Sports Beat column - March 28, 2008

Sports Beat

March 28, 2008

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

Join the movement! This refers to the bike rides, runs, walks for MS which are coming up. One of the leaders is former Maryland State Senator Frank ³ Bevo ² Shore , Captain of the Mark Shore MS team. He needs volunteers and donations; you can contact him at 301-468-1225. Please give him a call he needs help in this worthy effort.

JOCKS' REUNION REPLY

Bill: I received your request for an explanation for the Jocks' honoring only from the 1930 and 1940. I asked our Chairman and one of the original committee members, Charlie Brotman, to respond. At our recent committee meeting, our entire committee members concur with Charlie's explanation. Joe

Dear Joe -- Bill McCaffrey has been a really good friend - of yours and mine -- for many years. He's a terrific guy - and I feel he's been a good friend of the Jocks Reunion, offering constructive criticisms and ideas. I feel he's certainly due an explanation as to why we have elected to have a Jocks Reunion for former students and sandlot athletes from the years of the 1930s and 1940s exclusively.

As you recall, it was 33 years ago (1976) that a small group of high school athletes (all self-proclaimed Jocks), got the "bright" idea to have a reunion. I was elected Chairman of the newly formed organization. Since all of our group went to school in the '40s, we wanted a reunion of high school athletes and sandlot players exclusively from the 1940s. Then, when word started getting around, I was the recipient of a number of telephone calls, saying what a great idea this was - and, "I know this reunion was for the 1940s, but I played ball in the late '30s, will it be ok if I attend?" And, I, of course, said "Sure. Love to have you. The more the merrier!" So, we changed the "ground rules" to reflect the 1930s and 1940s. Then, a few days later, I received a call from a former student who said basically he had heard about the upcoming reunion and wanted to know if he could attend, even though he played in the early '50s. So, once again I said "Sure!" After all, it was just a "few" jocks getting together to have fun, and remember all the good times we had years before.

This continued for the next several years - or until 1983, when we inaugurated the Jocks Hall of Fame. Our selection committee (about 15 members from the original group - all from the 1930s and 1940s) - made recommendations of former high school and sandlot players to be considered for the Jocks Hall of Fame (having played with or against other athletes from the '30s and '40s). When it came time to discuss athletes from the 1950s, we were stumped! We asked around - got as much information as we could, and actually inducted 22 high school athletes (from the 1950s) - the years: 1986 thru 2002. (A few of those outstanding athletes included Tom Brown, Billy Smith, Red Auerbach, the Fabulous Five, Phil Perlo, Leo Speros, Mike Sommers and several others).

Then, in 2003, the committee admitted that they were not qualified to select hall of famers from the 1950s, not having played with them, against them, or even knew any of them. So we felt it was in everyone's best interests to stick with the '30s and '40s.

I made an effort to contact some personal friends of mine, all with sports backgrounds, to create a similar "Jocks Reunion" for the 1950s and 1960s. To date I have had no takers.

My immediate selection of someone with a sports background, who is knowledgeable about area athletes (past and present), who is an organizer, well-known and respected throughout the community - plus other virtues -- it would be BILL MCCAFFREY.

Joe, as always, you do an outstanding job of making the Jocks Reunion as successful as it presently is. And, I'm also pleased that we have been able to donate many dollars to the Prince Georges County Boys and Girls Clubs every year for the past 33 years. Best wishes, always. Charlie Brotman

Guys, Thanks for your reply and I am asking 1950¹s guys like Dan Droze, John Linthicum, Bob Simi, Jim Wexler, Chick Payne, Ed Cole, Denny Donaldson, Don Abrams, and some others plus local sports historians like Dan Morrison and Dick Heller to help out and we may even include the 1960¹s. Also thanks for your offers to help. Bill

Bill, Whenever you need a ³helping hand², just give me a call or email. I do hope you¹ll have the time to create and direCt a 1950¹s ³Jocks Reunion². It will be an instant success. Its virgin territory and I know there are hundreds of super stars from that era. Best Wishes. Charlie

Joe, Good reply I will need your and Charles help in setting up a 1950s one, been to the G&M lately? Say hello to Charlie and Horace for me. Bill

Bill, You stick to the 30's and 40's much longer...... there will be more and more awards given out to people who have passed on..... With the 50¹s, it would be a lot more fun to have them alive and present....... to pick up their award in person. Since I'm too young to have seen any of the 50's folks in person....I can certainly provide whatever All Highs/ All Mets....championship game stats for stars of the 50's ..... A guy like sportswriter Dick Heller (still hooked up with the Wash Times) who arrived on the DC High School newspaper scene in the early 50's..... would be a great resource for the 50's... Of course, with the 50¹s, comes 1954 and Inter high integration, ....now that's yet another issue to run by the OL' Jocks H OF Board..... P.S....Did they ever publicize this years inductees? Dan

BASEBALL SEASON OPENS

Baseball is back and it will be a long season in the B/W area. Baltimore will be bad, Washington will be decent but being in a tough division will hold them back.

