Sports Beat column - April 27, 2006

Sports Beat
April 27, 2006

McCaffrey's World by Bill McCaffrey

The NFL draft comes up this weekend and both area teams need help despite what the Washington Redskins tell you they need a quarterback and Jason Campbell is not the answer, actually the Baltimore Ravens are better off with Kyle Boller.

Both teams wish they had a shot at Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Vince Young, Jay Cutler but hey they have no shot at one of the big names in the draft.

Two Maryland players should go high â¤³ Vernon Davis and Dâ¤Quell Jackson. The Redskins need a linebacker to take the place of LaVar Arrington and I figure they will get one with the 53rd pick in the draft.

The Ravens have the 13th pick and would like to get QB Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt but unless they move up in the draft I think heâ¤ll be gone when they draft.

I think Davis will be taken by Mike Nolan and the San Francisco 49â¤ers.

Frank Shore took in the Jocks Reunion and was concerned that the food spread was skimpy and he didnâ¤t feel he got his money worth. He saw Lenny Kanthal, Dave Prinkert, and Alvie Heft. Shore told me that Heft told him that Hymic Perlo is in very bad health. Shore also remarked as to why folks like Lou Luce, Dickie Harris, Chick Payne, Danny Droze, Chow Chavis, Billy Wright, and Bill Nolan among others who arenâ¤t in the Hall.

BOXING NEWS

Don't forget the BIG fight card at Michaelâ¤s 8th Avenue in Glen Burnie on May 4th. They had a real barn burner last time out so donâ¤t miss this one.

Jake Smith had a great pro-am card on April 21st at the Pikesville Armory and hereâ¤s the results of the pro-side: Jarell Mason-Jackson KOâ¤ed Henry Mayes at 2:55 in the second round. Jessie Nicklow unanimous decision over Don Schrock Bobby Jordan unanimous decision over Williw Williams Jayson Campion unanimous decision over Jacline Kennedy Matt Hill unanimous decision over Richard Heath.

Wladimir Klitschko put Chris Byrd away in the seventh round in an IBF heavyweight championship fight.

Hasim â¤¦Has Beenâ¤? Rahman put the â¤¦Bigâ¤? diss on five Anne Arundel Schools when he didnâ¤t show at any of the five this past Monday. Just a misunderstanding I guess.

D.C. DIVAS DOUSE BALTIMORE'S BURN
Tiffany â¤¦Spaceghostâ¤? Matthews ran for a 35 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to give the Divas a 13-0 lead and they held on for a 13-6 win over their arch rival, the Baltimore Burn, in a rain-soaked season opener. Former linebacker turned fullback, Matthews racked up 86 yards in just 6 carries. â¤¦I just kept thinking that I had the advantage because Baltimore did not know what to expect with me running the ball, said Matthews, who was named the offensive game MVP. The 6 carries and 86 yards are both career highs for the Alexandria firefighter.

Fullbacks for the Divas turned into scoring machines with Tarlesha Wayne bulling over from the 2 yard line in the second quarter to give the Divas a 7-0 lead. Wayne, Matthews and Claudia Hogan also carried out the traditional role of opening the way for the â¤¦runningâ¤? backs. Rachelle Pecovsky was the biggest beneficiary with an 86 yard performance on 14 carries. The 7 year veteran in her first game with the Divas, helped lead a 36 carry 229 yard rushing night for the Divas.

The Divas defense dominated the Burn, holding them to 105 total yards. Defensive MVP Vickie Lucas led the way with a 6 tackle and 3 assist night. â¤¦This is just one of 11 this yearâ¤? said Lucas in reference to the 11 game season the Divas want to complete. The team is focused on 8 regular season games and then two playoff games culminating with the NWFA championship in Pittsburgh on August 5th.

NEXT UP: The Divas travel to Tidewater, VA to take on the Tidewater Floods on Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The Divas will practice at Sasser Field in Upper Marlboro, Md. (5600 Old Crain Highway) on Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm and are available for interviews. Practices are open to the media only.

In the spring of 2001, the D.C. Divas began its womenâ¤s tackle football debut as a team in the National Womenâ¤s Football Association (NWFA). The D.C. Divas players are women from all types of professions (doctors, lawyers, police officers, teachers, engineers, mechanics, etc.) with various athletic backgrounds (rugby players, flag football players, divers, swimmers, runners, volleyball players, etc.).

If you would like more information please contact:
Rich Daniel, D.C. Divas General Manager, at 240-676-5090 or email gm@dcdivas.com - Diva Nation.

