BANGOR – Former University of Maine All-American center fielder Mark Sweeney will be the featured speaker at the third annual Husson College Hot Stove Banquet on Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Dickerman Dining Hall on the Husson campus.

The banquet will start at noon and WCSH-TV’s Bill Green, the host of “Bill Green’s Maine” television show, will serve as the emcee. In addition, Waterville philanthropist Harold Alfond will receive special recognition for his contributions to institutions throughout the state.

Sweeney was a first baseman-outfielder for the San Diego Padres this past season and set career single-season highs for games played (135), at-bats (221), hits (65), sacrifice flies (5), total bases (103) and stolen bases (4). His .395 on-base percentage was also tops for a season in which he had more than 31 at-bats and his 12 doubles and 40 runs batted in tied his single-season highs.

Sweeney hit. 294 and went 2-for-3 in the playoffs.

The 36-year-old Holliston, Mass. native, who is a free agent, has a career average of .262 during an 11-year, 900-game major league career with five teams. He has 74 doubles, 35 homers and 195 RBIs.

Tickets are $20 apiece and those interested can contact Husson baseball coach John Winkin at 941-7096 or Susie Nutter at 941-1036. Proceeds will go toward the Eagles’ spring baseball trip to Florida.