It will be an eventful night at the annual Huskie Leadoff Banquet.

The NIU men’s baseball team will gear up for its upcoming season from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Sycamore Stratford Inn.

“This sets the table for the upcoming year,” NIU coach Ed Mathey said. “It allows us to celebrate the previous year’s accomplishments, since our season wraps up when school is out.”

The night will feature a buffet-style dinner, a silent auction of Cubs, White Sox and Bears memorabilia, a comedian and a former major league baseball player as the keynote speaker.

Thirteen-year major league outfielder John Cangelosi will be the featured speaker. Cangelosi was an accomplished pro, setting an American League rookie record for stolen bases in 1986 with the White Sox, and then winning a World Series ring with the Marlins in 1997.

Comedian John DaCosse will warm up the crowd with a stand-up set, and Mathey will honor last year’s top players. Awards up for grabs include Most Valuable Player, Pitcher of the Year, Top Newcomer, Top Dawg, Most Improved Player and All-Time Hit Leader.

“It’s great to give the guys recognition,” Mathey said. “The awards are something everyone strives for. It gives the guys a little extra incentive in the offseason, with all the time and commitment that they put in.”

Tickets cost $55 and they can be purchased by calling the Huskies baseball office at 753-0147.