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MABRY IS FEATURED GUEST AT LOGAN CARD SHOW

BY JOHN D. HOMAN
THE SOUTHERN

Friday, January 7, 2005 7:12 AM CST

CARTERVILLE -- Three-time St. Louis Cardinal John Mabry, a key player on last year's National League championship squad, is the featured guest Sunday at the annual Jerome "Mimi" Alongi Baseball Card and Sports Memorabilia Show.

Held at John A. Logan College, the show helps raise money for the college baseball team. Admission price is $2 with the show getting under way at 10 a.m. and continuing through 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. Mabry will sign autographs and pose for photos from 1 to 3 p.m.

"We're excited to have John at our show," said Jerry Halstead, college athletic director and head baseball coach. "He has some ties to the Southern Illinois area and enjoys hunting here."

Mabry is an 11-year veteran who batted .296 last year with the Redbirds, including 13 home runs and 40 RBIs in a reserve role.

"With all the success the Cardinals had last year -- making it to the World Series and all -- the Cardinals are a pretty hot ticket right now, so I expect a pretty good crowd Sunday," Halstead said. "A lot of people also like to come because our show is a little more fan-friendly. You have a chance for a little chit-chat when you get your autograph or picture taken."

Halstead said a couple of new vendors have signed on this year, including the curator for the Cardinals Hall of Fame, who will bring a collection of baseball bats.

The college's athletic department and the First Bank & Trust Co. of Murphysboro will sponsor the event. The show is named for the late Alongi of Du Quoin, who was a former baseball scout, card collector, board member, and longtime friend of the college's athletic programs.

A news conference will precede the autograph session at 12:30 p.m.

john.homan@thesouthern.com 618-997-3356 x15807