'Spaceman' Bill Lee Touches Down at Seacoast Mavs Fundraiser

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee doesn't like his old team's chances to repeat as World Series champions in 2014.

He said the odds are better to win the $1 billion that Warren Buffett has offered for the perfect March NCAA tournament bracket. "But I would love to see them do it," he said.

Lee pitched for the Red Sox from 1969 to 1978 and pitched two games in the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. He still regrets the slow pitch that he threw to Reds slugger Tony Perez in Game 7 that helped the Reds defeat the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

But through it all, Lee's love affair with baseball is still going strong and he is always ready to share his knowledge with young players who have big league dreams.

Lee was a featured guest at the Seacoast Mavericks second annual Hot Stove Baseball Dinner along with Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Sam Fuld, a Durham native, and minor league player Mike Fransoso, a Portsmouth High grad who plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Charlie Moore, the Mad Fisherman, and former Major League player and World Series champion Benny Ayala were also in attendance.

The event, held at the Harbor Events Center in downtown Portsmouth, is a way for the Futures Collegiate Baseball League team to raise money for athletic scholarships and give back to the community with a sports memorabilia auction.

Seacoast Mavericks President Mike Daboul said he is delighted that Lee could attend the event.! He said he called Lee's agent and said he wanted Lee to come and Lee was thrilled.

At 67, Lee is still playing lots of baseball. Daboul said Lee just played a game in Fort Meyers, Fla., on Thursday and is scheduled to play another game on Saturday in Florida.

During the dinner, Daboul thanked city officials for helping the Mavericks maintain Leary Field as their home field.

Portsmouth Mayor Robert Lister said "having the Mavericks in Portsmouth is just a win win for everyone,"!especially the young people who get to have such great access to the players.