Calling on of his friends, (including some of his "League" co-stars - Madonna, Geena Davis and Lori Petty), Hanks had a mission. He set out to create a women's baseball league that would rival "the guys," giving the ladies a chance to share center stage while participating in the sport they loved. Little did he know at that time, the league would become an A-List, all-star affair.

The initial plan was to start the league small, locating teams in 8 select cities. That didn't last long. By the fall of 2003, the number of teams swelled to 16 and the first pitch had yet to be thrown. A spring 2004 start was scheduled, with the initial draft to be held in February 2004.

But what of a name - one that reflected the great significance of all the stars coming together, one that caught the public's eye. Hanks and crew were stubbed. Then one of the greatest beauties of all-time, Sophia Loren, came through in the clutch. The Venus Baseball League was born.

"Venus is the Roman goddess of love, representing great beauty," said Ms. Loren at the press conference announcing the name. "There can be no better way to describe this great coming together.