The Tops in Sports banquet, which normally is held this month at the Towson Center, has been canceled after a conflict between the Orioles and the Maryland Professional Baseball Players Association. It may be turned over to the major-league club next year.

The Orioles have supplied players in past years, but a club spokesman said the two sides "couldn't agree to terms." The Orioles intend to incorporate next year's banquet with their Fanfest, which is taking place this weekend at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The banquet previously had been organized by Frank Sliwka, chairman of the Maryland Professional Baseball group. Some of the proceeds had benefited the Johns Hopkins Children's Fund.

Pub Date: 1/23/99