Sports Beat column - March 17, 2006

Sports Beat
March 17, 2006

McCaffrey's World by Bill McCaffrey

It looks like the Washington Redskins made out better than the Baltimore Ravens in the free agent battle but after the early smoke cleared it looks like both teams still need a quality quarterback. Both teams shored (not Frank Shore) up a couple of positions, but I don't see either as a true Super Bowl contender.

Can you believe the Redskins raised their ticket prices 39% and parking 40%, you better get your mortgage refinanced if you have Skins season tickets, add those increases to gas for your car, electricity for your home, and food and drug increases and you will need all the extra money you can get. This comes on the heels of the Wiz raising some of their prices by as much as 59%.

I had a great weekend starting on Saturday with the Submarine Veterans, Chesapeake Bose, Bull and Oyster Roast at Michael's 8th Avenue, great food and drink, great music with "Big Cam and the Lifters.

On Sunday I was right back for Tim Konig's annual Bull and Oyster Roast in honor of the Memory of Ken Konig, Audrey & Frank Lombardi that benefited Glen Burnie Lutheran Church, the Cal Ripken, Jr., and Lou Gehrig Fund. At this affair I had the pleasure of setting at the table with the great Hall of Fame Colt, Lenny Moore, his wife and daughter. Jack Ross and his daughter, Mario Francose and his son, and the Pannella brothers Patrick and Michael.

Don't forget Lenny Moore's event on May 8th.

Also you still have a chance to beat the April 1st early bird deadline for the "Golf for Literacy" cheduled for June 26th at the Potomac Ridge golf course. Save by April 1st, for more information call 301-775-4089. The tournament benefits the First Book of Charles County.

Coming up on April 8th is the 26thAnniversary Awards Banquet of the Washington Metropolitan Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. For information call 703-754-1403 or 703-244-7132.

Also on April 22nd the 28th Reunion of Eastern's 50 Plus Club. For information call Chester Speiser at 301-572-4582 before April 1st.

Anacosta High School 40's and 50's Sixth annual lunch is scheduled for May 18th. For information call Betty Jane Brewer at 410-956-3246 or Fred Plummer at 410-956-6963.

BOXING NEWS

On March 9th, Michael's 8th Avenue held one of their top boxing events ever. In the main event it was a battle as previously unbeaten Derek Enns fought Max Taylor to a six round draw. It was a war in the ring. Other results:
Jameson Bostic won a six round decision over William Bailey.
Jose Rodriquez won a six round majority decision over Orazio Robinson.
Taurus ³Muhsin Corbbrey took a four round unanimous decision from Kareem Robinson.
Eric Hunter TKOed Steve Lozoya in the first round.
James Franks TKOed Andre Nichols in the 3rd round. The crowd was okay but the ACC tournament cut into the crowd.

Bobby Magruder is hosting two big events at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Center.

On March 31st, the Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finds, the National Anthem will be sung by Rita Taylor with a Tribute to Motown featuring Charlie Taylor and Kurt Gibbons.

On April 14th, the Washington/Maryland Champs will take on the Va../N.C. Navy and Marine Champs. The National Anthem will be sung by Ginger Lynn Byron. The Sweetwater Band will be playing Classic Oldies. For more information call 301-843-6165.

MARCH BADNESS

Philadelphia's Luis Alberto Santiago and Wilmington's Clarence "Sonny Bono’Taylor headline a 7 bout card at the Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center, Lancaster, PA.

Dee Lee Promotions, Inc. presents Luis Alberto Santiago (18-7-1)11 KO Philadelphia, PA vs. Clarence ³Sonny Bono Taylor (9-7-2)4 KO, Wilmington, DE in a six round Middleweight showdown on Friday March 31, 2006. Don't miss this exciting Lancaster slugfest featuring boxing¹s young Lions because they¹re out to devour those little March lambs!

Veteran matchmaker Sonny Mistretta has put together an exciting 6 bout under card that includes Lancaster's rising star, Flyweight Israel Crespo (2-1-0) and Reading Heavyweight Travis Kauffman (2-0-0 ) 2 KOs. Other featured under card bouts include Lancaster¹s Doel Carraquil (4-3-1) 2 KO¹s vs. New York tough guy Edward Dalez (3-3-2) 2 KO¹s, Julio Dejesus (2-0-0) 2KOÃ¹s vs. Diago Vallalba and Lancaster¹s Johnny Dejesus (Pro Debut). This exciting under card also features undefeated Mt. Arlington, NJ Middleweight Pawel ³The Raging Bull Wolak (9-0-0) 5 KO¹s vs. Chuck Orso in a 6 round bout , Lightheavyweights William Gill vs. Aneudi Santos, and Lancaster heavyweight Kevin Hood is scheduled to take on Wayne Hampton of Capitol Heights, MD. Note: bouts subject to change.

