Sports Beat column - April 4, 2007

Sports Beat
April 4, 2007

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

Congratulations to President of the Maryland Senate Mike Miller on being presented the â¤¦Marylander of the Yearâ¤? Award by the Maryland Historical Society in partnership with the Maryland Colonial Society. Mike is certainly deserving of this honor! He has done an outstanding job for many years as President of the Senate and for the citizens of Maryland . Last week I went to the annual gathering of the PG County Retired Coaches, Teachers, Administrators, athletes and friends that was held at the Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 and it was a great time. Shelton Meade did a great job in putting it together and MCing the event. He and his planning committee (Don â¤¦Capâ¤? Redmiles, George Anderson, Bill Ross, Bob Sommers, Donnie Wolfe, Jon Peterson, Jim Panor, Bill Seibert, Steve Lawrence, Bob Burkhart, and Bill Davis) did a top notch job on this event. Steve Lawrence is still playing basketball. Jim Panor received the â¤¦Top Jockâ¤? award for 2007. Panor was a top notch football player for Central high school in the mid 1940â¤s. I was in elementary school then but I use to hang out at Shefferonâ¤s Newstand, the Savoy , the Tivoli and the Arcade Market. Later in life Panor ran against us for the House of Delegates in 1974 and 1978 but he suffered defeat both times. He was at Central during the days of Jimmy Pantos, Jim Sullivan, Jack Freidrich, Gene Herring, Jim Fowler, Frannie Gleason, Terry & Evelyn Gregory, Audrey Nicloudis, Carol Womack, Marlene Billy, Jack Spinger, etc. They all would sing â¤¦Central will shine Tonightâ¤?, whatever that meant. Panor a longtime Clinton resident now lives in Annapolis . Jack Hoffman was there as were Chuck Brown, Henry Busky, Mike Cavallini, Dr. Marvin Vann, Bill Kurtz, Steve Lawrence, Carl Oliver (oldest in attendance), Dick Knode, Chris Sole, and Vic Schwartz. It was a great time with many great stories. There were some great names from the past who previously had been honored with the â¤¦Top Jockâ¤? award. They were: Snookie Kerman, Pete Labukas, Marty Gallagher, Jack Hoffman, Bumps Vaughn, Bob Bickford, Meade, Knode and Larry Layman, Rocco Romeo, Charlie Hudson, and Redmiles among others. Iâ¤d like to nominate a few for future consideration, Denny Donaldson, Jack Willard, Larry Gandee, Steve Lawrence, Earl Hawkins, Ed Cole, Ed Cowan, Jim Crawford, Donnee Gray, Joe Kucharski, Walter Clarke, Lew Jenkins, Don Keys, John Latzo, Rex Holliday, Ronnie Mann and Vic Schwartz. Thanks again Shelton Meade for inviting me, I had a great time.

Langhorne Selected Kodak All-America
Langhorne is Maryland 's first Kodak/WBCA All-American since 1989

Maryland junior Crystal Langhorne was named to the 10-member Kodak/WBCA All-America team, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced Saturday in Cleveland , Ohio , site of the 2007 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four. Langhorne becomes Maryland 's first honoree of the prestigious honor since 1989. Crystal Langhorne has already been named to two other All-America teams earlier this week. She has also earned spots on the U.S. Basketball Writers Association's (USBWA) and the Associated Press' (AP) All-American teams, the second time she's garnered both honors. The Kodak All-American recognition is the first for the New Jersey native and the first for Maryland since Vicky Bullett and Deanna Tate, who were both selected in 1989. For the second-straight year, Langhorne led the nation in field goal shooting, making a school- and ACC-record 70.7 percent of her attempts, just 1.7 percent off the NCAA record. A three-time All-ACC pick, she is the only player in school history to tally three 500-point seasons, leading the team in scoring (14.9 ppg) and also rebounding (8.1 rpg). Langhorne scored in double figures in all but two games this year and in 96 of 104 career contests. She posted 11 double-doubles and is the ACC's active leader in the category, recording 44 in her three seasons. Leading Maryland to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth-consecutive year after the Terps won the 2006 NCAA Championship title, Langhorne ended the season ranked third at Maryland in career scoring (1,711) and second in career rebounding (939). Langhorne's national honors this year include being one of 12 finalists for the Wade Trophy, the WBCA's national player of the year honor. She was a Kodak/WBCA Region II All-American for the second time, en route to earning the national accolade. Langhorne was also a candidate for the John R. Wooden Award and Naismith Award, both presented to the sport's top collegiate player. In the 33-year history of the Kodak/WBCA All-American team, Maryland has had four players named to the all-star team, including Langhorne. Jasmina Perazic was the first selected in 1983, while Bullett and Tate were selected six years later. Debbie Lytle was an AWSI All-American in 1982. The other nine members of the Kodak/WBCA All-America squad Lindsey Harding of Duke, Jessica Davenport of Ohio State, North Carolina's Ivory Latta, , Candice Wiggins from Stanford, Candace Parker from Tennessee, Louisville's Angel McCoughtry, LSU's Sylvia Fowles, Oklahoma's Courtney Paris and Mississippi's Arminite Price. Langhorne was on of six non-seniors selected to the squad.

