team deadline deal that brought Pittsburgh's Jason Bay to Boston. Flight said hospital officials are aware that the eBay auction could also draw Dodgers fans appreciative of Ramirez's performance since his mid-season trade. Ramirez has led his new team to the playoffs, where it's possible he could eventually face his old teammates.

"They're hoping anyone from anywhere bids on this," Flight said. "It's for a great local cause and it's a rare piece of baseball memorabilia." The auction began this afternoon and it will run until the afternoon of Oct. 18.

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