Doors open at 6 p.m. & the first bell is 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: General Admission ***$25; VIP ***$50
RESERVED VIP TABLE (SEATS 10) $500
For information or Ticket Purchases
Contact Dee Lee Promotions at: 856-692-1206
or for Credit Card Purchases call: 215-500-7435

Doron Named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America
An All-ACC performer, Doron boasts a 3.708 GPA in criminology and criminal justice.

Maryland junior Shay Doron was recently named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Women's Basketball team. A criminology and criminal justice major, she was voted to the second team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and is the only women's basketball player in the ACC to earn Academic All-America honors.

Boasting a 3.708 grade point average, Doron is also a two-time Academic All-District 2 honoree, earning first team honors this year after earning a spot on the second team last year. She is also a two-time member of the Academic All-ACC squad and has been named to the Dean's List the last four semesters.

Only the second player in school history to be named to the All-ACC team three times (Vicky Bullett was the first from 1987-1989), Doron was named to the second team at the conclusion of the regular season. She helped the Terps reach the ACC Tournament finals for the first time in 13 years last weekend.

A starter in 29 games, Doron is third on the team in scoring, averaging 14.1 points per game and has helped the Terps to its best scoring average since 1988-89 (83.6 ppg). She has made a dramatic improvement in three-point shooting, knocking down 41.1 percent of her attempts from that range, compared to last year's 29 percent. She is also the team's leader averaging 4.2 assists per game, dishing out a career-high 134 helpers.

Maryland, ranked third in the nation, is 28-4 on the season heading into postseason play.

#3/3 Terps Go Dancing As A Two Seed
Maryland plays Sacred Heart in State College, Pa.

The NCAA announced the 64-team championship bracket and the third-ranked Maryland women's basketball team earned a No. 2 seed in the Albuquerque regional, the highest seed for the Terps since 1992. Maryland takes on Northeast Conference Champion Sacred Heart in the first round on Sunday, March 19 in State College, Pa. The Big East's St. John's and California out of the Pac-10 completes the four-team pod.

"I'm excited we're heading up to Penn State and I really like our bracket," said fourth year head coach Brenda Frese. "State College is close for our fans, so it will be great to have so much support in the first couple rounds of the tournament."

Maryland and Sacred Heart will tip off at the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State University 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Cal-St. John's matchup, which is schedule for a noon start. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. In the only meeting between the Terps and Sacred Heart was at the 2003 Terrapin Classic. Maryland has played Cal only once, back in 1984, and has never played St. John's.

The Terps (28-4) are making their third-consecutive trip to the postseason tournament under Frese, the first time Maryland has made three-straight trips to the NCAA Championship since 1993. The team has improved upon its seeding in each of those years, garnering a 12 seed in 2004, then earning a seven seed last season. Maryland has reached the second round the last two years.

The ACC tied for the most number of tournament teams, garnering seven bids. ACC Champion North Carolina, whose only loss of the season is to the Terps, and Duke were both selected as No. 1 seeds. Big Ten Champion Ohio State also earned a No. 1 seeding as did the SEC's LSU. The Buckeyes are the top seed in the Albuquerque regional. The Big East also earned seven bids and the SEC had six.

Also playing in State College is seventh-seeded Virginia Tech, taking on Missouri from the Bridgeport, Conn., region, while second-seeded Connecticut plays 12th-seeded Coppin State.

For more information, log onto Penn State's official athletics web site at www.gopsusports.com.

NCAA First & Second Rounds
Bryce Jordan Center, State College, Pa.
Sunday, March 19
12 p.m. - #7 St. John's vs. California (ESPN2)
30 min. afterwards - #2 Maryland vs. #15 Sacred Heart

Tuesday, March 21
St. John's/California winner vs. Maryland/Sacred Heart winner
Time TBA

Langhorne Among Finalists for Kodak/WBCA All-American Team
Langhorne one of six ACC players named finalists.

Maryland sophomore Crystal Langhorne is one of 48 finalists for the 10-member Kodak/WBCA All-American Team, which was announced today by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). The top six players from eight regions were voted on by WBCA member coaches.