Langhorne Repeats as AP All-American
Doron Invited to WNBA Pre-Draft Camp

Langhorne Earns Second All-America Honor Junior post player selected top 10 by the USBWA For the second time this week, Maryland junior Crystal Langhorne has earned All-America honors. Langhorne was selected one of the top 10 players in the nation by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), a recognition she earned for the second year in a row. Crystal Langhorne was one of six repeat selections on the 10-player list and the only junior in the ACC to be named. Three juniors overall were named to the team, as well as five seniors and two sophomores. Langhorne led the nation with an ACC-record 70.7 percent shooting from the field. She led the team with 14.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. She recorded her third-straight 500-point season, becoming the first player in school history to accomplish that feat. A three-time All-ACC selection, Langhorne also became the first two-time All-American in the history of the program earlier this week, when she garnered Associated Press honors for the second-straight year. The USBWA was formed in 1956 and has named a women's All-America team since the 1996-97 season.

2006-07 USBWA Women's All-America Team
Alison Bales, Sr., Duke Jessica Davenport, Sr., Ohio State Sylvia Fowles, Jr., LSU Chrissy Givens, Sr., Middle Tennessee Lindsey Harding, Sr., Duke Crystal Langhorne, Jr., Maryland Ivory Latta, Sr., North Carolina Courtney Paris, So., Oklahoma Candace Parker, So., Tennessee Candice Wiggins, Jr., Stanford

BRUCE REPORTS!!

WASHINGTONIAN CALLS POVICH FIELD "DELIGHTFULLY RETRO"

The April 2007 Washingtonian magazine is on the newsstands and right there on page 84 in an article about whether Bethesda or McLean should get the title of "Washington's best suburb" is this piece of evidence in support of Bethesda: "During summer, baseball fans head out to see the Big Train, a team of college players, at the delightfully retro Shirley Povich Field at Cabin John Regional Park." In the July 2006 issue, Washingtonian magazine named Big Train baseball one of " Washington 's Best."

HOST A BIG TRAIN PLAYER THIS SUMMER

Big Train Baseball is looking for a few more local families to host players for June and July. College baseball players from all over the country come to Bethesda in the summer to play for the Big Train. Most players act as camp counselors for Big Trainâ¤s baseball camp during the day, and play at night. For families involved in baseball, hosting a player can help young players bring their game to the next level. Children attending Big Train baseball camp will be thrilled to have a counselor living in their home. For middle and high school baseball players, hosting a Big Train player offers an up-close look at the drive, talent and commitment it takes to play collegiate ball. Families who host players receive a free family season pass to Shirley Povitch Field, a $125 value. Bethesda Big Train baseball was named one of â¤¦ Washington â¤s Bestâ¤? by Washingtonian magazine, and one of â¤¦67 Things We Love About Bethesda â¤? by Bethesda magazine. The team plays in the Cal Ripken Sr. league, along with teams from Rockville , Silver Spring-Takoma Park, College Park , and Herndon , Virginia . The season starts on June 2 and runs through the last week in July. Interested families should contact Joyce Semmes, Host Family Coordinator, at 301/530-0911 or email faninfo@bigtrain.org.