Although the forecast called for rain, I refused to believe it until I woke up on Saturday morning. Even though I was busy getting game plans together and final preparation I kept one eye looking out of the window. The rain would stop, then start, then stop, and then start again. Right before kickoff it was a downpour. I was amazed at the field during game time. It really drained well and was not much of a factor for either side during the contest.

As always the Burn showed up to play. They were ready, but so were we. In another closely won game I believe we were able to get ride of the butterflies. Of course during the game there was outstanding play on both sides of the ball. On defense Vickie Lucas had an outstanding game, and Ivy Tillman was all over the field â¤³ as usual. On offense, with a lot of solid blocking from the Offensive line, the ground force imposed their will. Racheal Pecovsky, Tiffany Matthews, and LaShawn Foust, had their work cut out for them and they proved up to the challenge. In her first game as a Diva, Pecovsky (#44) proved why she is one of the most feared athletes in this league. The offensive line did excellent work getting her to the second level and she took over from there. Tiffany Matthews started off her offensive career with a BANG, including a TD run of 35 yards. Due to the weather our passing game left a lot to be desired. We are going to have to improve and improve fast if we want to meet our goals. I am confident that this will be done.

I'm looking forward to Tidewater. I think we have to make sure we aren't letting down at all. Of all of the off-season acquisitions theirs may be the most impressive; picking up Dawn Adams from the Detroit Demolition team has made them legitimate contenders. She is fast and elusive. The size of their offensive line is also very impressive. The Diva defensive line is really going to be tested. I am hoping for better weather and chance to really flex our muscle on offense. Although I will take a 13-6 victory to Baltimore, if we have any of intentions of making a serious run in the playoffs our tackling on defense has got to get better immediately, and our offensive production inside the red zone MUST be addressed. With hard work I think we can get that done this week.
Sincerely, Ezra Cooper,
Head Coach

WE GET LETTERS:

Hi Bill,
It was nice talking to you today. Below is the information I would like you to publish if you would be so kind as to do so.
Anacostia High School Class of 1956, is holding its 50th reunion at Martins Crosswinds, in Greenbelt, Maryland starting on Friday, September 15th with a dinner/dance from 7:30pm till 1:30am and concluding on Saturday, September 16th with breakfast, from 8:00am till 11:00am.
Friday Evening: has a 1hr Open Bar for Cocktails before and after dinner and the buffet dinner will include, but not be limited to: House Salad, Main Entrees are Bar-B-Que Ribs, Chicken Marsala, Crab Cakes, Hand Carved Roast Sirloin of Beef, Pasta Station: with choice of Fettuccini and Tortellini pasta w/ Alfredo and Marinara Sauces, Stir Fry Station: w/Chicken, Shrimp and Seasonal Vegetables, Dessert: Martins Ice Cream Delight w/assorted cakes and pies.
We are also still seeking former classmates. There will be no tickets sold at the door.
For additional information: please contact Paul Ratcliffe at 301-932-6929 or email at prat@netscape.com.
Thanks Bill,
Paul

Paul,
Sounds like it will be a great event. Iâ¤d like to make it.
Bill

Bill,
Frank mentioned my first cousin Joe Kolley who is apparently going to the jocks reunion. Haven't seen him in about 20 years so a big hello if you or Frank see him. PS: Joe played all 3 sports at Chamberlain for the infamous Frosty Powers, ha ha..
John

John,
Frank did not see him but he did see Dick â¤¦Stickâ¤? King, Frank Smith (St. Johns), Herbie Blivitz, among others at the event. He was disappointed in the meager finger food and drink they had and wondered why Charlie â¤¦Rugmanâ¤? Brotman and Joe Warren had to charge $40 to get a place at the table.
P.S. Joe was a great one and deserves a place in the JOCKS Hall of Fame as does Jack Sullivan, Frank Fugua, â¤¦Zakeâ¤? Zirkle, Steve Barber, Elgin Baylor, Garland â¤¦Billâ¤? Dailey, and All-Met Alan Somner. Frank was wondering how Joe Warren, the â¤¦Rugmanâ¤? even as an honorary basis could be in and not the above mentioned. Frank said he is going to work on that or start a similar group.
Bill

Bill,
Thanks very much for the two shirts and the Washington book. It was good chatting to you even though we got into trouble with the security guard.
What do you think about Bobby Gonzales becoming the Seton Hall coach? I think Manhattan's loss is the Pirate's gain. Perhaps now they can get back to the big dance on a regular basis. I was on campus for their only title run way back in 1953 when they had Walter Dukes and Richie "the Cat" Regan and they beat St. John's in the NIT when that was the primary tourney in the land. I also followed them, that is traveled with the Booster club for their most recent success in the NCAA back in 1989 when they got to the final two but loss to Michigan in overtime. What memories,
Jerry Todd

