Sports Beat column - January 17, 2007

Sports Beat
January 17, 2007

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

Coming up on March 24th is the 27th Anniversary Awards Banquet of the Greater Metropolitan Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame Commission. This year's inductees are:
Player                           Michael Buck
                                     Gerry Campell
                                     Debbie Hodge
                                     Blaine Lee
Master Player               Don Clatterbaugh
                                     Ron Collins
                                     Joe Krondon
                                     Randy Lewis
                                     George Riggs
Promoter                      Pat Carey
Sponsor                       Jack Spicer
Umpire                         Harold Speed

Tickets are $40 and for information call 703-754-1403 or 703-244-7132.
The officers of the Hall are:
President                      Donnie Tanner
Vice President              Tom Dommelz
Treasurer                      Rod Payne
Secretary                      Jane Martin

Well purple tears and a lot of red ink became evident when the Baltimore Ravens were no match for the Indianapolis Colts. After surviving a soft schedule its no wonder Moosehead, Raghead Ray, â¤¦Big Egoâ¤? and the rest of the Purple Thugs were no match for the â¤¦Big Bad Blue Coltsâ¤?. Oh, what you say you held Payton Manning to no TDâ¤s well the Colts kicked five field goals so that did mean Payton led his team to five scores. â¤¦Airlessâ¤? McNair couldnâ¤t lead his team to a TD either. Oh, what else did you say the thugs beat San Diego â¤³ NO â¤³ the inept coaching of MartyX no I mean S cost the Chargers as did his dumb coaching this past Sunday against New England. Both games show why this ex-coach of five teams earns the title of â¤¦Chocker Chargerâ¤?. He just canâ¤t win in the playoffs. Now itâ¤s the Colts vs. the Patriots and the Saints against Rex Grossman and the Bears this coming weekend. I wonder who the I-Man (Imus) is going to pick this week? I wonder how Harpo whoops I mean Anita and her band of Radio 1300 suck ups are doing this week, maybe now we wonâ¤t have to suffer with her, Chuckie baby, Marcus O. and Stuffedberger anymore. They are terrible! You folks would be better off listening to Rob Long at WNST. Also why doesnâ¤t Nasty hire Rex Snider? Long and Snider would give WNST a one-two punch that 1300 could not match. Well at least we wonâ¤t have to put up with another purple dress up day for a long time. Gary Williams and his elevator team had a big win over Clemson after a dismal loss to Miami . How about Virginia Techâ¤s big win over North Carolina â¤³ Go Hokies! How come Maryland â¤s football team is losing so many football players? Is the rumor true that G.W.U. is returning to varsity football? Give me the days of Steve Korcheck, Andy Davis, Art Faircloth, and Mike Sommers back at GWU.

Meharg Wins National Field Hockey Coach of the Year for the Second Straight Year
No other field hockey coach has won the honor six times

For the second-consecutive year, Maryland field hockey coach Missy Meharg was named National Coach of the Year by National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), which was announced at the annual coaches conference in Baltimore . This is her sixth time receiving the award. "This is truly a staff award. [Assistant coaches] Marybeth Freeman and Tjerk van Herwaarden are potentially the most dedicated, hard working and technically knowledgeable coaches in the NCAA," said Meharg. "It's an honor to work next to them, not to mention what a tribute this is to the amazing group of female athletes we get to work with every day." The award is voted on by collegiate field hockey coaches across the country. Last year, Meharg was the first coach ever to receive the award five times. This past season, Meharg led the Terps to the program's fifth national title and fourth in her 19 years as at the Maryland helm. The Terps finished the year 23-2 after defeating Wake Forest , 1-0, for the title in November. Meharg and her Terps also earned 20 wins, the sixth time in team history and all coming under Meharg. She led the team to the NCAA semifinals for the seventh time in eight years and the fourth-straight year, a first for the program. At season's end, five Terps earned All-American citations, including senior Paula Infante who became the first field hockey Terrapin to garner first team honors four-straight year. She mentored Infante to her second-straight ACC Defensive Player of the Year nod and second-straight Honda Award distinction, presented to the nation's top field hockey player.

Terp Women Announce Another Sellout
UNC, Duke games at Comcast Center are sold out