The Kodak/WBCA All-America Basketball Team for NCAA Division I will be announced at the Kodak/WBCA All-America Team Press Conference at the Westin Copley Place on April 1, 2006 at 9:45 a.m. (ET) in Boston, Mass. This year the WBCA celebrates its Silver Anniversary, marking 25 years of existence.

The top six players in Region II are all ACC players, including Monique Currie and Lindsay Harding from Duke, Tamara James from Miami, and Erlana Larkins and Ivory Latta from North Carolina.

A center/forward, Langhorne was a first team All-ACC and first team All-ACC Tournament selection. She has helped Maryland to a No. 3 final ranking in the Associated Press poll and a No. 2 seeding in the Albuquerque Region of the NCAA Tournament which begins this weekend.

Boasting the nation's best shooting percentage at 65.9 percent, Langhorne leads the team with 16.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She is the second player in school history to post back-to-back 500-point seasons and the first since 1989. A Wooden Award finalist, she became the fastest Terp to reach 1,000 career points, needing just 60 games.

Langhorne has 13 double-doubles on the season, the most of any player in the ACC, and is in the top five in scoring and second in rebounding. She has also been named ACC Player of the Week twice. Langhorne has reached double-figure scoring in all but three games, including nine 20-point outings and two 30-point performances. She has also registered 15 double-figure rebounding games.

In December, Langhorne also earned one of the highest distinctions by USA Basketball, garnering USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year honors after leading the U19 team to a gold medal at the U19 World Championships last summer.

The Terps (28-4) open NCAA Tournament action against 15th-seeded Sacred Heart on Sunday, March 19 at the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State University. They will tip off 30 minutes after the conclusion of the #7 St. John's-#10 California match up, which begins at noon. Tickets can be purchased at www.umterps.com through Wednesday. The game will also be nationally televised on ESPN.

Region I
Megan Duffy, University of Notre Dame, Sr., G, 5-7
Candice Dupree, Temple University, Sr., F, 6-2
Cappie Pondexter, Rutgers University, Sr., G, 5-9
Khara Smith, DePaul University, Sr., F/C, 6-2
Ann Strother, University of Connecticut, Sr., G, 6-3
Barbara Turner, University of Connecticut, Sr., F, 6-0

Region 2
Monique Currie, Duke University, Sr., G, 6-0
Lindsey Harding, Duke University, Jr., G, 5-8
Tamara James, University of Miami, Sr., F, 5-9
Crystal Langhorne, University of Maryland, So., F, 6-2
Erlana Larkins, University of North Carolina, So., F/C, 6-1
Ivory Latta, University of North Carolina, Jr., G, 5-6

Region 3
Seimone Augustus, Louisiana State University, Sr., G, 6-1
Sherill Baker, University of Georgia, Sr., G, 5-8
Sylvia Fowles, Louisiana State University, So., C, 6-6
Tasha Humphrey, University of Georgia, So., F, 6-3
Candace Parker, University of Tennessee, Fr., F, 6-4
Armintie Price, University of Mississippi, Jr., G, 5-9

Region 4
Emily Christian, Tennessee Tech University, Sr., C, 6-1
Ryan Coleman, Eastern Michigan University, Sr., G, 5-8
Jillian Robbins, University of Tulsa, Jr., F, 6-1
Casey Rost, Western Michigan Univ., Sr., G, 5-9
Lindsay Shearer, Kent State University, Sr., F, 6-1
Zane Teilane , Western Illinois University, Sr., C, 6-7

Region 5
LaToya Bond, University of Missouri, Sr., G, 5-7
LaToya Davis, Texas Tech University, Sr., F, 6-1
Erin Grant, Texas Tech University, Sr., G, 5-8
Tiffany Jackson, University of Texas, Jr., F, 6-3
Courtney Paris, University of Oklahoma, Fr., C, 6-4
Sophia Young, Baylor University, Sr., F, 6-1

Region 6
Melanie Boeglin, Indiana State University, Sr., G, 5-6
Jessica Davenport, Ohio State University, Jr., C, 6-5
Katie Gearlds, Purdue University, Jr., G/F, 6-1
Kari Koch, Missouri State University, Sr., G, 5-9
Liz Shimek, Michigan State University, Sr., F, 6-1
Crystal Smith, University of Iowa, Sr., G, 5-6

