"Name" managers are a good idea, because the players will be somewhat anonymous. So far, the CBL hasn't raided the Intercounty League as much as I thought they would, although they did sign Rob Butler away from our beloved Leafs, and no word yet on where Rich is going to play this year.

It will be fun to check out a game in Welland and one in London (great old park there) at some point this year, but I remain more loyal to, and more interested in, Intercounty ball. I hope there's room for both to survive.

Other way 'round, Coach. Rich has signed with the new league... no word yet from Rob.

Really? I can't find the stats because the ICL has a brand new website, but I thought Rob had a much better 2002 with the stick and the glove; Rich's chronic sore back limits him defensively. Will the CBL use the DH?

On Saturday, May 10, Leafs' owner Jack Dominico hosts his annual Baseball Forum and Reception at the Bristol Place Hotel. Warren Spahn, Ferguson Jenkins, George Kell, Mickey Lolich, Gaylord Perry, Monte Irvin and Tony Oliva are the head table guests; the season opener is at Christie Pits the next day at 2 p.m. against Oshawa.

To order tickets ($60 each) for the dinner, call 416-631-2600. It's supporting a terrific local baseball team, and you'll be able to meet the illustrious panel and get autographs. Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Kell are classy gentlemen; although I've never heard Oliva speak, he was a boyhood idol, and the others are all great storytellers.

Coach, is it black tie? I suspect it is... suit and tie I like, but black tie is always a pain in the ass for me. I need to buy a tux.

George Kell used to do the Tigers TV broadcasts with Al Kaline; if that seems a little odd, two former players in the broadcast booth, Kell was the colour guy: great voice, good pacing, and his signature home run call -- "There's a long drive...." -- is one of the best. He and The Battery were a great combination; I'm sure Kell would be equally great as a dinner speaker. I'll have to miss it too, though: stuck in the National Capital Region, and no tuxedo either.

It's never been that formal, although the ones I've attended were at the HoJo at Keele and 401, and the Bristol Place is a fancier joint. I don't think it's black tie even for the head table, so business attire (maybe not casual Friday) is appropriate. If I'm mistaken, someone please correct me. Roger Lajoie of the FAN 590 would know, he's the voice of the Leafs and will probably be the emcee. The dress code isn't making me hesitate, it's my cash flow, or lack thereof.