Busch auction brings in more than expected

~ The locker used by Pujols sells for more than $20,000.

ST. LOUIS -- From Albert Pujols' locker to a players' urinal, Cardinals fans spent nearly $1 million to purchase memorabilia from Busch Stadium through an online auction.

The auction conducted through Lelands.com and Major League Baseball Advanced Media closed Wednesday. Lelands spokesman Doug Drotman said Friday that more than 380 items of Cardinals and Busch memorabilia generated $889,000, well above the $500,000 to $600,000 the auction house estimated. An estimated 6,000 bids were received.

The 39-year-old stadium is about half-demolished. It is making way for a new ballpark, also dubbed Busch Stadium, that opens in 2006."This auction proved that when it comes to baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals are America's team," Said Mike Heffner, president of Lelands.com. "Fans from all across America took advantage of this unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to forever own a piece of this historic venue and franchise."

Among the pieces they coveted was a urinal from the clubhouse, which fetched $2,173.82. Lelands.com spokesman Doug Drotman said the winning bidder was believed to be a urologist.

"I guess it will be a good conversation piece for the office," he said.

The biggest sellers included a dedication plaque from outside the stadium ($21,042.58); the locker used by 2005 NL MVP Albert Pujols ($20,503.03); home plate from the final game ($16,762.04); and the rubber and plate from the visiting bullpen ($14,372.37).

The Cardinals have said proceeds will help fund the new stadium. Though some tax money is being used, the Cardinals are paying most of the tab on the new ballpark, which is expected to cost more than $400 million.

The team has also sold seats and other bigger items from the old ballpark. Other items, including luxury suite furniture, has been donated to charity or to the Missouri History Museum and the Cardinals Hall of Fame.

Phone calls to the Cardinals were not returned.

Some items remain for sale. The Cardinals plan to host "Fredbird's Garage Sale" this weekend at the America's Center convention center, offering memorabilia ranging from small containers of Busch Stadium dirt for as little as $10. The event is free.