NATIONALS TICKETS FOR APRIL 3-8

Big Train sponsor Alex Mates has awesome Nats tickets right near the visitor's on-deck circle available for games this week -- April 3-8. $250/pair. If you are interested, call Alex at 301/806-8517.

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.

2007 BIG TRAIN PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE http://www.bigtrain.org/published/2006/schedule_2007.html

2007 BIG TRAIN PRELIMINARY ROSTER http://www.bigtrain.org/published/2007/roster_2007.html

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, Hopkins & Porter, 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.

1949

A great year for me but not for the Washington Senators. I graduated from MacFarland Junior High in June then entered Theodore Roosevelt High School in September. I met some neat women in 1949 â¤³ Shirley Carr, Joan Lindsay, Marilyn Jacobs, Marian Diehl, and also dated a few others like Jeannette Bode, JoAnne Briggs, and a couple of others who I wonâ¤t mention at this time. Pete Labukas was Roosevelt â¤s football coach and Gabe Feraze was the basketball coach. Now the Nats of 1949, who had high hopes after a nine game winning streak on the road early in the season. Joe Kuhel was in his second season and last as manager of the Nats. Bucky Harris would take over in 1950. Early Wynn and Mickey Vernon had been sent to Cleveland in the off season. Also gone Walt Masterson, Mark Christman (brother of â¤¦Passing Paulâ¤? Christman, Chicago Cardinals NFL QB), Carden Gillenwater, Johnny Sullivan replaced by Sam Dente, Eddie Robinson, Paul Calvert, Clyde â¤¦Boom, Boomâ¤? Vollmer, Sam Mele, Dick Weik and Dick Welteroth. Also Tom Ferrick was now pitching for the St. Louis Browns. Rae (or Ray) Scarborough was the Nats leading pitcher with a 13-11 record. Eddie Yost walked 91 times after that Yost walked 141, 126, 129, 123, 131, 95, and 151 times in the seasons from 1950 to 1956. Kuhel was done after the Nats went 50-104 and finished in the basement several games behind the St. Louis Browns. Bob Wolff and Arch McDonald were the Nats play-by-play men. Bad year for the Nats, good year for me!

SPORTS NOTES!