Here¹s a look at the American League:
EAST
NEW YORK YANKEES I like them to take the East out distancing Boston . Watch out for Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Robinson Cano. BOSTON Bartelo Colon is no Curt Schilling.
TORONTO‹Scott Rolen and David Eckstein were good pickups for this team.
TAMPA BAY Scott Kazmir, James Shields, and B J Upton are all better than anyone the Orioles have. They should have kept Reed Johnson.
ORIOLES‹Worse team in the league, worse organization in baseball and with the worse media and PR department. Nick Markakis, Melvin Mora, Brian Roberts (if not traded), Luke Scott, Daniel Cabrera are standouts on a very poor team. Adam Jones will be a flop. Matt Wieters should have been a keeper.

CENTRAL
CLEVELAND‹has the pitching and a great catcher in Victor Martinez. Jake Westbrook could have a very good season.
DETROIT‹this could be a super season for the Tigers with newcomers Miguel Cabrera, Edgar Renteria and Dontrella Willis to go along with Justin Verlander.
CHICAGO‹look for Marylander Gavin Floyd to finally have a break out season. Minnesota‹Boof Bonser, how can you go wrong with him and Justin Morneau? Twins could move as high as second.
KANSAS CITY‹Alex Gordon goes upscale.

WEST
LOS ANGELES‹the class of the West. How can you go wrong with Vladimir Guerro, John Lackey, Kelvin Excobar, Casey Kotchman and newcomer Jon Garland.
SEATTLE‹team could have explosion they have super talent. Erik Bedard rounds out what could be the best staff in the American League. Look for Kenji Johzima to move in as the best catcher in the American League.
OAKLAND‹why did the Orioles ever let Jack Cust go? Houston Street is back and Justin Duchecherer moves in as the A¹s number three in the rotation.
TEXAS‹not a world beater in any department, I believe John Patterson and Sidney Ponson have Ranger minor league contracts. Leo Mazone could help the pitching on this staff and he¹s available. The only two teams this team can beat are the Orioles and Royals.

Next week I¹ll have my National League picks.

BASEBALL NOTES

I think I would have taken a little more time with John Patterson than the Nationals did, the Phillies Brad Lidge will start the season on the DL as will Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir. Twins closer Joe Nathan gets a four year, 47 million dollar contract form the Twins. Kerry Wood is the closer for the Cubs. Look for the Rays to recall Evan Longoria early.

Tony Thompson to Fight for Heavyweight Title

Thompson next for Klitschko! IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (50-3, 44 KOs ) will next defend his world titles against WBO mandatory challenger Tony Thompson. "The fight will take place this July in Germany ," Klitschko told BILD. The 6′ 5 Thompson is currently the top American hope in the heavyweight division with a record of 31-1 with 19 KOs . He has 27 straight wins and has been unbeaten for eight years. The winner of Klitschko-Thompson will have a mandatory due around the end of the year against IBF mandatory Alexander Povetkin (15-0, 11 KOs ). This is just fantastic. Tony started his career in the Ballroom and has fought here six times. Including three of his four. He has shown tremendous patience waiting for this opportunity. We wish him all the best, hoping he comes home with a title. Don't forget, live fights next Thursday (April 3rd) here in Michael's Ballroom. Tickets are available at 410-766-7474 Thursday APRIL 3rd is set full of fireworks at Michael's Eighth Avenue for Ballroom Boxing #90. Undefeated Super Middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall (15-0-1) will be Bruce "The Rage" Rumbolz (21-15-2, 15 KO's). This is a true step up for Paschall as Rumbolz has competed with world class opposition throughout his career. This sets up for a terrific fight. The main event is Thomas Snow (10-0) vs. Tyrell Samuel (9-2). This 10 round bout is for the Md. State Featherweight Title. Also featured on the card is undefeated Featherweight Carbey "Beeper" Bowman (8-0) from York , Pa. It will be a great night of fights and fun. Tickets are available by calling 410-766-7474.

