For more information, contact:
Marc Schreiber
Director of Marketing & Communications
St. Louis Sports Commission
314-992-0683
mschreiber@stlouissports.org

COMMISSION CALLS ON THREE RELIEF ACES FROM BULLPEN TO HEADLINE JAN. 17 BANK OF AMERICA BASEBALL FORECAST LUNCHEON

ST. LOUIS – Jan. 8, 2003 – So, how do you spell relief?  At this year’s Bank of America Baseball Forecast Luncheon, there are three ways: F-i-n-g-e-r-s, S-m-i-t-h, and W-o-r-r-e-l-l.  Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers and former Redbird relievers Lee Smith and Todd Worrell are the featured guests for the 12^th annual luncheon, which adopts a “Tribute to the Closers” theme in 2003.  The event takes place at noon Friday, Jan. 17 at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis.  It is hosted by the St. Louis Sports Commission.

An off-season tradition in St. Louis, the Baseball Forecast Luncheon gives fans a chance to hear insight from Cards management, media and other insiders.  Cardinals radio broadcaster Mike Shannon will emcee the post-lunch panel previewing the upcoming season.  Panelists will include former Redbird and current broadcaster Rick Horton, The Sporting News Editor John Rawlings, Cardinals Director of Player Development Bruce Manno, and Cardinals Director of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak.

As for the closers, the three appearing at the luncheon are responsible for a combined 1,075 career saves.  Known for his handlebar mustache, Fingers was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992.  During his 17-year career, he notched 341 saves, won both the American League MVP and Cy Young Award with the Brewers in 1981, and appeared in 16 World Series games.  Smith and Worrell, of course, had outstanding careers of their own – and each became a fan favorite while wearing the birds-on-the-bat.  Worrell pitched for the Cardinals from 1985 to 1992.  He was selected the National League Rookie of the Year in 1986 when he compiled a league-leading 36 saves.  Smith is baseball’s all-time saves leader with 478.  He recorded at least 25 saves in 13 different seasons.  With the Redbirds from 1990-1993, Smith’s best season came in 1991.  That year, he collected 47 saves – still a team record – and posted a 2.34 ERA.

Individual tickets to the Baseball Forecast Luncheon are $50; tables of 10 are $500.  All ticket holders will receive a three-course lunch, cocktail reception ticket and an attendance gift.  Reservations can be made by calling the Sports Commission at 314-992-0687.