Jerry,
Right on the money! The NIT was once great now its just a left over type of third grade tournament. Bobby Gonzales will do a great job at the Hall. Dukes and Regan were super. I cleared you with the security guard and you are on the okay now.
Bill

Bill,
What a trip to see such great DC area sports figures such as the Hitzelberger Bros., Bill Nolan (remember his mom was our coach at Powell,), Bill Gaskins, Alva Griffin and Billy Wright. Best regards,
Terry.

Terry,
Great ones from those â¤¦great daysâ¤, we all miss you here.
Bill

Bill,
Who do you like in the Maryland Comptrollers race in Maryland?
Janet Archer

Janet,
I am friends with the candidates and my choice is â¤¦Mr. Marylandâ¤? of the new century â¤³ William Donald Schaefer. He was a great Mayor, an outstanding Governor and heâ¤s been an excellent Comptroller. Letâ¤s keep â¤¦Mr. Marylandâ¤? as Comptroller, I am for Don Schaefer. He is also a great supporter of all Maryland sports.
Bill

Bill,
I would like to speak with someone knowledgeable about the Orioles orange alternate jerseys from the '70s-'80s. Can anyone in the Bob Davidâ¤s Chapter or any other Oriole historian help me out? Thanks much.
Howard Goldstein
1616 Walnut Street, Suite 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel.: 215-731-1230 Fax: 215-731-1344
goldstein@goldlaw.com

Howard,
Hopefully someone will contact you. Phil Wood is a great one and I will forward your name to him.
Bill

Bill,
Do you remember any of those good looking high school cheerleaders in the DC area when you were in school?
Arky K.

Arky,
A few, let's start with Pat Kessler of Anacostia, June Coates and Audrey Nicoloudis at Roosevelt, Pat McDonald of Wilson, Marilyn Jacobs at BCC, Pat Sharp at Montgomery Blair. Who do you remember?
Bill

SPORTS NOTES

Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Anacostia HS grad David K. Roth who passed at age 73 on April 21st. Norris Walker is returning to the softball wars after having a pop-up pluck him on the noggin, no more 3rd base for Walker, heâ¤s now moved to the outfield. Donâ¤t forget the Phillips Seafood Crabcake Eating contest Saturday at noon at the main stage of the Bay Cabaret in Baltimoreâ¤s Inner Harbor. I understand that â¤¦Downtownâ¤? Brown was thinking about entering the contest and challenging the likes of David â¤¦Brickhouseâ¤? Braunstein of Bethesda and Ken â¤¦Mongoâ¤? Federighi. The Baltimore Orioles have fallen on hard times of late. New head football coaches in P.G. County, Stan Hall -- Central, Del Hughes â¤³ Largo, and Franklin Weaver â¤³ Duval.

BOWIE BAYSOX REPORT

BAYSOX WALK HOME IN SECOND EXTRA INNING AFFAIR, WIN SERIES 3-2 IN 12

For the second consecutive day the Baysox were taken into extra innings by the Erie SeaWolves. The game was scheduled for an 11:05 start as local schools from the area brought their students out to a Baysox game as part of the first Baseball In Education Day at Prince George's Stadium. 4,107 eager fans were on hand to cheer loudly for the Baysox and help root them on to victory.

The name of the game was pitching and defense as both teams combined for just five runs on 17 hits. Starter Craig Anderson pitched seven solid innings, his longest outing of the season, and struck out five SeaWolves while not giving up a single run.

3B Gera Alvarez was 2-for-5 with a run and the game winning RBI in the bottom of the 12th for the Baysox.

Bowie jumped out to a 2-0 lead early on as RF Cory Keylor walked with one out and reached third on a single to right by Alvarez. C Sandy Madera, who got the start in place of Hubele, then reached on a fielding error by the Erie SS, scoring Keylor from third. Alvarez followed right behind Keylor on a two out perfectly executed bunt single by 2B Brooks Badeaux for the second run of the inning.

Before yesterday's game the Baysox coaches were working with the players on bunting techniques. The lessons must have paid dividends as in back-to-back nights the Baysox have scored crucial runs on a squeeze play and today's RBI bunt down the third base line.

