Oct. 24, 2007

LOS ANGELES -- The Sonora Cafe's Hot Stove League will welcome three guest speakers, beginning on Monday (Nov. 5) and running through January with all proceeds benefiting the USC baseball program. Baseball great Pete Rose will open on November 5, followed by Bob Motley, the last surviving umpire from the legendary Negro Leagues, on December 10 and five-time All-Star and Los Angeles Dodgers' great Maury Wills on January 14, 2008.

Seating will be limited to the first 55 guests. Tickets are $500 for the Sonora Cafe circuit and include a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner and the opportunity to meet the guest speaker, ask questions and listen to untold stories.

Speakers will be added to the roster and updates will be distributed as they confirm. Dates and guests are subject to change based on the guest's schedule and availability. Tickets are transferable if you are not able to make a scheduled date, but can not be sold individually or in broken packages.

The Sonora Cafe is located on 180 S. La Brea Ave. in Los Angeles. For further information, contact Natasha Downs at nash-nb@elcholo.com or by calling (949) 673-0777.

USC's baseball program continues its fundraising efforts for additions to Dedeaux Field, including a brand-new scoreboard prior to the 2008 season and construction of the Rod Dedeaux Research for Baseball Institute.