It's probably the only time you'll see an ex-football player in a kilt. Former Browns center Mike Baab will take part in the 26th annual Ohio Scottish Games, an old-fashioned Highlander competition in which burly participants heave exceedingly heavy objects. Baab's been a competitor for a couple of years, since his mother bugged him to sign up for an event near his hometown of Austin, Texas. And he's a quick learner: Earlier this year, he won the Texas state championship -- a feat he calls "as exciting as a Broncos game." At the World Championships in Illinois, he placed third in the amateur division.
Baab's favorite event is tossing the caber, a 21-inch, 115-pound pole. "Turning a big caber freaks people out," he says. "Like blocking Reggie White on third down." Just like his days with the Browns, Baab doesn't compete for fun. "My daughters say, 'Daddy, do you have to win everything?' I reply, 'There is nothing else.'" The Ohio Scottish Games start at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Oberlin College Athletic Field (200 Woodland Street in Oberlin). Admission is $8 to $12; call 440-835-9794. -- Cris Glaser
LeBronFest '03
THU 6/26
More than anything, tonight's NBA Draft Night Celebration at Gund Arena commemorates the Cavaliers' newfound good luck. It's no surprise that the team will officially announce LeBron James as its No. 1 overall pick. More suspense, however, surrounds who they'll take with the 31st pick: Will it be that guy from Gonzaga? That guy from Pepperdine? Watch all the draft action unfold on the Gund's giant video screens. There will also be tours of the locker room, live music, mingling with Cavaliers players, face-painting and temporary tattoos -- even photo opportunities with the ping-pong balls used in last month's NBA draft lottery. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m.; LeBron becomes ours at 7:30. Admission is free. Gund Arena is at 100 Gateway Plaza; call 216-420-2000 for more information. -- Steve Albanese
Field of Dreams
The Indians and Reds slug it out.
6/27 - 6/29
The Indians will try to build on a 13-11 all-time series lead when they square off against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh Battle Of Ohio this weekend at Jacobs Field. As baseball cruises into the All-Star break, the Indians are still trying to find their core players, while the Reds are piecing together a starting rotation they hope will return them to contention in the wide-open NL Central. Ah, the thrills of mediocre Ohio baseball. Game times are 7:05 p.m. Friday and 1:05 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Jacobs Field (2401 Ontario Street). Tickets range from $5 to $55, available by calling 866-488-7423. -- Steve Albanese
