Oddly, Ripken actually denied the story on NPR this week, making it clear he has not, in fact, ever punched Kevin Costner. We love that Ripken actually discussed it on the national airwaves.

For fun, here's the best part of the tale:

Cal told [the Orioles owner] it would be impossible to come in, so there went the streak. The owner told him not to worry, he would take care of it. That night, the game was canceled because of "electrical failure," even though hotels and restaurants that were a part of Camden Yards were fine and running.

Cal and his wife are still together, and the story is false. That didn't stop it from coming on NPR. As we said: We love urban legends.

Ripken Denies Beating The Crap Out Of Kevin Costner [The Foul Pole]
The Cost(ner) Of Love [Snopes]

The Rays will indeed have the promised "major entertainment star" on hand Nov. 8 when they unveil their new look at Straub Park in downtown St. Pete. I initially wondered about the wording of that, since you figure they'd just call a band a band. Now I get it. The star in question is indeed major—Kevin Costner—but he also happens to have a band. Who knew?

Anyway, the St. Pete shindig will begin at 6:30 p.m., immediately following the fashion show (beginning at 5:30) that will serve as the official debut of the Rays' new uniforms. Fireworks will follow [Costner's "band"'s] set at 8 p.m. The fashion show is scheduled to include current Rays players and coaches along with the likes of Wade Boggs and Fred McGriff.

We don't imagine it took much persuasion on the part of the Rays. "Hey, Kevin, if you show up in St. Pete, you can wear a baseball uniform and we'll let your crappy band play. That work? Oh, no, you don't have to come until November. What? Oh. You're here now? That's you knocking? Well, jeez, come on in then."

f You Unveil It, They Will Come [DRaysBay]

See? Kevin Costner is here! I wasn't lying! He's ... oh, forget it ...

Not much happening today, as players continue to trickle in for practice rounds (the tournament officially gets underway on Friday). However Kevin Nealon did back his golf cart into a fence. Could have happened to anyone (big doofus). And it won't detract from his prospects of winning the tournament in any way (not a chance in hell).

Oh, and this just in ... Dan Patrick has pulled out of the tournament. It became official late Wednesday, and is such disturbing news that I'm considering headng over to his Wikipedia page to vent my frustration. Patrick's last minute replacement is Tahoe resident and former Twins/Orioles/Mets/Rangers/Dodgers/Yankees pitcher Scott Erickson, who is a fine golfer and whose invitation has nothing whatsover to do with the fact that his wife is Lisa Guerrero. Also: Gale Sayers sighting! He got in 18 holes even though he's not in the tournament ... climbing the fence must be tough when you've had surgeries on both knees.

Chandler In Tahoe: Kevin Costner Always Takes Time For Cheerleaders [Deadspin]
Chandler In Tahoe: This Year You Are Mine, Dan Patrick [Deadspin]
Dan Patrick's Wikipedia Page Is Under Attack [We Are The Postmen]

What he lacks in game, however, he makes up for in affability, at least where enthusiastic high school cheerleaders are concerned. This photo was taken at the ninth hole, and the girls are from Whittel High. Costner has been in town since July 7, when his band, Modern West, played before a sold-out crowd at Harrah's Tahoe (as a musician, he's better than Jim Belushi, not as good as Kevin Bacon). Yes, Kevin Costner has a band! Go ahead; try not to love him!

Chandler: This Year You Are Mine, Dan Patrick [Deadspin]