Guilford College in North Carolina has come up with a top prospect in quarterback Alex Krivjanik of Coconut Creek high school in Florida . Guilford is a D-3 school and they are getting a bonus in Krivjanik who I feel is capable of being a D-1 quarterback. Maryland could use him. Donâ¤t forget the Leon Day Foundationâ¤s Oldies but Goodies Fundraiser on Saturday, April 28th for information call Ray Banks at 410-866-4815. Barbie endorses the following camps to my readers: Ripken Baseball Summer Residential camp in Aberdeen , call 410-823-0808 or 800-486-0850. Lacrosse, 800-944-7112. Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp, call 301-874-5544 or 800-238-9974. Star Goalkeepers, 860-659-5955. West River United Methodist Center, call 410-867-0991 or 800-922-0795. PGA Golf Camp, 443-521-4382. Headfirst Sports Camp, 202-625-1921. Sandy Hill Residential Camp, 410-287-5554. Echo Hill, 410-548-5303 St. Maryâ¤s College, 301-862-0310 or www.mysummercamp.com Congratulations to Donnee Gray on his retirement from the office of the Secretary of the US Senate after 33 years. He is also one of the top basketball college officials in the world. The best, if not the best I donâ¤t know who is, is the Baltimore Orioles PA man David McGowan, tops in all major league baseball. Keith Gill is the new AD at American University . Bowie Stateâ¤s Gil Goodrich was named First Team All-American Menâ¤s Division II basketball. Austin Freeman (DeMatha) and Donte Green (Towson Catholic) made the Parade First team All-American Boyâ¤s Basketball team. Chris Wright ( St. Johnâ¤s ) made the second team. Our condolences go to the families of: Margaret Borger Hannan (Sacred Heart Academy and Wilson Tehrs College grad who taught at Bunker Hill, Keene and West Elementary schools in DC). Sarah Louise Hyde (DuVal HS and U of MD grad) Jane Straughan (Central (DC) HS grad. Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Janet M. King who passed this past week. She was devoted to the One Hundred Club of Anne Arundel County and past Treasurer of the Club. Also to the families of the following: Shirley Nielsen Jones (grad St. Patrickâ¤s (DC)) Melvin E, Lewis (Central (DC) HS grad) Edith Alteiri (Retired C&P telephone company operator) John Jay Corson IV (Episcopal (VA) grad and member of schools athletic Hall of Fame) John C. Eisele (BCC HS grad) Frank H. Laubinger (1944 grad of Eastern HS) Betty J. Wen (Central) HS grad) Gib Campion (1976 DeMatha grad) Hey who remembers Craig Esherick? He was Georgetown Uâ¤s menâ¤s basketball coach from 1999 to 2004 and took them to the â¤¦Sweet 16â¤? and had a 103-74 record for his time there, whoops. Also he recruited Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert for the Hoyas then got fired despite his accomplishments. Wow since he left the Hoyas recruited a player with a 1.33 GPA and a couple other fishy things maybe its time to get a new coach who really wants student athletes and not just players who really donâ¤t want to learn anything but hoops. Two of the nest mystery books I have read in the past year are: The â¤¦Reflection of Evilâ¤? and â¤¦Fist of Godâ¤? by A.T. â¤¦Nickâ¤? Nicholas, you should get them now. My favorite place in Ocean City is Leighton W. Moore, Jr. â¤¦Secretsâ¤? at 117 West 49th Street . Itâ¤s a fantastic place for food and atmosphere. Coming up on June 25th at the Potomac Ridge Gold Course is the First Book of Charles Countyâ¤s 5th Annual Golf for Literacy tournament, for information call 301-775-4089. I wonder where Ralph Grimsley, Cliff Hood, Gene Gross, Filomina Cherioco, Linda Gerick, Francis Moore, Jill Quade, Kay Oliphant and Ann Morningstar Jones are today? Who remembers Vince Ventura, Bingo Binks and Jose Zardon? What do they have in common? In August I will start a second column on things that are happening in politics, entertainment in and around Maryland . A look behind the scenes in Annapolis and DC and some excerpts from my book on occasion. The regular meeting of â¤¦Talking Baseballâ¤? will be held on Saturday, April 7 (the first Saturday of the month) at Barnes and Noble, 4300 Montgomery Ave. ( Longagte Shopping Center ) in Ellicott City , Md. Our speaker will be Jeff Seidel, who will discuss his book â¤³ â¤¦Iron Man: Cal Ripken, Jr., a Tributeâ¤?. Everyone come. Come out to support Bowie State student-athletes in their upcoming home events during the month of April. All events are free and open to the public. Be advised event dates are subject to change due to weather conditions. For additional information about Bowie State University athletics, contact the Office of Sports Information at (301) 860-3574 or log on to www.bsubulldogs.com.

Friday, April 6, 2007 Women's Tennis vs. Johnson C. Smith 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 7, 2007 Womenâ¤s Tennis vs. Elizabeth City State 10:00 a.m.

Monday, April 9, 2007 Womenâ¤s Tennis vs. Saint Augustine's 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007 Softball vs. Saint Paul's 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 14, 2007 Softball vs. Shaw 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 21, 2007 Football Spring Inter-Squad Game 1:00 p.m.

Dean White-Damian Fuller Showdown Added to May 12th Patriot Center Card
Tough Southpaws to Square Off as Co-Feature of Lange-Cabell II: The Rematch