Region 7
Ambrosia Anderson, Brigham Young University, Sr., F, 6-1
Leilani Mitchell, University of Idaho, Jr., G, 5-5
Mandy Morales, University of Montana, Fr., G, 5-9
Aarica Ray-Boyd, Louisiana Tech University, Sr., G, 6-0
Kim Smith, University of Utah, Sr., F, 6-1
Tasha Williams, Louisiana Tech University, Sr., G, 5-7

Region 8
Nikki Blue, UCLA, Sr., G, 5-8
Eshaya Murphy, USC, Jr., G, 5-11
Noelle Quinn, UCLA, Jr., G, 6-0
Brooke Smith, Stanford University, Jr., C, 6-3
Candice Wiggins, Stanford University, So., G, 5-11
Lisa Willis, UCLA, Sr., G, 5-11

CHARLTON JIMERSON GRAND SLAM LIFTS ASTROS

Charlton (CJ) Jimerson (BT 1999) hit a grand slam home run in a March 10 spring training game against the Nationals. CJ's spring training batting average stands at .263 in 8 games. His slugging average is .526.

It was a great few weeks for Big Train players past and present. Here are some of the highlights:

Trey Cuevas (BT 2004 & 2005) hit three home runs Sunday March 5 to lead Southern Mississippi to a 15-3 victory over Illinois State. Drew Carson (BT 2004 & 2005) and Luke Adkins (BT 2006) also homered for Southern Miss.

Dustin Pease (BT 2005 & 2006) won NEC Pitcher of the Week honors for Mount Saint Mary's. The Junior lefty went 2-0 last week with a 1.32 ERA.

Jackson Brennan (BT 2002) was West Coast Conference Player of the Month for February.

Luke Hopkins (BT 2004) was named Louisville Slugger and Rosenblatt Report National Hitter of the Week. Hopkins hit .500 (10-20) with three home runs and 15 RBI in four games for the Aggies. In a three-game series against Northern Colorado, Hopkins was 8-for-15 with 14 RBI, three home runs and six runs scored. On Saturday, he was 4-for-5 with five RBI, and on Sunday, he was 3-for-5 with eight RBI and two home runs.

Two Big Train Matts (both BT 2006) led Santa Clara to a 6-0 win over San Jose State last Sunday. Matt Long led the Broncos (9-7) with a 3-for-4 performance. Redshirt freshman Matt Wickswat improved to 3-0, allowing five hits and one walk and striking out five in 7 1/3 innings.

GROUP RATES FOR BIG TRAIN SUMMER CAMPS

Go to camp with a few friends this summer and save money. There are discounts for those who sign-up for the 2006 Big Train Summer Baseball & Softball Camps with four or more friends through our webpage at www.bigtrain.org. If you sign-up for the Big Train camp, you can buy a 2006 Family Season Pass for half-price -- $50.

HACOPIAN BASEBALL ACADEMY SUMMER TEAMS

The Baseball Academy will field two Varsity level teams and a JV team this summer. Each team will play a 30-35 game schedule in the Northern Virginia Travel baseball League. They will schedule games in June and July. Practices will begin in May. The goal of our team program is to develop players and allow them to compete at the highest level.

Varsity Team

They will rate the varsity teams to ensure that players and teams are competing at the appropriate level. The NVTBL has a rating system for the Varsity division. Their goal is to have both teams playing at the most competitive level. They will choose 26 players for our Varsity program. This program is for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and rising freshman in college. During the month of May, they will practice and scrimmage two to three times a week to determine rosters. Some players may play games for both teams based on team and player needs.

JV Team

Their JV team will be for rising freshman and sophomores. They will choose 13 players for this program.

Coaches, Practice, and Games

Members of their Academy professional coaching staff will coach the teams. Derek Hacopian will be a field coach for one of the teams. Each team will have one field coach for games. Teams will practice together once a week with all team coaches present. The practice field will be located near the Baseball Academy in Gaithersburg. This will allow them to utilize the indoor facility on the same day for hitting and pitching skill training. Their typical weekly schedule will include one practice, two games during the week, and a doubleheader on Saturday or Sunday.

Selection Process

They will hold personal or small group tryouts for players interested in the team program. Please let us know which program you are interested in (JV or Varsity). Contact Derek Hacopian at dhacopian@dhbaseballacademy.com to schedule a tryout.

Many of our players from our summer/fall 2005 teams may not need to tryout. Please contact us if you are interested in playing on the summer 2006 team.