The bullpens pitched scoreless baseball for the next six innings until the SeaWolves tied it at two a piece in the top of the 9th off reliever Todd Williams. With the score tied, two outs and runners on the corners Williams buckled down and retired the final batter of the inning preserving the tie.

After the SeaWolves hit in the top of the 10th, the home plate umpire complained to Mark Shires, the Baysox trainer, of dizziness resulting from a foul ball to the head. The umpire was carted off the field, causing a delay in the action of about 30 minutes.

When play finally resumed RHP Calvin Maduro retired the side by striking out the final two batters, extending his streak of games with a strikeout to seven games. Maduro now leads the bullpen with 21 Ks. LHP Eric DuBose faced the next three Erie batters and sent them down one-two-three, safeguarding the Baysox hopes of winning the series.

DH Leo Daigle singled to straight away center off of Erie reliever Eulogio De La Cruz to lead off the bottom of the 12th inning. Daigle then scampered to third on a 1B Mario Delgado single that bounced off the second baseman's glove and into shallow right field. Erie decided to intentionally walk RF Cory Keylor to get to Gera Alvarez who came into the game 3-for-11, riding a 3-game hitting streak but with a .314 OBP at home. Alvarez took the first four pitches for a quick 3-1 count and the final pitch from De La Cruz was low and inside walking Daigle in from third for the game winning run.

The Baysox evened their record in day games at 2-2 are now 12-8 overall.

ON DECK: The Baysox travel to Portland, ME tonight and will spend the league wide off day tomorrow preparing to take on the Sea Dogs. It will be the first time the two teams face each other this season. The Sea Dogs are currently 9-10 and in 3rd place in the Northern Division. They will go head-to-head in three games, April 28-30. Bowie will then travel south to New Hampshire for four more games with the Fisher Cats, May 1-4, before returning to action at home on May 5th against the Akron Aeros.

'SOX LOSE TOUGH ONE IN 15 INNINGS

The Erie SeaWolves needed 15 innings to pull a win from the Baysox on Tuesday night at Prince George's Stadium, 5-3. With the score knotted at three a piece 53 batters came to the plate between the two clubs only to return to the dugout without crossing the plate.

Back-to-back walks and costly Baysox errors in the 15th proved to be just what the SeaWolves would need in order to steal their first win over the Baysox this season.

Erie took a three run lead into the bottom of the 5th inning until 3B Gera Alvarez singled home DH Mario Delgado, who was 3-for-4 at the plate. 2B Brooks Badeaux hit a solo shot in the 6th inning off Erie starter Preston Larrison to add one more for the Baysox.

The tying run in regulation came in the bottom of the 8th when LF Pete Maestrales singled to left. Bobby Andrews, who pinch ran for Maestrales, advanced to second on a wild pitch by SeaWolves reliever Eulogio De La Cruz. With SS Rayner Bautista batting, Andrews stole third base and scored on a perfect two out suicide squeeze by OF Tony Alvarez.

In the 15th inning Erie put two on with back-to-back walks by RHP Matt Bruback and both runners ended up scoring on a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch for a final score of 5-3.

The Baysox made five errors in the game, extending their streak of games with an error to 10.

In all there were 124 plate appearances, 52 runners were stranded on base (33 for Erie and 19 for Bowie) and the pitching staffs amassed a total of 36 strikeouts. Amazingly enough, somehow through the night the Baysox failed to draw a walk during the course of the game.

2,942 were in attendance until the latter stages of the game where it whittled down to just around 10 diehard fans in the rainy 4 hour 55 minute contest.

BAYSOX, FISHER CATS SPLIT TWO ENDS OF DOUBLEHEADER

'Sox, 'Cats Finish Doubleheader, Daigle Hits First Homer After two days of rain delay forced the Baysox and Fisher Cats second game of the series to be suspended on Friday, April 21st, the weather finally cleared up allowing the game to be finished. The game that was delayed on Friday was completed as the first game of a doubleheader followed by the third game of the four game series. The Baysox blanked the Fisher Cats in the first game 3-0 and were blanked 6-0 in return by New Hampshire in game two.

In the first game Adam Loewen picked up where original starter James Johnson left off, with one on and two outs. Although Loewen was able to get out of the inning unscathed and did not allow a run in 4.1IP, he allowed 5 walks with 6 Ks.

Loewen was opposed by KHP Kurt Isenberg who suffered the loss after giving up three earned runs in 5.1 IP. En route to their second shut out of the season the Baysox put one on the board in the 3rd inning when 3B Gera Alvarez reached on an infield single and scored on an RBI single by CF Tony Alvarez. Alvarez is now tied with former Baysox OF Simon Pond with 16 RBI.