A day after announcing the first women's basketball sellout in Comcast Center , the University of Maryland Athletic Department announced that the upcoming game between the reigning national champions and No. 2 North Carolina on Jan. 28 has been sold out, as well. "We put a challenge to our fans to have the best attendance in the ACC and our fans took it to heart," said head coach Brenda Frese. "We feel fortunate to have the best fans in the country and to have the opportunity to be a part of history." Along with the previously announced sellout on Feb. 18 against Duke, Maryland will have recorded three sellouts in women's basketball history. The first came in 1992 when the No. 1 Terps hosted No. 2 Virginia in 1992 when 14,500 fans filled Cole Field House. The sold-out crowd against the Tar Heels will mark the largest-ever in ACC women's basketball history. Maryland currently holds the single-game ACC attendance mark of 17,243, which was set on Feb. 13, 2005 when the Terrapins hosted the Blue Devils. It has owned the single-game conference record for 14 years since the 1992 contest. "Coach Frese, her staff and the players should be proud of producing the kind of dynamic, successful program that has caught the attention and created such pride for Maryland fans and for women's basketball fans throughout the region," said director of athletics Deborah A. Yow. "We very much appreciate the support of our fans, who will help us achieve the goal of having the best attendance in the ACC this year." The Terps have set school attendance records in each of the last three seasons. Maryland is currently ranked seventh nationally in average home attendance, at 7,636 over the first 10 games of the season in Comcast Center . Last year, the Terps ranked in the top 25 in average home attendance, their second straight top-25 finish. Maryland was also ninth in total attendance, drawing more than 210,000 fans at home and on the road. Maryland was the only team in the country to defeat the Tar Heels last season, posting two wins against them. During the regular season, the Terps topped UNC, 98-95, in overtime in Chapel Hill , N.C. They then defeated North Carolina in the NCAA Final Four to advance to the national championship game.

Top-Ranked Terps Drop Showdown at No. 3 Duke 81-62
Maryland has 24-game winning streak ended in rematch of last season's NCAA final.

POSTGAME NOTES:
Maryland 's Crystal Langhorne scored in double figures for the 43rd consecutive game.
Langhorne, who leads the nation in field goal percentage, shot better than 62 percent for the 17th time this season
The Terps snap a school-record 24-game winning streak.
The Terps' 18-0 start heading into the game against Duke was also the best start in school history.
Maryland 's 62 points were the most Duke has given up all year. It was also the fewest the Terps had scored all season.
The 81 points Duke scored were also the most Maryland had allowed this season.
Maryland returns to action on Friday, Jan. 19 against Virginia. The game will be televised on the ACC's Regional Sports Network.

Lindsey Harding scored 16 of her 28 points in the first half, Alison Bales flirted with a triple-double and No. 3 Duke routed top-ranked Maryland 81-62 Saturday in a rematch of last season's national championship game.

Bales finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots for the Blue Devils (18-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who closed the first half with a 13-4 run, didn't let up in the second and made a strong case to take over the No. 1 ranking from the Terrapins.

Duke's smothering defense dominated a Maryland offense which entered with the nation's best field-goal percentage at 53.8 percent. The Terrapins were held to 37.8 percent by the Blue Devils - who have the country's stingiest defense - and were held 1-of-15 shooting during the final 5:49 of the first half. "We knew Duke's defensive pressure was tremendous," Maryland coach Brenda Frese said. "In the first half when we weren't hitting shots, we didn't find other areas in the game to have an impact on." Duke won its sixth game against a ranked team, and for the Blue Devils, this one clearly was the most satisfying. Maryland beat Duke 78-75 in an overtime thriller in the national title game last April, a classic that included Kristi Toliver's game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation. This time, the Blue Devils wouldn't give Toliver another chance to break their hearts, holding her to eight points - and just two at halftime on 0-of-8 shooting - before she exited with 5:37 remaining after apparently injuring her ankle. She downplayed the injury, saying it wasn't serious and that she simply slipped on moisture. "Our frustration came from us not knocking down shots," Toliver said. "That's something we need to improve on. We can't let our offense dictate our defense, which is what we did tonight." Crystal Langhorne had 14 points and Shay Doron added 11 for the Terrapins (18-1, 2-1). Wanisha Smith added 15 points and Abby Waner had 11 for the Blue Devils, one of two remaining unbeatens in the country, and the other is Tobacco Road rival No. 2 North Carolina. Duke's two stars - Harding and Bales - led the way during its game-breaking run late in the half. Duke led 28-26 before Harding started the burst with a layup. Bales blocked three shots during the stretch and Harding closed the spurt with two free throws, making it 41-30 at the break.

BOWIE STATE BLOWS OUT SHAW 92-64

The Bulldogs of Bowie State University had its way tonight against Shaw University , blowing the Bears out of the A.C. Jordan Arena by the score of 92-64. The loss, Shawâ¤s sixth in a row, drops the Bears record to 2-12 overall, 0-7 in the CIAA and 0-2 in the division. Shaw scored first but Bowie State scored the next nine points and extended its lead to 13-4 by the 14:04 mark and the clinic was on. Bowie State busted out the whipping stick and opened up a 28-10 advantage, outscoring the Bears 11-0 over a 4:56 stretch. Shaw trailed 36-19 at the half, hitting only eight-of-27 field goal attempts (29.6 percent). On the flip side, Bowie State connected on 14-of-32 first half field goal attempts (43.8 percent). Bowie State â¤s Bulldogs blocked six first half shots and recorded a season-high nine total blocks. Bowie Stateâ¤s shooting really blew up in the second half with the Bulldogs hitting 22-of-34 from the field, which included eight-of-13 from behind the arc. In total, Bowie State knocked down 10 3-pointers with senior Gil Goodrich contributing six of those long range shots. Shaw turned the ball over 28 times on the night which translated into 36 Bowie State points. The Bulldogs were led by Goodrichâ¤s game-high 27 points, eight steals and eight assists. Bowie State senior Tyronne Beale and junior Jason Ingram added another 20 and 15 points respectively. Jonathan Mudd came off the Shaw bench to lead the Bears with 14 points. Shawâ¤s Damola Obadina recorded a double-double, accounting for 12 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Bowie State (9-3, 5-3, 2-3 in the CIAA East) travels to Johnson C. Smith next Thursday (1/18) while the Bears host Virginia State â¤³ Tuesday (1/16).