Langhorne, Toliver Finalists for WBCA Player of the Year
Terps among 12 finalists for honor

Two Terrapins were among the 12 finalists named for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) Wade Trophy, presented to the collegiate women's basketball national player of the year. Senior Crystal Langhorne and junior Kristi Toliver are among the players in contention for the honor, the WBCA and National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) recently announced. Crystal Langhorne is a finalist for the award for the second-straight year. A two-time All-American, she was named the ACC's Player of the Year after averaging 19.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg in conference action. Maryland 's scoring and rebounding leader, scoring over 2,000 points and grabbing over 1,000 rebounds, Langhorne leads the team with 17.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg. She is Maryland 's only four-time all-conference pick and is one of only 10 players in the history of the league to earn first team All-ACC nods. Kristi Toliver is having a career season, averaging 16.8 points per game. She leads the ACC and is ranked in the top five in the nation averaging 7.5 apg. She recently broke a 30-year old ACC single-season record for assists, having handed out 262 in 35 games. Toliver was a first-team All-ACC pick, the second-straight year she was named to the all-conference team. Joining Langhorne and Toliver on the list are Matee Ajavon and Essence Carson from Rutgers, Tina Charles and Renee Montgomery from Connecticut, LSU's Sylvia Fowles, North Carolina's Erlana Larkins, Louisville'a Angel McCoughtry, Oklahoma's Courtney Paris, and Stanford's Candice Wiggins. The candidates were selected by a vote of the State Farm Wade Trophy Committee, comprised of leading basketball coaches, journalists and basketball administrators. Members of the committee select the winner of the State Farm Wade Trophy from the 10-member Division I State Farm Coaches' All-America Team and will be announced at a press conference during the WBCA National Convention on Saturday, April 5 at 9:45 a.m. in Tampa , Fla. The top seed in the regional, Maryland prepares to face fourth-seeded Vanderbilt in Spokane , Wash. , on Saturday, March 29. The game is slated for a 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET time start and will be televised on ESPN. The Terps are making their second NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in three years.

Langhorne, Toliver Finalists for All-America Honor
All-America Team to be announced April 5

Maryland's Crystal Langhorne and Kristi Toliver were named finalists for the 10-member State Farm/Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-American team, the WBCA announced today. Both are among the 40 finalists for the honor. Senior Crystal Langhorne and junior Kristi Toliver were chosen from a list of 52 players. The 52 players represented the WBCA Regional All-Americans over eight regions. Langhorne is the first-ever Maryland women's basketball player to earn regional honors three times. The program's leading scorer and rebounder, and the only men's or women's basketball player at Maryland with 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, she grabbed her 1,200th career rebound against Coppin State, the seventh player in ACC history to achieve the milestone. Toliver earned the honor for the first time in her career. She broke the single-season ACC assists record against the Eagles in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, a mark which had stood for 20 years. Both Terps were first team All-ACC honorees, with Langhorne earning the recognition for the third-straight year. Langhorne was also voted the ACC's Player of the Year. Toliver is an all-conference pick for the second year in a row. The State Farm Coaches' All-America Basketball team for NCAA Division I will be announced at the State Farm Coaches' All-America team press conference at the Tampa Hyatt Regency on April 5 at 9:45 a.m. in Tampa , Fla. The Terps beat Nebraska in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday, March 25 at the Comcast Center . Maryland is the No. 1 seed in the Spokane Regional and is riding a 20-game home win streak.

WE GET LETTERS

Bill, The Chesapeake Ladies Golf Association will be starting their 2008 Golf Season with an opening night at Renditions. I can give you more details if you wish. We are also sponsoring our 4th Rally For A Cure on Thursday, June 19th at Eisenhower Golf Course. Carolyn

Dear Carolyn, Send me the details or maybe we can have lunch at Bella Napoli and go over the details. Bill

Hi Bill, Enjoyed your Good Friday message - I admire the fact that you are never afraid to speak out for our Lord and Savior. We send our best wishes to you and your wife on this Resurrection Sunday. We are all blessed for the sacrifice He made on our behalf! Keep up on your Obama messages, as well. He scares me to death! As much as I dislike Hilary, he would be worse. I just wish America would wake up and realize what he stands for. He has the personality to draw anyone in to his way of thinking - just like the anti-Christ. Hugs to you. . . Roger & Margot Lusby

Margot & Roger, So many folks I know feel the way you do and I think this time there is a silent majority that¹s finally waking up. I hope you had a wonderful and blessed Easter. Say hello to Adele for me. Bill

Bill, Who is Marian D. and how does she know about our escapades at the Rocks? I only know of the Fowlers, were there others? Need I go into hiding when your book comes out? When are you coming to Florida or will you come to MI this summer? Phil P.S. How do I get hold of Kapnik?