In the bottom of the 6th 1B Leo Daigle lost his home run bagel as he drove a pitch over the fence in left for his first dinger of the season. Daigle, who won the Carolina League Triple Crown last season while with Winston-Salem, hit his last home run on September 6, 2005 - a drought of 60 at-bats.

Bowie added one more in the 7th as C Ryan Hubele singled to left, advanced to third on a sacrifice by Bautista and a wild pitch by new Fisher Cats pitcher Jason Arnold and scored on a ground out by LF Noah Hall.

Orioles' reliever Todd Williams tossed one inning in relief and looked impressive. Marino Salas came on in the top of the 9th and picked up his league-leading 6th save.

The 3-0 shutout, was the teams first since Loewen tossed a 4-0 one-hitter against the Reading Phillies.

RHP Brian Finch started for the Baysox and faced off against Mike MacDonald for New Hampshire. MacDonald also started the first game of the doubleheader back on Friday. Due to a rule that states that a starting pitcher cannot pitch in consecutive days, and given the rain out on Saturday, MacDonald was able to start both ends of the doubleheader.

MacDonald held the Baysox at bay through six innings, striking out seven on his way to picking up his first win of the season. After failing to score a run in the first game, New Hampshire exploded with a five run 2nd inning off of Finch. The four hits in the inning were all singles directly up the middle. Due to two Baysox errors only the first of five runs in the inning was charged to Finch.

With the four unearned runs in the 2nd Finch has now given up 12 runs this season, although only half of them have been earned keeping his ERA at 2.49, third best among Baysox starters.

New Hampshire added a solo shot by Adam Lind in the top of the 7th off reliever Matt Bruback to secure the Fisher Cats' second shutout.

2, 591 fans turned out for the Baysox first Meet the Team Day. Fans were able to meet the players as well as Moe Hill and Don Werner, get autographs and purchase items at Louie's Locker Room an hour before the first pitch of game one. The second Meet the Team Day is scheduled for Sunday, June 25th versus the Erie SeaWolves.

BAYSOX TO AIR IT OUT, ANNOUNCE 2006 TELEVISION SCHEDULE

The Bowie Baysox, Class "AA" Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles have announced a partnership with CN8, The Comcast Network, to air two live Bowie Baysox home games during the 2006 season. This will be the third season that CN8 has aired Baysox home games.

The first televised game will take place Saturday, April 22nd at 7:05 pm when the Baysox take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, MD. The second game will take place on Saturday, May 6th at 7:05 pm, when the Baysox take on the Akron Aeros at Prince George's Stadium. The Baysox were last featured on CN8's airwaves during the 2004 season, when Prince George's Stadium hosted the Eastern League All-Star Game.

The CN8 broadcast tandem will be comprised of play-by-play voice Dave Popkin and Bob Montgomery doing color commentary. Popkin enters his third year as the baseball play-by-play announcer for CN8 - The Comcast Network. Popkin has called numerous sporting events for CN8 since its inception in 1996, including: football, basketball, softball, and hockey. The 34-year old New Jersey Shore native enters his 10th season calling minor league baseball, having spent time with the Sioux City Explorers, Iowa Cubs (AAA), El Paso Diablos (AA), and Newark Bears. Montgomery, a 10-year major league veteran, spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox (1970-79) as their backup catcher (387 games, .258 batting average, 23 HR's & 156 RBI). He will bring an array of experience to the broadcast booth on the CN8 telecasts. After retiring from baseball, Montgomery worked on radio talk shows until 1982, and then became the color analyst for Red Sox games broadcast on WSBK TV-38 for the next 14 seasons.

Montgomery currently works for Cox TV3 in Rhode Island serving as an analyst for the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox.

CN8 will feature several Eastern League match ups throughout the 2006 season, including a Saturday, April 29th contest featuring the New Britain Rock Cats at Trenton Thunder.

Comcast-Spectacor (comcast-spectacor.com) is the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment company which owns the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL), the two arenas in which their teams play, the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum, four Flyers Skate Zone community ice skating and hockey rinks and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. In addition, Comcast-Spectacor is also the principal owner of Global Spectrum, the fastest growing firm in the public assembly management field with more than 50 facilities throughout the United States and Canada; Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage service provider; New Era Tickets, a ticketing and marketing company for public assembly facilities; Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company; and 3601 Creative Group, a full-service in-house advertising agency. Comcast-Spectacor also owns the Bowie Baysox, the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Frederick Keys baseball teams, all affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.

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