SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Rece Hinds can build a nice career in the Cincinnati Reds’ outfield by showing the ability to adjust. Little did he know that he could practice that skill while bartending for an important cause.

Out of limes? Go with lime juice. “Improvising, right?” Hinds said with a chuckle.

At the 15th annual Celebrity Bartender Night at Wasted Grain on Tuesday, 10 current and former Major Leaguers demonstrated – or at least learned – drink-serving skills while raising donations to benefit Amyloidosis Support Groups. Money is raised through vehicles such as general admission and VIP tickets, donations, a silent auction and “tips” for bartenders. A team of sponsors helps make the event possible.

“This is my second year,” Rockies relief pitcher Scott Alexander said. “ I didn’t really know much about it and they asked me if I wanted to do it. I had no reason not to. It sounded like a good cause. Then, I noticed that everybody kind of lets their hair down and have a good time for a good cause.

“As for mixing drinks, I’m not good at them, but I make them pretty strong. That’s the only thing I’ve got going for me.”

Among Cactus League circles, Celebrity Bartender Night is a mark-your-calendar event, not just for the players, scouts, club officials, media and others within the game, but for a caring community looking to support those touched by the disease. Amyloidosis occurs when an abnormal protein, amyloid, is produced and attaches to various organs, tissues and nerves, disrupting their normal function.

The disease is rare, but it has touched the baseball community in recent years. Hall of Famers Harold Baines and Lee Smith were recently diagnosed with amyloidosis and underwent organ transplants. There is no cure and money is being raised for research. But proceeds from Celebrity Bartender Night go toward helping patients and families work through information about a disease that is often misdiagnosed.

Amyloidosis has also touched event organizer Erica Brooks, a former public and community relations professional in Major and Minor League Baseball and the founder of Issues Concerning Athletes (which tends to the unique needs of athletes and others within the sport). Her father died from the disease 12 years ago, so she used her contacts within baseball to make a difference.

“After my dad died, you know, I just felt a calling to give his life more purpose than just being the best dad in the world,” Brooks said. “My dad’s philosophy was, ‘Why not me?’ – he never said, ‘Why me?’”

There are support groups in 30 cities across the country, with the proceeds from Celebrity Bartender Night making groups possible in nine of the cities. Baseball generations are working to keep the effort growing.

Retired standout Jonny Gomes joined the crew of bartenders on Tuesday. Former players, scouts and club officials are regulars, whether as bartenders or as folks who donate to the cause.

Younger participants like Hinds are having their eyes opened to the possibilities for good that they can do off the field.

“In the baseball world as a young one, when you really commit to wanting to play at the next level, you get closed-minded, put blinders on and stay on one path,” said Hinds, who said he sought information on the disease after Brooks approached him, and quickly volunteered. “But once you get to pro ball you start seeing more community outreach. You see players bring it up more and help you get the opportunity in these types of things.”

Royals outfielder MJ Melendez, who said he has a backpack drive for young students in Kansas City, noted that while raising money at this event, he can canvas other players to learn how to expand his own charitable efforts.

“It’s cool to always learn from the established guys who have their charities, and how they use their platform,” Melendez said.

Athletics infielder Brett Harris, whose previous bartending accomplishment was “pour myself a beer,” said he learned of the event when the team connected him with Brooks.

“This is my first year,” Harris said. “I’m having a good time. I think you can count on me next year.”