You know the Illinois Baseball season is getting close when they announce the Hot Stove Banquet (maybe a little closer than usual this year). The baseball team and Fighting Illini Dugout Club have just announced the details of the upcoming annual banquet which will take place on February 6th.
They have convinced Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Randy Wells to come down and be the keynote speaker. Fine choice! ‘Bout time we had someone representin’ the Northsiders. What with the past few years of Cardinals and White Sox speakers…
Past Keynote Speakers at the Hot Stove Banquet
| 2009 | Former Cardinal pitcher Andy Benes |
| 2008 | Former White Sox player Ron Kittle |
| 2007 | White Sox executive Ron Hemond |
Seriously though, it should be a good time. Wells, who is a native of Belleville, Illinois, does have an Illini connection, too. His little brother, Forry, played baseball and football for Illinois.
For those interested in attending the Illinois Baseball Annual Hot Stove Banquet, here are the details:
- Date: Saturday, Feb 6, 2010
- Time: 3:00pm cocktails; 3:45pm banquet
- Location: I Hotel, Champaign, IL
- Cost: $50 per ticket, $500 per table of ten
Info on purchasing tickets can be found at fightingillini.com. Here is a link to the pdf order form.
If you’re going, leave a comment below. I’d like to know of anyone who is going.