Former Calgary Flame suiting up for Calgary Vipers

Theo Fleury, one of the best Aboriginal hockey players ever, is expected to return to the professional ranks. But in a different sport than he is known for. And possibly for just one game.
Fleury, who averaged more than a point per game during his 15-season National Hockey League career, created quite a buzz earlier this spring when it was announced he would be suiting up for the Calgary Vipers, a minor professional baseball team.
Fleury is still much loved in Calgary where he spent 10 of his NHL seasons with the Flames. The diminutive Fleury was often considered the face of the Flames because he excelled in the sport even though he was one of the NHL's smallest players, listed as being 5-foot-6.
The Vipers are an independent team, meaning they are not affiliated with any of the Major League Baseball franchises. Calgary competes in the
eight-squad Golden Baseball League (GBL).
Besides another Alberta-based franchise, the Edmonton Cracker-Cats, the GBL also features clubs in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.
After it was announced Fleury was joining the Vipers, it was revealed the move was mostly a promotional stunt, to drum up some support for the baseball club.
During the pre-season, Fleury did take some batting and fielding practice with the Vipers. And he was on hand for the club's home opener, an 8-3 victory over Edmonton on May 29.
Fleury, however, did not play in that game. He simply threw out the ceremonial first pitch and then remained at the contest, mingling with fans and signing autographs.
The official club line is that Fleury will indeed play in a Vipers' game this season. But as mid-June approached, he was still in negotiations with the club to determine when he would suit up.
News of Fleury's connection to the Vipers has already helped the team. The club drew 1,991 spectators to its season opener. Calgary usually draws about 1,500 fans to its home games.
Vipers' media relations director Patrick Haas said the Fleury-will-play-baseball-in-Calgary story has created awareness for the organization.
"If you mention the Vipers to someone, they'll more than likely say isn't that the team that Theo Fleury is going to play for," he said.
Haas is also hoping for a sellout at the Vipers' home stadium when it is announced that Fleury will play. The Vipers' home, Foothills Stadium, has a capacity of about 6,000.
Mike O'Brien, Fleury's business partner, said the former NHLer, who also had stints with the Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks, is serious about playing a pro baseball game.
"He's ready to roll," he said. "He's excited about it."
But Fleury is not quite ready for game action, considering a deal to suit up for the Vipers has not been finalized.
"He's still in negotiation over the one-game contract," O'Brien said.
Fleury did grow up playing baseball. But he gave up the sport in his teen years to concentrate on his hockey career.
"If you ask him he's a better baseball player than a hockey player," O'Brien said.
If that's the case, then Fleury in a baseball uniform would be something to see.
During 1,161 NHL games he racked up 1,167 points, including 489 goals. Fleury was also a member of the Flames' Stanley Cup championship squad in 1989. And he was a league all-star seven times.