He closes in Burlington, too

Lee Smith as at the Bees Winter Banquet in Burlington last night.

Smith praised the small town supporting professional baseball Friday night during the Sixth Annual Bees Winter Banquet at Pzazz Convention and Event Center.

"To see this turnout is just really awesome to see that in baseball," Smith said, commenting on the not-so-warm weather he found in Burlington. "The way things are going in baseball now, it's so tough to see how you can keep coming back and coming back, all the negative stuff in baseball right now. I just want to give you guys a hand for sticking by these young men."

There is some news in this article, too.

Smith deftly avoided naming his favorite team for which he played.

During his talk, Smith stood at a podium situated between his Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals' jerseys, which were the featured items in the live auction.

"I'm glad to be right here in the middle," Smith said. "I know when it comes to the question and answer, what's your favorite team? I'm going to tell you right now, I'm in the middle. Before that question gets out, I just want to say it was real good to play for both those teams."

Smith did give a slight indication of his preference during the auction. While the bidding was going on, someone called out, "Which jersey are you going to wear in the Hall of Fame?"

Smith discreetly pointed to the Cubs jersey.

The live auction raised $4,650 for Friends of Community Field.