GOODRICH AND BEALE DUO DO IN FAYETTEVILLE STATE
Bowie State Exits Fayetteville with 79-70 Victory

The senior tandem of Gil Goodrich and Tyrone Beale was all Bowie State University needed to lift the Bulldogs to a 79-70 victory over Fayetteville StateUniversity â¤s Broncos. The win improves Bowie State â¤s record to 8-4 overall and 4-3 in the conference. Bowie State opened the game with a 13-1 advantage but Fayetteville State had a run of its own (12-2) to cut the Bulldogs lead to 15-13 with a little over 10 minutes left in the first half of play. Fayetteville State â¤s Jesse Fells scored six points during the run for the Broncos. BSUâ¤s Bulldogs would take a seven point lead three times over the next 6:20 but only held a 35-32 lead at the intermission. Fayetteville State took its first lead (38-37) of the night on an Andy Gebru 3-pointer just after the start of the second half. The game would be tied three times in the final 20 minutes of action before Goodrich, the nationâ¤s leading scorer, put the guest in front for good (53-50) on one of his six 3-point field goals with 11:18 remaining in the contest. Bowie State â¤s lead swelled to double digits on two free throws by Beale, making the score 65-54 Bulldogs. The Broncos managed to trim the deficit to five points late in the second half but would get no closer. Bowie Stateâ¤s offense was led by Goodrich with 35 points and Beale with 25 points. Fayetteville State was led by Fells and Gebru with 16 points apiece and Jamel Austin chipped in another 10 for the Broncos.

LADY BULLDOGS FALL SHORT AT FAYETTEVILLE STATE

Fayetteville State University â¤s Lady Broncos outran Bowie State â¤s Lady Bulldogs and came away with an 89-82 victory. The win improves Fayetteville State to 9-4 overall and 5-1 in the CIAA. Bowie State (8-4 / 4-2 in the CIAA) began the game with a 7-2 run and opened up a 15-6 lead by the 15:35 mark of the first half, mainly on the play to sophomore Markeya Watson. Watson scored seven points during that stretch. However, Fayetteville State battled back to take a 19-18 lead on a jumper by Jamara McMillan with 11:30 left in the first period. BSUâ¤s Crystal Johnson (6 points) knotted the score at 26-26 but Fayetteville State closed the half with a 17-11 run to take a 43-37 advantage into halftime. The Lady Bulldogs scored the first six points of the second half but fell behind by a 52-46 count with just over four minutes elapsed in period two. Senior Genet Moore cut the Bowie State deficit to one point (52-51) on a layup and 3-point jumper. Junior Allyson Swailesâ¤ layup shifted the advantage back to Bowie State at 59-58 with 11:21 remaining in the game. The lead would change hands three more times (nine overall) before Fayetteville Stateâ¤s Tenisha McArthur put the Lady Broncos in front to stay (76-74) with 4:04 remaining in the game. Turnovers were abundant with the two teams combining for 61 miscues, 36 of which belonged to Bowie State . Fayetteville State was led by Chelsea Jeterâ¤s team-high 15 points and 18 rebounds. Other Lady Broncos to score in double figures were McMillan (14), Rebecca Charles (12), Shayla Roberts (10) and Jocabia Lucas (10). Bowie State had three players to score in double figures with Watson pacing the Lady Bulldogs with 21 points to go along with eight rebounds. Moore added 20 points and Watson recorded her sixth double-double with 15 points and a game-high 19 rebounds. BSUâ¤s Sherika Thomas came off the bench to pull down a career high 12 rebounds.

33rd Annual Meeting of the Bob Davids Chapter
The first chapter of the Society

Mike Cubbage, former major league player, manager, coach and scout, will be the guest speaker at the Bob Davids Chapter meeting, Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, Virginia. (Rosslyn Metro Station) Mr. Cubbage played 703 games in the majors, primarily at third base, from 1974 to 1981. He made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers and later played for the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets. While with the Twins, Mr. Cubbage hit for the cycle on June 27, 1978 vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. He signed with the New York Mets as a free agent in 1981. Mr. Cubbage holds the distinction of hitting a home run in his final major league at-bat. He went deep against Montreal 's Jeff Reardon on Oct. 3, 1981.

Other features of the program include:
* Our fund-raising raffle, where you could go home with some outstanding treasures of considerable value
* Research presentations from our members.
* Baseball trivia. " Local vendors of baseball books and regional author
* Long time SABR member Frank Ceresi, the East Coast Director of Consignments and Acquisitions for Sotheby's Sports Auctions will be available he entire time on Saturday to give any member his professional estimate of value for any of our members' sports collectibles, memorabilia, or other sports related treasure. Reach him in advance at (703) 558-3699.

