Starting Friday, the Eau Claire Cavaliers will toast to 40 years of playing ball with their anniversary weekend. The celebration got underway Friday night with the Cavs' game against the Dairyland Stars.

Like the Cavs teams of old, this year's squad is in the midst of an impressive season. Thanks to a July surge, the Cavaliers have won nine straight games, helping them maintain second place in the Wisconsin State League.

The Cavaliers estimate they will play in front of, and get to socialize with, more than 30 alumni during the course of their 40th anniversary weekend. The opportunity is one both players and coaches are excited for, although Cavs manager Mark McHorney says his guys are getting too anxious for the festivities.

"The one good thing about our guys is they remain focused game to game," McHorney said. "I don't think they look too far ahead, although I think there is some anticipation on this weekend and the people that will hopefully be coming into town. Meeting some of the former Cavalier players, so I think for all the guys, there's some excitement built up."

Personally, McHorney thinks the most memorable moment of the weekend will come away from Carson Park.

"I'm really looking forward to the banquet," McHorney said. "I think just that camaraderie between, you know, the various groups of players, and having the former players meet the new players, and having the new players understand, you know, what was out here before them."