Scorpions lend hand to China earthquake victims

Before Wednesday's exhibition between the Yuma Scorpions and the Chinese Olympic team at Desert Sun Stadium, there was a moment of silence to honor the victims of the earthquake that struck central China last week.

That moment meant a lot to the Chinese team - and the $1,100 the Scorpions raised in an auction of a autographed Chinese team jersey meant even more.

"It was really nice that the Scorpions would raise money for it," Chinese team Jim Lefebvre said. "And for them to bring awareness to it with the moment of silence, we really appreciate it. It was very moving to the players."

The gestures were especially meaningful to pitcher Chen Ku and right fielder Fen Fei,  who both had family in the region at the time of the quake, Lefebvre said.

"They were concerned," Lefebvre said. "We were all concerned about that. Chen Kun's parents were okay, but he couldn't get communication to his wife for a couple days, so there was some concern. But everything was okay."

Chen did not pitch in the game Wednesday, but Fen had a two-run double in the first inning, giving the Chinese a lead they would never relinquish in a 6-3 win.

The team has been in the United States since early April practicing and scrimmaging against American teams. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Sichuan province May 12. The death toll is approximately 10,000.

Lefebvre said he gave the players the opportunity to return home, but none took him up on the offer.

Before coming to Yuma, the Chinese team split two games with the Scorpions' Golden Baseball League foe Long Beach. The Armada held a similar auction to raise money.

Lefebvre said the earthquake puts everything the team is doing in perspective.

"We're over here in a very festive mood, and everybody is working hard, then something like this comes along, it just takes all the shine off what we're doing," Lefebvre said. "You realize baseball is secondary when it comes to human life."