A pit bull will tangle with a Motor City brawler when DEAN â¤¦THE PIT BULLâ¤? WHITE (14-6-1, 7 KOs) battles DAMIAN â¤¦DAMOâ¤? FULLER (26-4-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight contest as the co-featured attraction on the highly-anticipated LANGE-CABELL II: THE REMATCH card set for Saturday, May 12th at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. White, who was born in Detroit, moved to Reston, VA in his teens and now lives in Smithsburg, MD (located between Frederick and Hagerstown), scored an impressive eight-round decision over Dorin Spivey on the last Patriot Center card, living up to his nickname and earning points with fans for his aggressive style and toughness. The Herndon, VA high school graduate is looking to rebound from a tough, nationally-televised loss to Verquan Kimbrough on February 22nd. White will have his hands full with fellow southpaw Fuller who has won three in a row and is undefeated in his last five bouts (heâ¤s scheduled to fight John Roby April 14 in Iowa ). Born and raised in Detroit , Fuller has battled such world-class competition as current IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lovemore N'dou and former WBC Lightweight champ Diego Corrales. Highly-regard TOMMY BROOKS, who has worked with Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield among others, serves as Fullerâ¤s trainer. LANGE-CABELL II: THE REMATCH, presented by JACKIE â¤¦THE FIRST LADY OF BOXINGâ¤? KALLENâ¤s Ice Promotions, will feature JIMMY LANGE (27-3-2, 19 KOs) vs. Fontaine â¤¦The Flameâ¤? Cabell (21-6-2, 16 KOs) in a 12-round Main Event rematch for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental America â¤s 154-pound title. Matchmaker JD Brown will complete the undercard by showcasing a mix of local and regional up-and-coming stars and battle-tested veterans. Tickets, priced at $25, $50, $75, $100, $125, $300 (Ringside) and $500 (VIP Ringside), may be purchased through Ticketmaster by going online at www.ticketmaster.com, via phonecharge at 703-573-SEAT, 202-397-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT or by visiting the Patriot Center box office. George Mason University faculty, staff and students, may receive a discount on select tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Patriot Center box office only. Group discounts are available by calling 202-661-5061. Contact the Patriot Center box office at 703-993-3000 or visit www.patriotcenter.com for more details.

DEE LEE PROMOTIONS, INC
IN ASSOCIATION WITH PRIME TIME ENTERTAINMENT

Philadelphia Junior Middleweight Derrick Ennis headlines this exciting Professional Boxing card at the boxing capital of Northeast Philadelphia , The National Guard Armory at Hampton Road & Roosevelt Blvd. Dee Lee Promotions, Inc. in association with Prime Time Entertainment presents Philadelphia â¤s Derek Ennis 10-1-1 (7 KOâ¤s) vs. Orlando , Florida â¤s Edgar Reyes 10-6-1 (3 KOâ¤s) in an 8 Round Junior Middleweight war on Saturday April 21, 2007. The hard hitting Ennis is looking to improve his record and join the long list of exciting Middleweight and Junior Middleweights that seem to grow like weeds in those Philadelphia gym wars. Matchmaker Sonny Mistretta has put together a very exciting undercard that includes UBA Super Middleweight Champion La Juan Simon 16-0-2 ( Philadelphia ) in an 8 round bout as well as another 8 round Junior Welterweight bout featuring Patrick Lopez 10-1 of London Derry, New Hampshire. This card also showcases a Middleweight brawl between Philadelphia knockout artist Jamal Davis 7-1 (6 KOâ¤s) and Orlando , Florida â¤s Julio Gean 7-10-1. Other featured undercard bouts include 3 time Golden Glove Champion Fidel Carter 2-0-1 vs. Philadelphia â¤s Cameron Bright, Philadelphia Cruiserweight Tim Johnson 2-0-0, Heavyweight Albert Jimenez 5-1-0 (5 KOâ¤s) of Fort Lauderdale , Florida , and a pair of Philadelphia Pro Debuts from Junior Lightweights Moses Calderone and Archil Lapacchishvili. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first bell is at 8:00 p.m. General Admission $35.00, VIP $45.00, Ringside $55.00, Ringside Table of 8 $450.00. For ticket information contact: Dee Lee Promotions: 856-692-1206 Prime Time Entertainment: 609-304-8818 Matchmaker Sonny Mistretta

SPECIAL FROM ROB SCOTT

C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Dinner 2007 â¤³ A Great Time Had By All
by Rob Scott

