Lineups set for inaugural Hall of Fame Classic

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By THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (HOF) - When Paul Molitor digs into the batter's box against Bob Feller on Sunday, it will be a moment that baseball fans will have only seen in their dreams.

Molitor, Hall of Fame Class of 2004, will face Feller, Hall of Fame Class of 1962. Two of baseball's best -- from two entirely separate generations.

It's a meeting that could only happen in Cooperstown.

Lineups for the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame Classic were announced Friday, with the 90-year-old Feller scheduled to be on the mound at Doubleday Field for the first pitch. The inaugural Classic will be preceded by the Hitting Contest.

The inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame Classic is co-organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. Ford Motor Company will be the presenting sponsor of the Classic. Additional support for the Classic is provided by Otsego County Tourism and Brand Affinity Technologies.

Molitor will play for Team Collins, the visitors, and Feller will suit up for Team Wagner. The starting lineups feature historic Hall of Famer versus Hall of Famer matchups as well as a chance to see former Major Leaguers have some fun on the diamond.

Molitor, who will play shortstop, will be followed in the Collins lineup by 2B Bobby Grich, CF Steve Finley, 1B Kevin Maas, 3B Johnny Grubb, RF Mike Timlin (making a rare outfield appearance); LF Jim Kaat (the 16-time Gold Glove- winning pitcher is comfortable anywhere on the field); DH Jon Warden ( a designated humorist) and Hall of Famer pitcher Phil Niekro, who will start on the mound for his team. Other members of Team Collins include former big league pitchers John Doherty, Steve Rogers, Jim Hannan and Ron Robinson.

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson will lead off for Team Wagner, and the Gold Glove Award-winning third baseman will be followed by SS Steve Lyons, 2B Jeff Kent, LF George Foster, 1B Mike Pagliarulo, RF Joe Lahoud, CF Lee Smith (what an arm in center field!); DH Bill Lee (our second designated humorist) and Feller. Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins will follow Feller to the mound, and other pitchers on Team Wagner include former big leaguers Anthony Telford, Steve Grilli and Rich Surhoff.

Before the Classic, Catskill Mountain natives The Felice Brothers, a band with folk, rock and country roots, will perform the American national anthem. Band members Greg Farley, Josh Rawson and Jeremy Backofen will join brothers Ian and James Felice in the Father's Day performance. The band is home following a successful tour and will leave soon for another national tour.

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