The Vermont Mountaineers are bringing back award-winning movie actor Giancarlo Esposito for their Hot Stove Banquet. This annual event will be held on Saturday, January 25th at the Capitol Plaza Grand Ballroom in Montpelier. Kicking off with a meet and greet at 5:30pm, the 2014 event will include dinner, a silent auction, video presentations, special guests, and of course, fans, host families, sponsors, volunteers and staff members both past and present in attendance.

Meanwhile, the Mountaineers will honor long-time Hardwick Gazette reporter Dave Morse, who has a long distinguished career in sports reporting and has covered nearly every Mountaineers home game since the 2003 season. The organization will also honor long-time volunteers Kathy Leach, and Stephen and Linn Syz, and recognize current Major League Star and former Mountaineer, AJ Pollock (on video).

In addition to comments and a Q&A session with Giancarlo Esposito, there will be comments from former Major League player and current manager of the Alberdeen Ironbirds, Matt Merullo, who will have some funny stories to share about his days as a teammate of Carlton Fisk and Bo Jackson. Mountaineer field manager, Joe Brown will also share a few comments about his goals for the 2014 team.

Join the entire Vermont Mountaineers family on Saturday, January 25th for a fun night together, as we talk hot stove baseball! Get some real bargains as the team auctions sports memorabilia, vacation packages and lots of items from local businesses to raise funds to help support the non-profit organization’s operating costs. And help honor those who have helped build Vermont Mountaineers baseball into what it is today – one of the nation’s premier summer collegiate baseball teams.

Thanks to a generous event sponsorship from The National Life Group, the Mountaineers are able to continue to offer low-priced tickets. A table of 8 is available for $360. Individual tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children under 12, and are on sale at www.thevermontmountaineers.com or by calling 802-223-5224.