Affleck Jokes As He Helps Boston Red Sox

By Stephen M. Silverman

04/14/2004 at 03:45 PM EDT

His latest movie, "Jersey Girl," may have disappeared quickly, but Ben Affleck was very much a Boston boy on Tuesday as he emceed an auction to benefit the charitable foundation of his beloved home team, the Boston Red Sox. And he even showed off some Spanish.

About 22 members of the Sox showed up, too, including Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling and Nomar Garciaparra, as did surprise guest Seth Meyers of "Saturday Night Live," reports the Associated Press.

Affleck, 31, delivered a simple phrase to Martinez in Spanish, but when Martinez responded in the language, Affleck, making reference to ex-fiancee Jennifer Lopez, quipped (in English): "That's all the Spanish I know. I wasn't with her that long."

Affleck's appearance helped organizers sell four items -- including World Series tickets, the chance to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park and front-row tickets to the next concert at the ballpark -- that went for between $12,000 and $15,000.

All told, ticket sales and donations to the fund-raiser, which also included a luncheon, pulled in more than $400,000 on top of the sale of the auction items, according to a spokesman for the Sox.

Proceeds will benefit the Red Sox Foundation, which supports children's health, education, recreation and urban social programs.