BOSTON -- Before Saturday, no one had to tell 15-year-old Jefferson Costa about Manny Ramirez. But after Saturday, he and more than 200 other young patients at Boston's Franciscan Hospital for Children would be more than happy to speak to the charity and heart of the Red Sox slugger.

Ramirez flew up from Florida to be on hand for the first day of a special online auction to raise money for the hospital and the children it serves.

Ramirez, known for his love of cars, donated his custom-built 1967 Lincoln Continental convertible to the hospital, which in turn is placing it on eBay. The funds from the auction will benefit the hospital, which is located in the Brighton suburb of Boston.

"This is really generous of him, really thoughtful," Costa said outside in the hospital parking lot as Ramirez showed off the car with its top down and a Ramirez road jersey draped on the back seat. "Most people would just keep the car for themselves. I thought it was really nice that he actually donated the car for the hospital."

Having forged a place as one of the best home run hitters in Red Sox history, it was the children and the hospital staff who touched Ramirez in a powerful way on Saturday.

"This is coming from the bottom of my heart," Ramirez said. "It's something that I wanted to do. This is something you're doing for people that really need it. That's why I came and that's why I'm doing it."

The eBay auction began Saturday and is listed as "1967 Lincoln: Continental" or "Manny Ramirez's 1967 Custom Built Convertible."

Steven Snyder, chief development officer for the hospital, said bidding opened at $30,000 for the one-of-a-kind blue vehicle.

"The Franciscan is a small hospital, but it does big things for children," said hospital chairman Alan Shoolman. "We're very proud of our staff and the kids and the generous people who support our hospitals. We really need outside financial support, because even though the need is great and our results are truly amazing, we have very limited resources."

Ramirez sensed the need and didn't hesitate making the donation.

"I decided to donate it to a small hospital," he said. "They really need it."

"This car from Manny Ramirez, from our World Champion Boston Red Sox, will have a tremendous positive impact on the fortunes of the hospital and help us fulfill our mission," Shoolman said.

Whether or not this is Ramirez's final season in Boston, he said Saturday's donation is more about lending a hand to those in need.

"Well, we're helping out a lot of people," Ramirez said. "I don't do it for my legacy. I don't care about that. My legacy is going to be there until I play. I do it from the bottom of my heart ... If I do something, I do it because I wanted to do it. I'm not doing it for my reputation or image."

After showing off the car, Ramirez went inside to tour the hospital and meet with staff and patients.

"It's great when you can show up and you can make anybody's day just with your presence," Ramirez said.

Just ask Jefferson Costa and those at Franciscan Hospital.