This past Tuesday March 27, 2007, C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. held itâ¤s 5th Annual Awards Dinner and Celebrity Reception. Each year, C.O.M.B.A.T.T. inc., the acronyms for Community Organization Making Better Alternatives Today for Tomorrow, holds this event to recognize those who care; they recognize those who have done so much for the sports of Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts; and like everyday, they recognize the youth. The Robert Treat Hotel in the heart of Newark , New Jersey , was the place where all of the festivities took place. An event is the proper word to describe the evening, as politicians, youth mentors and advisors, along with some of boxingâ¤s best came together on this night to remember. If there are only the words and actions of the streets that the youth have as role models and mentors, then the streets will surely be their playgrounds. Never quit; resist the streets; preparation; you can be somebody, etc., are all the messages that the C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. staff and all involved send to the minds of todayâ¤s youth, giving them a new voice and a new path to head them in the right direction. Evander Holyfield and Mayor Smith Bobby Goodman As with every year, the recipients of this yearâ¤s awards, young and old, have all done their share in helping the message travel to many ears and many minds. The Mayor of Irvington, New Jersey, The Honorable Wayne Smith served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, presenting awards to Evander â¤—The Real Dealâ¤ Holyfield, Don King Productionsâ¤ Vice President, Boxing Operations and Public Relations, Bob Goodman for his many years of service to the sport of boxing, talented kick boxer/ Educator, Kevin Thompson, Humanitarian, Civil Rights Activists and Lecturer, Lawrence Hamm, Community and Social Activist, Ms. Lavern Webb-Washington and Ringside Physician, Dr. Howard Taylor. Boxing promoter, Roy Foreman accepted an award on behalf of his brother, â¤—Bigâ¤ George Foreman, who was not in attendance; while the founder of BET television and owner of the NBAâ¤s Charlotte Bobcats, Robert W. Johnson earlier accepted his award via videotape. Lathan handing out award Early recognition is also a key; Along with the aforementioned dignitaries, C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. also acknowledged some of todayâ¤s youth champions, and sure to be stars of tomorrow, from the Elite Boxing Club for their achievements. Long time boxing official, Melvina Lathan definitely brought smiles to the faces of Shakor Jackson, Angel Santos, Isiah Jackson and Hakeem Majette when she presented plaques to them as the audience and their fellow youth cheered. Mayor Smith and Larry Hazzard For them and all of our youth, this is just the beginning; with C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. and all that lend their time and energies, the youth of Irvington and Newark , New Jersey , and beyond, can see these same beginnings and forge bright futures. Jacqui Frazier-Lyde and Evander Holyfield Along with the recipients, other faces came out to support this cause; IBF President Marian Muhammad, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Bernard Hopkins, Demetrius Hopkins, Kathy Duva and many more could also be seen at the event. C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. Dinner Chairperson Mahasin Scott deserves a great deal of credit for the work she has done to make this an event, but she is quick to acknowledge the collective efforts of all, â¤¦Special thanks go out to Daryl Peoples, Reginna Flowers, Barbara Hamilton, Kato Muhammad, Roxanne McElroy-White, Julie Lederman, Carol Perry, Carolyn Dillard, Benji Esteves, Jose Rosario, Derek Gary, Shirley Stephens and the rest of the C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. staff. It is they, along with our sponsors and supporters, who make this an event and our vision a success.â¤? Rob Scott and Roy Foreman A success the evening was, but the fight will never end. The C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. will be moving its training and youth center headquarters into the Newark Housing Authorityâ¤s brand new facility. Within these new walls, the youth will have a larger facility and more at their disposal. A new Gym with a regulation sized boxing ring, classrooms with computers for tutoring, frequent life skills/educational seminars, training in boxing and traditional and mixed martial arts are just some of the activities that will be had, according to founder and current New Jersey State Athletic Control Board Commissioner, Larry Hazzard, and C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. President, Rhonda Utley-Herring. The new Newark facility along with C.O.M.B.A.T.T.â¤s other location in Irvington , New Jersey will continue to provide the youths of these communities with the mental, physical and emotional skills needed for success, but they canâ¤t do it alone. A mind may be a terrible thing to waste, but having the ability to help with visions like that of organizations like C.O.M.B.A.T.T. Inc. and others, and not contributing, is in itâ¤s self, a waste of time. Letâ¤s not waist time, but make time, to help our youth. Rob, Thanks for the great report!