Phil, Keep guessing you might hit it. Her close friend was Margarite Stephens and Marian was a dirty blond (I might add in more ways than one). Bill

Bill, I am looking for information on the Washington DC Boxing Hall of Fame. Where is it located and is Eldridge Thompson, a former Marine and 1950 and 52 amateur Light Heavyweight Champion an inductee? Maj Kearse Major Ron Kearse Sports Operations Officer, Semper Fit

Major, I will check and let you know. Bill

You know anyone interested in catching an Oriole/Nationals game? It's a fundraiser for Northern High Basketball, they have 100 tickets to this event!!! I have attached a flyer; it's on Saturday, May 17th. A bullpen party 5:30 to 7:00, and game is at 7:05 - it's at Camden yards, not the new stadium. You get a meal, get to catch a game and it benefits the Northern High patriots basketball team, my little brother would get some benefit as well. Northern is raising money for its program, and kids get credit for ticket sales. My brother is planning on attending a Five Star basketball Camp at Robert Morris University this July as well as attending with his teammates the Paul Webb Team Camp at VCU at the end of July. Any funds they help raise gives them some credit on these camp costs. If you know anyone interested let me know, I'll get you signed up and you can forward be the money or meet up with me. All money and ticket requests are due by April 28, 2008! Thanks for considering Dennis

NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL PRESENTS
AN EVENING AT THE PARK
Orioles vs. Nationals

When:         May 17, 2008
Where:        Orioles Park , Baltimore , Maryland
Cost:          $45.00 per person
Time:           Bullpen Party: 5:30-7:00 P.M.
Game Time: 7:05 P.M.

The Event includes:
* Ticket to the Game ·
* Picnic in the bullpen(located in center field)
* Bourbon Barbecue brisket of beef, slow cooked& tender, piled high on a Kaiser roll
* Kosher style hot dogs on a bakery fresh bun
* Farfalle pasta salad with mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, grilled red onions& parmesan garlic dressing
* Popcorn
* Ice cream
* Cookies
* ALL YOU CAN DRINK BEVERAGES

Bill, Happy Easter! I¹m gonna head up a new Prince George¹s sports entertainment and hospitality committee beginning in June for the chamber, may end up on their board as well. Wondering if you¹d honor me and us with agreeing to be part of my inaugural committee? Figure we can stir up some good trouble and do some good for folks in the process. They say they have never done anything like it before. I¹d like to make sure of that, your contributions would help that. God Bless ya real good now ya hear! Rich Daniel General Manager DC Divas

Dear Rich, Thanks and Happy Easter to you. I would be glad to join you. Bill

Bill, When are they bringing back
"Cane"
"Moonlight" - April 25***
"Monk"
"Burn Notice" ?
"Las Vegas" ? CANCELLED ***
none of the others are returning this spring..... FYI = a must have TV website to Bookmark Dan

Thanks Dan, We must try and save ³ Las Vegas ² and ³Canterbury Law². Bill

Bill, Pete Nozza went under surgery on Tuesday, March 25th at St. Barnabas Medical Center. You can send get well cards to Pete at: St. Barnabas Medical Center 94 Old Short Hills Road Livingston, NJ 07039 Thanks, Henry

Dear Henry, Our prayers are with Pete and he is on our list. Bill

All-Decade Team: And the Winners Are...
Big Train All-Time All-Stars
By Bill Hickman

As we move into the tenth year of Big Train baseball, it is fitting to look back at some of the stellar players who have graced the Big Train uniform. To do that, we have assembled an all-time all-star team covering our first nine years of play. The team was constructed using three mechanisms. First, the four Big Train players who went on to play in the major leagues were placed automatically on the team. Second, fan voting governed the selection for most of those who were placed on the team. Third, a committee consisting of manager Sal Colangelo, general manager David Ireland, and team historian Bill Hickman reviewed the results of fan voting and added a few more players to the team based on their consensus that these were deserving players who shouldn't be omitted.

