On Saturday January 14, the Illinois Baseball community gathered in person for the first time since 2020 for their annual Hot Stove Banquet. Signifying the beginning of the Illinois baseball season, the Hot Stove Banquet is a chance for fans, coaches, players and community members to meet, talk and to hear about the Illinois Baseball program.
What’s better than being in the same room with people who share the same interest, the same shared ultimate goal?
Those in attendance had the chance to hear keynote speaker Leo Mazzone. The former MLB pitching coach regaled the crowd with stories of his start in sport of baseball as well as his time with the Atlanta Braves coaching the likes of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz who won six Cy Young awards between them.
I had a minute to chat with friendly Mr. Mazzone. He’s obviously very incredibly smart when it comes to baseball and admittedly old school.
I had the chance to chat with former Illini Michael Massey on Saturday night.
Massey, of course, made his debut with the Kansas City Royals last year and did pretty well. Michael said that the atmosphere at the Royals was similar to what it was like at Illinois. “Like family”, he said.
Former Illini star Kyle Hudson (above right with Coach Curt Courtwright) was in attendance on Saturday night, and we spoke for a few minutes. He relayed the news that he had just been signed by the Red Sox to be their first base coach over the holidays. Big news! I look forward to when either Hudson or Massey makes the keynote address at a future Hot Stove Banquet.
Table #35 had the pleasure of starting pitcher Jack Wenninger’s presence. From what I’ve seen of him on the mound, he is quite intimidating, but he was quite pleasant and insightful up close. We learned a lot from him. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in this coming season.
Side note: I’ve always been impressed by how Illinois baseball players have been able to “carry themselves” in public situations. My conversations with Hudson, Massey and Wenninger confirm that.
The Hot Stove Banquet wouldn’t be the same without fundraiser and auctioneer Mike Namoff and his talented crew.
Mike brings so much entertaining energy to the room. The last report I heard after the silent and live auction totals were tallied, a total of $150,000 was raised.
I can’t say enough about what Coach Hartleb does to put this event together. He does it and it pretty much goes off without a hitch. I would blame Coach Hartleb if he would sleep in a bit the next morning. But you know what? The team had practice. So while the Hot Stove Banquet symbolize the beginning the Illinois baseball season, the boys actually do need to get work too.
There are more photos from Saturday night’s Hot Stove Banquet at the Illinois Baseball Report photo gallery.
Thanks to everyone involved for a great evening. I can almost hear the crack of the bat now.