WE GET LETTERS!

Bill, You and I agree on several things. 1-Tubby Smith, in my book is a top-notch coach. He will do well in Minnesota ; 2-Billy Packer is a waste--always has been. He sneers at teams not wearing ACC logos and talks down to his audience. An analyst should explain the game, tell the audience what adjustments are being made, etc. Packer does not and his comments are usually inane and condescending; 3-Tony K is a bore, the worst choice ABC Sports has made since Fred "Hammer" Williamson succeeded Dandy Don in 1974. At least Roone Arledge saw his error and corrected the mistake half way through the season by replacing Williamson with Alex Karras.

I enjoy your reflections about the 47 and 48 Senators. I attended many games at Griffith Stadium in 1946 while stationed at Ft. Belvoir , Virginia and rooted for the Senators from distant left field bleachers, except when the Yankees came to DC and I splurged for infield seats. Griffith Stadium was a challenge for home run hitters but did produce the longest recorded round tripper in baseball history. I was there as a member of the Yankees broadcast crew (Mel Allen's Statistician) when Mickey Mantle hit his 560 foot blast clear out of the stadium in 52 or 53. Mickey had some memorable home runs off lefty Chuck Stobbs. Keep up your great columns. Joe Gallagher Louisville, Tennessee

Hi Everybody, I just wanted to take a few moments to reach out to everyone, as we're only four days from the premier of the "Rex Snider Show" on Sportstalk 1570/WNST. This has been a great experience for me. Yesterday, I spent my afternoon doing a commercial at the station. I've also been contributing daily blogs. WNST's new website will up and running in early April. And, yes, you'll get to see my ugly mug, right there with Nestor and the rest of the on-air staff. I'm going to be tackling topics from NASCAR to high school sports, in the coming weeks. Please don't hesitate in contacting me with anything you feel might be of value to the show. Each of you had a hand in this opportunity. Thanks very much - now, lets have some fun. Rex

Rex, Go get them killer. Bill

Bill, Another great article. I was sitting on the first base line with my father in 1948 with Feller pitching against the Senators. Could hear the mitt pop when Feller let it go. Saw one of the best double plays ever with Gordon and Boudreau. Thanks for that memory. J

Hi Bill, Monte Zucker did our wedding pictures 51 years ago. I guess he was just starting out and did a super job, all in black and white of course. Enjoy your columns, Regards, Carole

Bill, I had Bobby Rohr and Billy Cannon as aids at Takoma day camp in 1946. Then I worked for Bobby Rohr at the center stand in Griffith Stadium selling hot dogs during the Redskins games under Jimmy Robertson. Bobby and I ended up playing against each other in a fast pitch softball league in Montgomery County for 25 years in the 60's, 70's and 80's. He played for Millian Methodist Church and I played for St Judes. An outstanding athlete and a great individual. Bobby will be missed. BOB Simi

Delegate Schuh forwards the following message.
Thanks. Dear all, Once again CAC is offering two $1000 scholarships - to one student from Glen Burnie High School and one student from North County High School . The scholarships will be awarded to a student who will be attending college in the fall, following an arts discipline. Last year we were disappointed that we received no applicants from North County and few from Glen Burnie . If you have contacts at either school or know students who could be candidates, please let them know of this scholarship availability.

Completed applications must be received at CAC by May 4, 2007.
A scholarship application is attached.
Thank you for spreading the word.
David J Jones Executive Director
Chesapeake Arts Center
410 636 6597 - voice
410 636 9653 - fax
www.chesapeakearts.org

Coming April 14th, 8:00 pm , One Show Only, The Capitol Steps. Call today for tickets 410 636 6597