The location of this year's get-together is the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge in Rosslyn , Virginia on the Potomac River just across from the nation's capital.

Act quickly to secure your attendance at the meeting. Last year's meeting featured near record-setting attendance. No guarantee of seating, meals, name tags for registrations after January 19. After the 19th, bring the application and $30 per person to the meeting, preceded by a message to jmunns@fred1.org with intent to attend.

Questions? Please contact Barry Sparks, Meeting Chair, at bsparks243@aol.com 717. 848.8925 When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007 Where: Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge 1900 North Fort Myer Drive Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 703-807-2000 www.holiday-inn.com/rosslynbridge

Bob Davids Chapter C/O John Munns PO Box 111282 Palm Bay, FL 32911-1282 POSTAGE Please send check or money order payable to:
# of Tickets ________ X $25 = ________

SABR- Bob Davids Chapter c/o John Munns PO Box 111282 Palm Bay, Florida 32911-1282

Ticket requests should be postmarked before midnight January 19, 2007. Admittance thereafter, including at the door, is $30. No guarantee of seating, meals, or name tags for registrations after January 19. After midnight January 19, please do not mail registration forms and checks; rather, please bring the registration form and a $30 check per person to the meeting and send an email message to jmunns@fred1.org with intent to attend. Thank you.

For receipt of application confirmation, please either include a SASE, or email:
jmunns@fred1.org.
Name:
Address:
City: State Zip
E-mail address: Telephone #
Guest's name City State
Guest's name City State

Event is opened to members, non-members, and guests.

Questions? Please contact Barry Sparks, Meeting Chair:
bsparks243@aol.com & 717-848-8925

BRUCE REPORTS

HAPPY 2007 TO ALL OUR BIG TRAIN FANS! LESS THAN FIVE MONTHS UNTIL THE 2007 BIG TRAIN TEAM BEGINS PLAY AT SHIRLEY POVICH FIELD! THE PRELIMINARY SEASON SCHEDULE IS PRINTED BELOW.
TIME TO BUY YOUR 2007 SEASON PASS !

BETHESDA MAGAZINE LOVES BIG TRAIN BASEBALL
The January-February issue of Bethesda magazine lists Big Train baseball as one of the "67 Things We Love About Bethesda ." Last July, Washingtonian magazine named Big Train baseball as one of " Washington 's Best." The Washington Post says: "For Baseball That Feels Right, Try Bethesda at Night." So just what is holding you back from buying your Family Season Pass to the 2007 Big Train? We've already sold 168 2007 Season Passes. Join the party! Reserve your family's place at Povich Field this summer for just $125. To order your season pass, please log onto to the Big Train web page.
http://www.bigtrain.org/published/season_passes.html

SEVEN SIGN-ON AS SEASON SPONSORS FOR 2007
Thanks to these seven organizations for their generous support of Big Train baseball for the 2007 season: Chevy Chase Bank, Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Grossberg CPAs, Ledo Pizza, Miller & Long Co., Ourisman Automotive, and Sandy Spring Builders.

2007 BETHESDA BIG TRAIN PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE
Saturday June 2 Maryland Patriots 7:30 p.m. Sunday June 3 PRO PT 7:30 p.m. Monday June 4 Carroll County Rangers 5 p.m. Tuesday June 5 Virginia Barnstormers 5 p.m. Wednesday June 6 Faris Braves 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY JUNE 8 YOUSEâ¤S ORIOLES 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY JUNE 9 SILVER SPRING-TAKOMA 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY JUNE 10 @ COLLEGE PARK BOMBERS 7:30 P.M. MONDAY JUNE 11 @ YOUSEâ¤S ORIOLES 7 P.M. TUESDAY JUNE 12 @ MARYLAND REDBIRDS 7 P.M. THURSDAY JUNE 14 MARYLAND REDBIRDS 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY JUNE 15 @ MARYLAND REDBIRDS 7 P.M. SATURDAY JUNE 16 HERNDON BRAVES 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY JUNE 17 ROCKVILLE EXPRESS 7:30 P.M. MONDAY JUNE 18 @ HERNDON BRAVES 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY JUNE 20 @ YOUSEâ¤S ORIOLES 7 P.M. THURSDAY JUNE 21 @ ROCKVILLE EXPRESS 7 P.M. SATURDAY JUNE 23 MARYLAND REDBIRDS (2) 5 & 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY JUNE 24 SILVER SPRING-TAKOMA 7:30 P.M. MONDAY JUNE 25 @ HERNDON BRAVES 7 P.M. Tuesday June 26 U.S. Military All-Stars 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY JUNE 27 COLLEGE PARK BOMBERS 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY JUNE 29 YOUSEâ¤S ORIOLES 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY JUNE 30 ROCKVILLE EXPRESS (2) 5 & 7:30 P.M. MONDAY JULY 2 @ SILVER SPRING-TAKOMA 7 P.M. TUESDAY JULY 3 @ COLLEGE PARK BOMBERS 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY JULY 5 HERNDON BRAVES 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY JULY 6 COLLEGE PARK BOMBERS 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY JULY 7 YOUSEâ¤S ORIOLES 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY JULY 8 @ SILVER SPRING-TAKOMA (2) 5 & 7:30 P.M. MONDAY JULY 9 @ COLLEGE PARK BOMBERS 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY JULY 11 @ ROCKVILLE EXPRESS 7 P.M. THURSDAY JULY 12 @ HERNDON BRAVES 7 P.M. FRIDAY JULY 13 SILVER SPRING-TAKOMA 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY JULY 14 YOUSEâ¤S ORIOLES 7:30 P.M. MONDAY JULY 16 @ MARYLAND REDBIRDS 7 P.M. TUESDAY JULY 17 HERNDON BRAVES 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY JULY 18 @ COLLEGE PARK BOMBERS 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY JULY 19 @ ROCKVILLE EXPRESS 7 P.M. SATURDAY JULY 21 SILVER SPRING-TAKOMA 7:30 P.M. SUNDAY JULY 22 CRSL ALL-STAR GAME 7:30 P.M. MONDAY JULY 23 @ MARYLAND REDBIRDS 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY JULY 25 COLLEGE PARK BOMBERS 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY JULY 26 HERNDON BRAVES 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY JULY 27 YOUSEâ¤S ORIOLES 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY JULY 28 @ ROCKVILLE EXPRESS 7 P.M. TUESDAY JULY 31 CRSL PLAYOFF GAMES 2 & 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1 CRSL PLAYOFF GAMES 2 & 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY AUGUST 2 CRSL PLAYOFF GAMES 4 & 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY AUGUST 3 CRSL PLAYOFF â¤¦IFâ¤? GAME 7:30 P.M.

Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League (CRSL) Big Train CRSL Games at Povich Field in BOLD CAPS Big Train CRSL Away Games in CAPS CRSL All-Star and Playoff Games in ITALIC CAPS (2) Indicates Doubleheader

FOUR BIG TRAIN ALUMS ON 40-MAN MLB ROSTERS
John Maine (BT 2000) - Mets
Steve Schmoll (BT 2000) - Mets
Charlton Jimerson (BT 1999) - Astros
Bobby Livingston (BT 2001) - Reds

BCC BASEBALL OFFER SEMINAR ON COLLEGE SELECTION PROCESS
Attached is an overview of a program offered by BCC Baseball. Frequently the entire college process is overwhelming to both parents and players. This seminar will provide answers to the many questions you may have. It will help you and your child get started on the path toward a college baseball career. Curtis Brown will be the BCC Maryland Patriots coach for U-16 team which will participate in the Jr. Olympics among other distinguished tournaments this summer. Currently he is available for hitting and pitching lessons at our facility. He has become a valued addition to our staff and offers insight and expertise on many levels. If you know of other families that might benefit from this program, please pass on the information. Questions? Call Denise 301-229-2724.

ELITE MARYLAND PATRIOTS SHOWCASE TEAM RECRUITING NOW
Two of the 2007 Big Train players are veterans of the elite Maryland Patriots/BCC Baseball tournament/college showcase summer travel teams. On the first Saturday each June, the Big Train plays an exhibition game with the Patriots at a packed Povich Field. So how do you get to join the Patriots? Here's what you need to know: Established in 1999 and sponsored by BCC, the Patriots for the Summer of 2007 will consist of 3 separate teams, 2 at the 16U level and one at the 18U level. The head coach of each of the Patriots teams is selected by BCC for his experience in coaching these age groups at the highest levels of competition in the local, regional and national venues. This coming Summer â¤07, one of the U16 Patriots team will travel to the Junior Olympics in June and will play in selected tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic region that attract the best competition and potential interest among college coaches. While the other U16 Patriots will compete in highly competitive local/regional tournaments as well as summer league play (most likely NVTBL or ODL). The travel commitment for the â¤¦localâ¤? team will not be as demanding as that for the Junior Olympic team. All team schedules will commence in mid May and finish by the end of July. The U18 Patriots plan on a rigorous and demanding tournament and game schedule as will be dictated by head coach Mike Chroniger. Last yearâ¤s U18 team participated in college showcase tournaments that were held at Coastal Carolina, NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill and Elon. They also played highly skilled local teams as well as 3 games vs. college teams. Summer of â¤07 will be as demanding as last summerâ¤s schedule. As stated, Mike Chroniger will be coaching the U18 Patriots. In his 4 years of coaching the Patriots, and his highly successful Mid-Atlantic Rookies Baseball Program which is entering its 19th year of existence, Coach Chroniger has placed over 300 players into 125 colleges throughout the country. He has also coached 40 players that have gone on to play minor and major league baseball. Players he coached last year received scholarships from Alabama , Coastal Carolina, South Carolina, Davidson and UVA. Coaches for the 2 U16 teams will be Curtis Brown and Keith Gordon. Curtis will coach the Junior Olympic U16 team. Curtis attended and played at the University of Richmond and has coached at Wake Forest , Richmond and Radford University . Keith Gordon will coach the â¤¦localâ¤? U16 Patriots. Keith played at Arizona State University for 3 seasons and has played in minor and major leagues for a combined 15 years. He played for the Reds, Orioles and Mariners. Our coaches have plenty to offer an aspiring college baseball player and will do their best to get kids prepared for the next level of baseball whether it is college or minor league. Players will be selected to play for the Patriots by invitation or by workouts that are scheduled to be held at The Next Level on Sundays in February, beginning on Feb 4th and ending on Feb 25th. Workouts will begin at 10am sharp and will end at noon. During these workouts , the three Patriots coaches will be instructing and evaluating players for our program. Participation in these workouts does not necessarily guarantee a roster spot on any of the Patriots teams. Players will have an opportunity to work with our coaches and gain exposure to the rigors and demands of our program. It will also afford current high school players an opportunity for an extensive evaluation by our coaches. Final team rosters will be announced some time later in the Spring, but invitations to play will be extended sooner based on these winter workouts. You must pre-register to participate in the workouts. The cost for the 4 weeks will be $150. There is no requirement that any candidate for the Patriots program have been a BCC player in the past. Any talented player with a solid grounding in fundamentals, experienced in high end competition and a with a passion for playing baseball is welcome to these workouts. If you wish to register, please contact Jean at 301-229-2724 or jkurtz@bccbasball.com. For questions about the program, please contact Ted Spiropoulos at 301-758-3822 or tspiropoulos@hotmail.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BIG TRAIN
For more information, please log onto www.bigtrain.org or call 301/983-1006. Or email us at faninfo@bigtrain.org.

