I was just thinking the other day “Hmm, I wonder when the Hot Stove Banquet Banquet will be this year?”. Lo and behold, in my inbox tonight was an email from John Santas announcing the event.
For those unfamiliar with the Illinois Baseball Hot Stove Banquet, it’s an annual tradition that occurs in January of every year. Consider it the kickoff of the Illini baseball season. Those organizing it are the good people at the Fighting Illini Dugout Club who are big supporters of the baseball program at the University of Illinois.
The keynote speaker for the 2013 Hot Stove Banquet is former Illini pitcher and MLB reliever Donn Pall. As an Illini, Pall (seen left with former teammate, Darrin Fletcher at the 2010 Alumni Game) put together a perfect 13-0 record in 1985. He was drafted by the White Sox that year and enjoyed several successful seasons as a bullpen ace.
Here are the details for this year’s event
When: Saturday, January 26th
- 4:15 Cocktails
- 5pm Banquet
Where: I Hotel, Champaign, Illinois (Map)
Cost: Single ticket- $50
Note: there will be a private reception with Donn Pall at 3:45 at an extra cost. Also, tables of 8 ($400), 9 ($450) or 10 ($500) complete with an Illini player at your table are also available.
To reserve your seat at this year’s Hot Stove Banquet, fill out a registration form that you can find at FightingIllini.com and send it to:
Fighting Illini Dugout Club
P.O. Box 6777
Champaign, IL 61826-6777
Please make check payable to the Fighting Illini Dugout Club.