Cost

The cost of our team program is $1500.00 They will offer a two-payment option for your convenience. You can pay by check or credit card.

First payment due date: 4/1/2006
Second payment due date: 5/1/2006

This fee includes uniforms and all league and game fees. Players participating in the team program will receive a free membership to the indoor facility training area during the months of May, June, and July.

"Battle on the Ship - 4th Annual Mid-Atlantic HS Baseball Classic"

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND AT COLLEGE PARK'S SHIPLEY FIELD

Coaches & Players: For high school baseball players that are (2009, 2008, 2007) graduates and have the interest in playing college baseball, please reserve your spot at the 4th Annual Mid-Atlantic High School Baseball Classic. The ³Battle on the Ship² again will be held at the University of Maryland¹s Shipley Field, August 4 and August 6. Several College Recruiters will be on site in College Park, which makes for excellent exposure to showcase your baseball skills. The All-Star Game portion of the Classic will again be televised where the rosters are comprised of the ³North All-Stars, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware All-Stars vs. the ³South All-Stars’ Virginia, Carolina and Washington, D.C. All-Stars players.

Lou Holcomb, Director
Mid-Atlantic High School Baseball Classic
Associate Scout, Baltimore Orioles
Member, Mid-Atlantic Major League Baseball Scouting Association
(410) 767-8726
Brochures visit: www.diamondrecruiting.com

SPORTS NOTES

On Monday, March 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Glenwood Branch of the Howard County, Fred Glueckstein will discuss his book, ³The 1927 Yankees. It is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available following the discussion.

Who remembers the Washington Times-Herald newspaper? What was the page in that paper that you turned to first?

Who remembers where Uncle Billy's and Rosies were located?

Fred Plummer sent word that Kenneth Allen (AHS-49) passed away on March 15th. Fred also sent some sad news, the passing of Nancy Elam (AHS-53) who passed on March 2nd and passing of Joanne Hulvey Waton (AHS-52), our deepest sympathy goes to their families.

Phil Sullivan’ please get in touch with Ruthie Cocoran Calvert, she said she wonders where you have been wandering.

A source that does not want his name disclosed said John Mappas would return to Chesapeake College next season as men's basketball coach.

DeMatha won its 18th DC city boys basketball championship beating Cardozo 87-57 and Good Counsel won the city girl¹s title downing H.D. Woodson 62-34.

What was the number one song on July 28, 1954 according to Billboard Magazine? Try ³Little Things Mean a Lot by Kathy Kallen.

The Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County Maryland is sponsoring a fundraiser for charity, on Saturday evening June 10th, at the Bowie Baysox game in Prince Georges County. The game time is 7:05 P.M. and will be followed by a fireworks display; the evening also will feature appearances by veteran players from the Negro Leagues. SABR member Cort Vitty will be handling ticket sales for South County Rotary. The cost is $15.00 per person for upgraded seating; parking is free. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit local charities. Please email Cort at cort@picturethisonline.com for ticket requests.

One of my favorite people Bobbie Hayden Brown is moving to Delaware.

I wonder where the following people are today’ Jack Sargent; Judy Hurst; Doug Hale; Priscella Harison; Dottie Henshaw; Midge Russell; Jack Ellis; Chuck Rutkay, and Barbara Balaquer?

WE GET LETTERS

Bill,
You like boxing and you are on the State Athletic Commission that regulates boxing, my question to you is who do you think is the best boxing ring announcer?
"Baltimore Bob."

Bob,
I knew a Bob Roberts who lived in Baltimore is that you? I will give you three winners’Michael Buffer, Pat O¹Malley, and Nino del Buno, they are my favorites and are outstanding.
Bill

Bill,
Are you pushing for "discombobulating Jones to do an HBO gig? I heard he was up for a job with them.
Donale Smith

Dear D.S.,
Absolutely not! He is one of the most irritating, non-knowledgeable, big mouth persons I've heard do ring announcing.
Bill

Ok, Bill,
You got my curiosity up with the following in your column:
To Mystery One no I haven't heard from Dale. I hope nothing has happened to her. I see Bob Simi this week and I don't believe he's heard from her lately. Even Jack Pitt hadn't heard. Just who might "The Mystery One" be?
I too had not heard much from Dale. I did hear from her that she has started a new job so I suppose she doesn't have as much free time.
Marlene

Marlene,
Dale is back. At this time I cannot reveal Mystery One's identity.
Bill

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