BIG TRAIN 2007 SEASON SPONSORS
Thanks to these organizations for their generous support of Big Train baseball for the 2007 season: Chevy Chase Bank, Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Grossberg CPAs, Ledo Pizza, Miller & Long Co., Ourisman Automotive, and Sandy Spring Builders.

CAL RIPKEN, SR. COLLEGIATE BASEBALL LEAGUE 2007 will be the third season of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. The Herndon Braves will join the league in 2007, bringing the total to seven teams: Bethesda Big Train, College Park Maryland Bombers, Herndon Braves, Maryland Redbirds, Rockville Express, Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts, and Youse's Maryland Orioles. The teams play a 42-game regular season that will start on Friday, June 8 with the Maryland Orioles visiting the Big Train at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda . Playoffs will begin July 31. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League has a license agreement with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for the use of the name Cal Ripken, Sr. and is not affiliated with nor sponsored by the Foundation or Ripken Baseball. For information, please log onto www.ripkensrcollegebaseball.org.

CRSL FINAL 2006 REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

Bethesda Big Train 28-12 .700 -- Rockville Express 25-15 .625 3 Youse's Orioles 23-17 .575 5 College Park Bombers 20-20 .500 8 SS-T Thunderbolts 14-26 .350 14 Maryland Redbirds 10-30 .250 18 The Montgomery Cup sponsored by The Gazette: Bethesda (11-5), Rockville (10-6), Silver Spring-Takoma (3-13).

Log onto http://www.ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/ for up-to-date boxscores and standings.
Sign-up for CRSL email alerts: http://ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/maillist/program/action.cgi?action=adduser