The all-time all-star team is as follows (names in alphabetical order within positions):
* First base - Brian LaNinfa
* Second base - Greg Lemon, Bert Smith
* Shortstop - Pat Boran
* Third base - Mike Costanzo, Jon Karcich
* Outfield - Nick Cleckler, Casey Gilvin, Charlton Jimerson, Jonnie Knoble, Matt Long
* Catcher - Michael McKenry
* Starters and Relievers - Brian Anderson, Byron Binda, Chris Cullen, Gus Hlebovy, Matt Kleweno, Bobby Livingston, John Maine, Keith Moreland, Adam Redd, Steve Schmoll
* Closer - Wyatt Stewart

Mike Costanzo, 3B (BT 2003) was Big Train's MVP in 2003. He batted .340 in 30 games and had a slugging percentage of .534. He also pitched in nine games for Big Train and had a 3-1 record with a miniscule 0.33 ERA. He entered the minor leagues in the Philadelphia Phillies' system in 2005 as a second round draft pick. He was traded to the Baltimore Orioles over this past winter and has been playing with them this spring as a non-roster invitee to spring training. Last year he played at the AA level with the Reading Phillies and batted .270 with 27 homers and 86 RBI. He attended Coastal Carolina University.

Charlton "CJ" Jimerson, OF (BT 1999) suffered an injury the summer he was with Big Train and only played in 9 games, but he went on to enjoy a great deal of success in professional baseball. He played in the Houston organization for six years (2001-06). He made his major league debut with the Astros on September 14, 2005. With AAA Round Rock in 2006, he hit .247 with 18 homers, 45 RBI, and 28 stolen bases. That earned him a promotion back to the Astros, where he hit .333 in 17 games. He was picked up by the Seattle Mariners for the 2007 season, and hit .276 with 23 HR, 73 RBI, and 30 stolen bases for their AA team at West Tennessee . That performance plus a brief stint with AAA Tacoma brought a September 2007 promoti on to the Mariners, where he batted a perfect 1.000 in 2 games. He attended University of Miami in Florida .

Bobby Livingston, P (BT 2001) had a 2-3 record with a 2.19 ERA in 2001. He came to Big Train from Trinity Christian High School . On Big Train's biggest attendance night -- 1,326 fans -- Bobby led the team in a 10-2 victory over Silver Spring-Takoma. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners and showed a lot of promise as he made his way through their minor league system. In 2002, he had a 6-5 record with a 3.02 ERA for Everett in the Northwest League. ; In 2003, he went 15-7 with a 2.73 ERA for Wisconsin in the higher A level Midwest League. In 2004, he chalked up a 12-6 record with a 3.57 ERA for Inland Empire at the highest A level. In 2005, he went 8-4 at AA San Antonio and earned a promotion to the AAA level, where he went 6-2. On April 26, 2006, he made his major league debut with the Mariners. Over the following winter, he was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds. He divided the 2007 season between Louisville of the AAA International League and the Reds. Going into 2007, he is on the Reds' 40-man roster, but is also on the disabled list.

John Maine, P (BT 2000) had a 4-1 record and a 1.80 ERA in 2000. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles' organization in July of 2002, and advanced rapidly. He posted ERA's lower than 2.00 at both Aberdeen and Delmarva in 2002. In 2003, he had a 7-3 record an a 1.53 at Delmarva, so he was promoted to Frederick , where he went 6-1 with a 3.07 ERA for the remainder of that season. He pitched a no-hitter against Winston-Salem on July 3 of that year. He began 2004 with AA Bowie, and again breezed through another level. He won 4 games without a loss, and posted a 2.25 ERA. He was then promoted to AAA Ottawa, and subsequently made his major league debut on July 23, 2004 with the Orioles. He spent more time with Ottawa in 2005, but was promoted once again to the Orioles that year. Over the winter, he went to the New York Mets in the Kris Benson trade.&am p;nbs p; Prophetically, his entry in the 2000 Big Train program said that his favorite team was the Mets. After beginning 2006 in the Mets' minor league system, he was promoted to the major league team and posted a 6-5 record with a 3.60 ERA. He became a regular starter in 2007, as he posted a 15-10 record and won some important games in the Mets' chase for the pennant. He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Keith Moreland, P (BT 2004, 06-07) was the Big Train Most Outstanding Pitcher in 2004 and co-Most Outstanding Pitcher in 2007. He had the second best ERA in the Griffith League at 1.16, and he shares second place all-time for Big Train ERA leaders with Byron Binda. On July 14, 2004, he tossed a no-hitter. He was named to the All-League team at the end of the 2 004 se ason. He co-holds the Big Train season record for wins (6) and holds the team's season record for winning percentage (.857) among those who had at least 7 decisions. His career record for Big Train is a lofty 11-1 for a .917 career winning percentage. He was an All-Star in 2006 and 2007. He attends the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Adam Redd, P (BT 2002-06) has spent more seasons with Big Train than any other player. He won the Big Train Hustle Award in 2004 and the Big Train Distinguished Service Award in 2006. He played in the All-Star Games those two years. In 2005, he was named the Big Train Most Outstanding Pitcher. He was also the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate League Pitcher of the Week for the June 21-26 period that year. He had a 3-1 re cord an d a 1.19 ERA in 2004, and a 5-0 record with a 2.42 ERA in 2005. For his five years with Big Train, he chalked up a 12-6 record and a 2.91 ERA. On June 2, 2006, Adam excited the Big Train fans by playing all nine positions -- one per inning. He attends Virginia Tech University.