From: Ernie (Smiling Hawk) Tucker
Subject: An Eagles View of 17 March 07

I am Rev Ernie (Smiling Hawk) Tucker I am a Vietnam veteran and served over twenty-three years as an Airborne Infantryman in the United States Army. I am the Chaplain of the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. With your permission, I would like to give you this old soldier's view of the event known as "A Gathering of Eagles." On Saturday, March 17, 2007, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Gathering of Eagles in Washington , DC . This event provided more healing for the mental pain, frustration, and anger then all the counseling I have gone through for many years. As I stood there on the stage and looked out at a sea of American flags waving proudly in the cold brisk March winds, a long absent sense of pride returned to my spirit. I went down off the stage to find my boots once again in the mud as I walked among strangers without fear or trepidation for the first time in almost forty years. Because even though I did not know any of the men and women gathered there, I knew them intimately. They were my Combat Brothers and Sisters. These were the men with whom I had shared the life and death struggle known as "Combat." Many of the women there had been the Nurses that tended my wounds and calmed my fears as I lay in the hospital wondering if I would ever walk again, much less return to my unit and the brave young men I had come to love as my brothers. Not everyone at the gathering was a Vietnam veteran, although we made up the majority of those there. We had come to stand silent guard over "our memorial." However, there were W.W.II veterans as well as Korean War veterans in attendance also. For me the highlight of the day was when a W.W.II veteran got on stage, looked us Vietnam veterans in the eye and said, "Your fathers and grandfathers thank you for your service and sacrifice." Here was a member of "The Greatest Generation the World had ever known" saying "THANK YOU." Thank you to a group of men and women, who for almost forty years, had been neglected, spat upon, and vilified by not only our government, but our countrymen as well. I could not hold the tears back. As I looked around I saw I was not the only Vietnam veteran that his words had touched deeply. There were tears in many of the combat hardened eyes there that day. Those two little words had strengthened our resolve to not only guard our memorial, but theirs as well. We did just that, we stood in silence, a human shield around the three memorials erected to honor the service and sacrifice of Americans of three generations. The protest organizers and the media "Claim" that their numbers were small because of the winter storm that swept through the North east the evening before the rally. I find it very ironic that this same storm did NOT prevent Eagles from Canada , Maine , New York , New Jersey , and Pennsylvania from arriving in DC. I think it is more likely that these no show protesters knew that for the first time they would be facing more then an out numbered police force, and the welcoming arms of the main stream media. They would instead be facing the cold steal eyes of combat hardened veterans and "TRUE PATRIOTIC" Americans. And that is something they did not want to do. The main stream media, the communist and jihadist backed protesters, and even the leadership (and believe when I say, I'm using the word "Leadership" loosely) think they can ignore the "Gathering of Eagles" consider this. There are SEVENTY-MILLION veterans in the United States of America . Our current President was elected with sixty-million votes. We represent TEN MILLION more people than elected the President. God help the media, the protesters and this nations "leadership" if we ever get on the same sheet of music. Yes, our numbers were small on March 17th, and even though the media totally ignored the FACT that we out numbered the anitwar/anti America crowd however, this gathering was just the beginning. A ripple that will grow into a tsunami that will sweep the country clean of the left wing America haters, and a media that supports them. It will also clean out that domed building at the other end of the mall of those who vote for "non binding resolutions." Resolutions that do IN FACT give aid and comfort to the enemies of this great nation. In short, the "SILENT MAJORITY" will be silent NO MORE. Just one old soldier's view of the Gathering of Eagles. Rev Ernie (Smiling Hawk) Tucker Chaplain Aaron A Weaver Chapter 776 MOPH Scout/Sniper 198th Light Infantry Bdge Vietnam 68-69 This is a very good letter to the editor. This woman made some good points. For some reason, people have difficulty structuring their arguments when arguing against supporting the currently proposed immigration revisions. This lady made the argument pretty simple. NOT printed in the Orange County Paper -- Newspapers simply won't publish letters to the editor which they either deem politically incorrect (read below) or which does not agree with the philosophy they're pushing on the public. This woman wrote a great letter to the editor that should have been published; but, with your help it will get published via cyberspace!

New Immigrants
From: "David LaBonte"

My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Please pass it along. Dave LaBonte (signed)

Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:

Dear Editor:

So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States , people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany , Italy , France and Japan . None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France , no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German-American or the Irish-American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl. And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900s deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags. And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet. Rosemary LaBonte

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HAVE A HAPPY AND BLESSED EASTER!

P.S. I say a prayer and wish my good friend Denny Donaldson a speedy recovery from the injuries he received recently from a devastating accident.