WE GET LETTERS

Messages From Dale Hi Bill, Just a note to let everyone know that my son and grandson's new Siberian Husky puppy has been officially named "Rudy" by my grandson, after the Rudy of the film of the same name. Rudy was the courageous, albeit unlikely, football hero at Notre Dame, remember? Thanks to all who sent in their votes for a name for our newest member of the Sawyer family. There were 2 votes for Igor, 2 for Sputnik, 1 for Boris. Rudy and "Murph" (the Surf"), their boxer, are now fast friends and protectors of the household in Palm Coast . Will 2007 be the year that the charming but elusive RHS jock Jack Pitt be found? There is still a reward for this find I understand. There is also a reward for the identity of "Steelhead" mentioned in your recent column. GO RAVENS!!!!! God bless and love to all, Dale Bill, Great column. I will go out on a limb and predict Peyton and His Colties will shock the you know what out of the juvenile delinquent Ravens. Hey, look here, our Florida Gators did just that over Troy Smith and the Ohio Buckeyes, so miracles still do happen. Still celebrating down here and the big celebration is Saturday in Gainesville . Now Bill please thank steelhead for comparing me to Linda Darnell. Are you kidding, she was possibly the most naturally beautiful woman in the world ever. And to add to her beauty she was not impressed, or maybe even convinced, that she was so gorgeous. I look like Linda Darnell like you look like Brittany Spears, ha ha ha. Anyway that was a lovely thing to say and I would like to thank Steelhead except I do not know who that is. For sure it is not the very bad Colonel Phil. Blessings to you and yours, Dale PS. Will let everyone know what my son and grandson decide on as a name for our newest addition, the Siberian Husky Bill, It appears that â¤¦Steelheadâ¤? is a little rusty in regard to his â¤—look-a-likeâ¤? comparisons. Bella L. Bill, Well, what can I say? Believe me, a few glaring thoughts really come to my mind. If I had a radio show to do this morning, this is how it would go: First, I plead guilty to getting caught up in all the hoopla regarding the Colts and the revenge factor. In the end, these athletes have no concern of civic issues or what life was like here for 12 years, without football. In the scheme of life, Baltimore and surrounding communities have had problems and issues more tragic and relevant than the existence of the NFL. Think about it. We're in a senseless war in the Middle East . The murder rate in Baltimore will hover around 300 (not batting average !!!!) again this year. And, cancer centers are maximized more than ever. To buy into Bob Irsay's trangressions and smearing the Colts was cavalier and incidental, at best. After the game, Brian Billick acknowledged that the team let the city and it's fans down. He said the players know it, and they feel terrible about it. Yeah ..... well, by Tuesday, Steve McNair will be in Nashville , Ray Lewis will be in Miami , Todd Heap will be in Phoenix and Jon Ogden will be in Las Vegas . Get my point ?? They don't really care - if they did, they'd come over here and help me take down all this purple crap !!!!!!!! In the end, some of them should feel terrible for playing a horrendous game, and that's it. Steve McNair was simply awful, yesterday. And, in the past two weeks, Brian Billick and Herm Edwards (KC Chiefs, Bubba) have made the Indy defense look indestructable. The game was winnable, but the quarterback made horrible decisions. There was no innovation or creativity, either. On the positive end, people were drinking and spending money at the stadium. I came home with more than $500, mostly in ones - yep, I felt like I was "dancing on a pole at the Hustler Club", while counting my money !!!! And, Paula takes losing much more personally than I do. I simply look at it as lost revenue - I would have made a killing on t-shirts, this week. But, I can find other creative ways to make a buck. However, Paula has taken down all interior Ravens decorations, and packed away her Ravens clothing. In regard to the bartending job, it was pretty lucrative. But, if I don't get transferred to the club level, next season, I probably won't return. It was a great experience, but I'm going to be 40 in a few months (Yes, Bubba, this will be known as my BIRTHDAY YEAR), and at the end of a day at the stadium, the effects and fatigue seem to linger. Thus, a climate controlled environment, with more help would be appreciated. In closing, I'd like to thank everyone for reading my rants and supporting me during the radio contest. The station put the contest on the "back burner" for the playoff run. With the current circumstances, I'm assuming we'll find out something out soon. In the meantime, I'm going to the movies today. I'm gonna see "We Are Marshall", a real-life tragic event regarding a football team. Perhaps, it can put things in perspective. And, Paula can see Matthew McConaughey - when I look in the mirror, I really don't see the difference between him and me !!!!! Thanks again - I'll be in touch. Rex Rex, Good report. I will be waiting to hear from you. Bill Bill, How are these: Don Cohen and Tyrone Power Colonel Phil Sullivan and Quasimoto Terry Maher and Jon Voight Bill McCaffrey and Brad Pitt Colonel Chuck Suraci and Gregory Peck June Coates Sumner and Lee Remick Marlene Ward Georgiou and Ruth Roman Janet Bruchie Wallace and June Haver Barbara Simi and Penelope Cruz Carolyn Schoenfeld Wilfond and adorable Debbie Reynolds Mysterious Molly Dear Mysterious, Hmmmm, Colonel Phil isnâ¤t going to like that one, even though its close. Bill Hi Bill, Cully and I used to go to Zombies for their T-bone steak and salad when we were dating. It was owned by Bernie Dickins. Bernie now lives in Florida but calls us whenever he comes to this area. His first wife passed away and he is now married again. The Rocket room was owned by Sanford Bomstein. We used to go there a lot. Sanford is a very dear friend, 91 years old and lives in Florida . His health is not very good so Cully is going to Florida next Friday to visit him. Take care and I am still trying to reach Shirley Carr for you. Carole Dear Carole, Great memories! Bill Dear Folks. When I put it all together we all have a lot in common. Bill, Mary, Dorothy Rothgeb, and myself were all at the liquor board at one time or the other. How I got there I was working for Jack Long, not Longs fence as that was Bob Long. Jack was running for the First District Senator against Ed. Naturally Jack Lost but that was at a time when Jack was doing everything to win the Election. Bob Erkurt was at the Telephone Co in Hyattsville where Faye worked. Jack would get Faye my wife to write checks to friends and have them write checks to his campaign thus eluding getting caught funding his campaign. Jack was very interested in original ideas one time I suggested he get the Greenbelt Armory, put a chain link fence around it, have the gubernatorial candidates Finan, Burch and Goldstein fly in a helicopter, have a company prepare half a chicken, send engraved invitations to 22,500 voters in the First District. We did it all except have the candidates fly in on a helicopter. We had a mob but didn't win the Election. Finan also lost the election to George P. Mahoney out of Baltimore . Faye and I went to work for Dr. Levine who was running the Campaign for Mahoney whoâ¤s slogan was "your home is your castle". The liberal democrats were opposed because of his slogan. They formed the Democrats for Agnew. Thus the election of Spiro Agnew. Love ya, Charlie Charlie, And the rest is history! Love Ya Bill Bill, Just a word from Donnie's number one fan here in Daytona. Here's hoping we will see Donnie and the team winning a time spot on the roster for the 2007 Busch Series race here during SpeedWeeks. Gearing up down here for the wonderful racing fans, they are always a happy bunch and everyone has a great time while they are here. God bless and love and prayers for the team this year, Dale Sawyer