Steve Schmoll, P (BT 2000) had a 1-2 record with a 3.09 ERA in 2000. On May 25, 2003, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers' organization as an undrafted free agent. He began his professional playing career with the Ogden team in the Rookie Pioneer League in 2003. His record with Ogden was 3-1 with a 3.68 ERA. His performance improved significantly the following year. ; He had a 3-3 record with 10 saves and a 1.80 ERA with Vero Beach at the High A level Florida State League. Then he was promoted to AA level Jacksonville , where he went 0-2 with 2 saves and a 1.83 ERA. He made the Los Angeles Dodgers team coming out of spring training in 2005. His debut was on April 6, 2005. He made 48 appearances with the Dodgers, posting a 2-2 record with 3 saves and an ERA of 5.01. He finished the 2005 season at AAA Las Vegas, and was traded to the New York Mets over the winter. He spent 2006 and 2007 with the Mets' AAA teams (Norfolk and New Orleans respectively). As 2008 begins, he is still in the Mets' organization. He attended the Universit y of Maryland .

Joel, thanks for the information.

Applebee¹s Negro League Goodwill Ambassadors & B.A.L.L. Association, Inc. Presents
"The Unveiling of Negro League of Legends"

The celebration of an historic moment and the beginning of community awareness in education Monday, April 7, 2008 5:00 8:00 p.m. at 6798 Reisterstown Road , Baltimore , Maryland 21215 There will be pictures of Negro League Players from Baltimore that will be placed in Applebee¹s to give recognition of those forgotten legends. This will be the first of many Applebee¹s that will recognize their local Negro League Players. Picture unveiling ceremony for Mrs. Geraldine Day in honor of her late husband, Baltimore ¹s only Negro League Hall of Famer Leon Day. Along with other Negro League Legends including the late Ernest Burke of the Baltimore Elite Giants, Hubert ³Bert² Simmons the last of the Baltimore Elite Giants, and Joe Durham of the Chicago American Giants and the Baltimore Oriole s. Meet, eat and talk with former Negro League Baseball Players and Special Guest. Percentage of the proceeds from dining out at Applebee¹s on this date will go to the HERO Fund to support the widow of Leon Day.

Come meet the players and get autographs signed by:
Geraldine Day Widow of HOF 95 Leon Day (Baltimore Black Sox, Baltimore Elite Giants, Newark Eagles)
Bert Simmons Baltimore Elite Giants
Joe Durham Chicago American Giants, Former Baltimore Oriole
Luther Atkinson Satchel Paige Allstars
Eddie Banks Newark Eagles
Jimmy Bland Indianapolis Clowns
Al Burrows New York Black Yankees, Indianapolis Clowns, Author of ³Forgotten Negro League Star²

See an exhibit and video on the Negro Leagues. Negro League t-shirts, balls, jackets, caps, and books will be on sale. Autograph signing will be on hand. Larry O¹Neil, Negro League poet will be present. Wear you Negro League sportswear.