SPORTS NOTES

Sad news from Fred Plummer, Wallace â¤¦Wallyâ¤? Warner (Anacostia 1948) passed away in October 2006, our deepest sympathy goes to his family. Natalie Ciccone does an outstanding job for media relations at the University of Maryland for Womenâ¤s sports now if only the menâ¤s person did as well weâ¤d be in good shape but I guess they would rather take care of the media meal man â¤¦Downtownâ¤? Brown who has only a small time comedy hour to show on his credentials. Donâ¤t forget Jake â¤¦The Snakeâ¤? Smithâ¤s Baltimore Pro Boxing card on January 27th at the Pikesville Armory featuring Demetilous Davile, Ray Grant, â¤¦The Golden Greekâ¤?, Richard Stewart, Jesse â¤¦The Beastâ¤? Nicklow and my undefeated favorite female fighter Shelly Selvert and the female amateur, Fight of the Year Samatha Pulski vs. Anna Bushman. The â¤¦Scoresâ¤? Ring Card Girls will be on hand. Go to www.baltimoreboxing.com for more information. Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of two Woodrow Wilson (DC) high school graduates who passed recently, Corbett Jonker (1985) and Dr. Charles W. Humphreys, Jr. (1943). Also sympathy goes to the family of Robert L. McGowan (George Washington HS and Georgetown University ). Donâ¤t forget the Anacostia High School Decades Reunion (1938-1956) coming up on May 19th and 20th at the Colony South Hotel in Clinton , Maryland . Call one of the following for more information: Tom McDonald 703-476-2355; Betty Jane Brewer 410-956-3246; Ed Lloyd 410-489-6599; Pat Clarke 703-660-6498; Nancy Jones Williams 410-280-0769; James Douglass 301-946-0685, or Jay Ferber 410-758-0095. What were they doing at Great Mills High School last week when the Hornets were playing Thomas Stone in basketball holding tryouts for the WWE, CNA, ECW or the EWA or some small time ballet. Come on guys get with it. Both teams have been doing well at hoops so its no need to tussle since you all are terrible fighters. Roderigo Lopez is gone to Colorado for a couple of minor leaders, seems the Baltimore Orioles couldnâ¤t get much for a pitcher who won 60 games in five years for them. Man oh man I would like to return to the years of yesterday, movies at the Savoy, Tivoli, Colony, Kennedy, etc., milkshakes at Cambells Drug Store, pinball at Daveâ¤s Deli, St. Martins dances, pizza and spaghetti at the Cavalier, a brew at Stevens, hay rides at Great Falls, swimming at the â¤¦Rocksâ¤? or Takoma Park, necking at Haines Point, Rock Creek Park and Cherry Lane, the Hot Shoppes, Topps, ice cream at Giffords, swimming at Herald Harbor, Beverly and Triton beach, North Beach, Oak Grove, the Varsity Drive In, Glen Echo, Marshall Hall, Surf Club, 4400, Gwynn Oak, Carlings Park, National Boh, Old Georgetown, loving those Bethesda girls, â¤¦Poor Joesâ¤?, Eddies Friendly Tavern, Tuckers, Little Taverns, the Toddle House, Mighty Moâ¤s, Hot Fudge cakes, Gino Giants, Shulers Drive In and Gus and Johns, Griffith Stadium, the Shelter Room, Jack Rowes Guys, the Roundup, those were the days! So the Orioles broadcasts are moving to 1300 AM, I guess the team wants to go to the home of suck up sportscasters. I know one of them is now a short timer there unless he changes his on-the-air tone. They say its not because WBAL got the Ravens, want to bet? Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Bob Flynn (McDaniel College Mens Basketball coach and former St. Maryâ¤s College menâ¤s coach). At St. Maryâ¤s his 15 wins in 1997-98 were fourth best behind Ed Coleâ¤s 21, 19 and 17 wins in the 1960â¤s and 70â¤s. Flynn was 49 at the time of his death. Deepest sympathy also goes to these families: Pat Kober (Anacostia HS grad) Rev. Edward V. â¤¦Peteâ¤? Dorsey (Marlboro HS grad) Dr. Thomas Edward Curtin (St. Pauls HS and Georgetown U. grad) Frances McMillan Benson (BCC HS grad) Edward Bennett Saltzman (Anacostia HS grad and retired DC Metropolitan police) Yvonne DeCarlo (actress and formally in the â¤¦ Munsters â¤? TV series. Some locals are playing on the Villa Julie College Womenâ¤s Basketball team, Andrea Sommerville (Leonardtown), Kim Hutchison (Patuxent), Doninique Patton (Bladensburg) and team captain, Cara Hill ( Oxon Hill ). The locals on the menâ¤s team at Villa Julie: Steve Segears ( St. John â¤s HS), Chaise Lancaster (NW HS), Phillip Williams and Chris Warren both of McNamara high school. William is team captain.

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