Our deepest condolences to the families of the following:
Charles Benton (former Governor Schaefer¹s financial advisor)
Richard Widmark (great movie actor) I thought he was great as Tommy Udo in ³Kiss of Death², Victor Mature also starred in this one, he appeared in more than 70 movies
Ruth Ann Hock (graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS)
James P. McGranery, Jr. (Georgetown Prep and University of Notre Dame)

I wonder where they are today--- Raymond Birn, Jerry Kaufmann, Charlotte Farmer, Joy Williamson, Frances Stringfellow, Bette Wiesecarver, Donna Moyer, Dolores Pastor, and Jim Sardo? I am still waiting for more information about roller derby in the B/W area. Wednesday, April 9 Northeast Democratic Club 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Rosedale Bank, 9916 Bel Air Road , Perry Hall. Frank Kratovil to speak. Call 410.256.4426 for details. Saturday, April 12 Dorchester County Dem Club Annual Dinner and Silent Auction 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Frank Kratovil is Keynote Speaker. For details call 410.754.8688. Wednesday, April 16 Anne Arundel Spring Fundraiser and Reception in Support of Frank Kratovi 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Historic Baldwin Hall, 1358 Millersville Road , Millersville. Event capacity is limited. Please RSVP by April 11 to contact@kratovil.com or 443.249.0607. Saturday, April 19 Worcester County DCC Kennedy-King Dinner 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Carousel Hotel, 118th Street , Ocean City . Frank Kratovil will speak. Call 410.641.7473 for details. Thursday, April 24 Anne Arundel County Jefferson- Jackson Dinner 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Michael's, 7720 Greyburn Drive, Glen Burnie . Frank Kratovil will speak.

FRANK IN THE MEDIA

Kratovil Looks to GOP Voters to Win Seat
Salisbury Daily Times, March 24,2008
Clay Larrimore is the kind of voter who could find himself in the cross hairs of a congressional race shaping up to be the hottest contest in Maryland this year. Larrimore's a Republican, and he's stuck with his party in congressional contests for years, but recently he attended a breakfast buffet hosted [for] a Democrat looking to regain the seat for Democrats for the first time in almost 20 years. "I'm scared of Harris being Western Shore . I know thatsounds prejudiced, but..." said Larrimore, trailing off.

Democrat, Congressional Hopeful, Speaks at Republican Meeting
Kent News, March 12, 2008
"Frank needs money in the bank and people to talk him up." That was Scott Bramble's assessment...at a breakfast meeting of Republicans for Kratovil. Bramble, who started Republicans for Kratovil, delivered a brief introduction and then turned the podium over to the candidate. [Kratovil stated,] "At the Chesapeake College candidate forum I wanted to go on the record that Congressman Gilchrest was a good man, who did a good job, but I could do better. I hope (you all) found that primary distasteful, that style of politics abhorrent." The group's organizers are Scott Bramble, Joe Flanagan, Trey Hill, Frank Frohn, Howard Rose and Karen Willis. Everybody "thinks Mr. Kratovil's views are similar, very close to the Congressman's," [stated Willis]. "My career has been based on making decisions on facts, law, right and wrong and what I think is fair," Kratovil said. "The truth is somewhere in the middle," between the agendas that people bring to both criminal cases and politics. "My decisions will be based on fairness, not based on politics."

Kratovil: People Coming Together Best Part of Politics
The Sunday Star Democrat, March 9, 2008
Queen Anne's County State 's Attorney Frank M. Kratovil Jr...spoke to the annual meeting of the Democratic Club of Caroline County . "This, here, is the best part of politics, people coming together with a common purpose, joining together..." Kratovil said. Kratovil said a weak economy is the main issue now, although people can debate whether the country is in a recession. He said (Republicans) arguing that Democrats are spenders is difficult now with large sums spent on the war and unprecedented borrowing. "Something that hits us everday ... is fuel prices," Kratovil said.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Frank Kratovil, his family and eighty volunteers from all over District 1 gathered recently at the new Kent Island Fire House for a party to thank those who helped Frank win the primary election. Delicious food was provided by The Spot at Kent Narrows . Frank thanked everyone for the contribution of their time and effort in support of his campaign. Staffing and website changes are now in progress, so please be patient with us. Look for more details in the next edition of Campaign Notes. There are lots of ways you can help the Kratovil for Congress campaign, including door-to-door literature drops, phoning voters, and attending/supporting events. For opportunity details click "Ways I Can Help" below. Thank you for your support!

* WEBMASTER COMMENT:
Elect ANDREW HARRIS in the FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT on NOV 4, 2008!

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