Sports Beat column - May 23, 2008

Sports Beat

May 23, 2008

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

It's almost chopping time for major league baseball managers but Dave Trembley of the Orioles and Manny Acta of the Nats are safe despite sometime sputterings by both teams.

Some that I believe are on the bubble are:
AL
NY Yankees, Joe Girardi, he has not been the cure all. Detroit, Jim Leyland, someone has to pay here. Seattle, John McLaren, may be the first to go.

NL
NY Mets, Willie Randolph, he?s on the frying pan. Cincinnati Reds, Dusty Baker, what has he done? SF Giants, Bruce Bochy, needs more talent. Colorado Rockies, Clint Hurdle, has talent but? San Diego Padres, Bud Black, losing Jake Peavy to the DL hasn?t helped.

Kudos go to the following:
Boston Red Sox, Terry Francona, keeps the Red Sox in contention despite set backs. Tampa Bay Rays, Joe Madden doing a great job as team puts it all together. Chicago White Sox, Ozzie Guillen outspoken but gets the job done. Florida Marlins, Fredi Gonzales the Marlins keep putting the team in the race. Chicago Cubs, Lou Piniella, it?s paid off getting Lou. St. Louis Cardinals, Tony LaRussa, is the best in baseball. Houston Astros, Cecil Cooper has done a great job with the Astros. Arizona Diamondbacks, Bob Melvin, good manager does the job well. Los Angeles Dodgers, Joe Torre, I think the Yankees miss him.

Bartolo Colon is back with the Red Sox. Don't count out the Yankees or Blue Jays just yet. Outside of Jim Palmer on TV the Orioles have nothing on radio or TV, the rest are terrible ? Tom Davis, Amber Theoharris, and Harpo Marx, the Orioles should bring back John Lowenstein and go out and get Ken Singleton and Steve Stone. I listened to a recent Orioles telecast and one of the announcers called the Detroit ?Tigers? the ?Tagers? and the ?umpire? ?empire?, not cool. The only plus for the Birds is PA announcer Dave McGowan. The Nats on the other hand have a great crew in Don Sutton, Debbie Taylor, Johnny Holliday, and Ray Knight. The only downer in the radio-TV crew is Phil Wood who reminds me more of Digger O'Dell every time I see him. I think the Nats should bring up lefty pitcher Ross Detwiler now and I think the Orioles should bring up catcher Matt Wieters.

Langley Joins Maryland Women's Basketball Staff
Langley is hired as the staff's newest assistant coach

Maryland women's basketball head coach Brenda Frese has announced that Tina Langley is the newest member of the Terrapin staff, joining the Terps as an assistant coach. Langley returns to the ACC, having previously coached at Clemson for a couple years. "We are ecstatic to have Tina come on board with our basketball family," said Frese, who led Maryland to its second NCAA Elite Eight appearance in three years. "She's extremely hardworking and very passionate about coaching our players. Tina will bring a lot of energy and great ideas and will help make our program even better. It's a great day for Maryland Women's Basketball." Known for her determination and work ethic, Tina Langley had coaching stints at Toledo , Clemson and Georgia , prior to arriving in College Park , and has been instrumental in recruiting, game preparation and floor management in each of her stops. At Maryland , she will have a hand in recruiting, player development and on-court coaching. She will also coordinate the team's community service efforts, among other responsibilities. A native of Jasper, Ala., Langley spent five seasons at the University of Toledo, beginning her coaching career with the Rockets as a graduate assistant coach in 1998-99, before moving up to recruiting coordinator and eventual associate head coach during the 2002-03 campaign. She helped the Rockets reach the postseason three times, including two NCAA Tournament appearances. During her tenure, Toledo also won three Mid-American Conference regular season titles (1999, 2001, 2003) and two conference tournament crowns (1999 and 2001). At Toledo , Langley was responsible for all facets of the program, including recruiting, scouting of opponents and coordinating the team's academic efforts. She helped to sign two nationally ranked classes, the Rockets accumulated a 101-38 record (.679) during her time, and the team's grade point average was ranked in the top 10 in the nation three times. On the floor, she worked directly with players who went on to be selected the team's Most Improved Player in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Langley then joined the women's basketball staff at Clemson in 2003, under legendary head coach Jim Davis. In her two years with the Tigers, the team advanced to the 2004 Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) while also orchestrating a CU-record six signee class, which was ranked in the top 30 nationally in just her first season. After her stop at Clemson, Langley was hired at the University of Georgia as the recruiting coordinator. Langley left coaching for a couple years and earned her second master's in Community Counseling from the University of Alabama , specializing in college mental health. She was named the Most Outstanding Graduate Student in Community Counseling in her final semester in 2008. Langley played basketball and volleyball for two seasons at Bevill State Junior College before transferring to the University of West Alabama , where she lettered twice in basketball as a guard/forward. She graduated from UWA with a degree in special education in 1996, then earned her first master's degree in Recreation and Leisure with an emphasis in recreation administration from the University of Toledo . Frese led Maryland to a fifth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance and a 33-4 record, the team's second 30-win season in three years. Six letter winners return for the 2008-09 campaign, including All-American and Nancy Lieberman Award winner Kristi Toliver and three-time All-ACC pick and Honorable Mention All-American Marissa Coleman.

Future Terp Kizer Invited to USA Basketball U18 Trials
Kizer will compete for a spot on the junior national team

High school senior and future Terrapin Lynetta Kizer was among the 35 women's basketball players, born after Jan. 1, 1990, to be invited to the USA Basketball Under-18 National Team trials. Kizer will travel to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs , Colo. , June 9-12, to compete for one of 12 roster spots for the 2008 USA Women's U18 National Team. Following the trials, the Women's Collegiate Committee is expected to announce the 12-member squad, plus alternates. The team members will return to Colorado Springs for a July 10-19 training camp in preparation for the 2008 FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Buenos Aires , Argentina . The tournament takes place July 23-27. Lynetta Kizer signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Maryland in November and begins her collegiate career this fall. Kizer's previous experience with the U.S. program was helping the USA White Team capture a gold medal and go undefeated (5-0) at the 2007 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival. At the conclusion of the high school season, Kizer was named a McDonald's and WBCA All-American. Hailing from nearby Woodbridge , Va. , she was also a second team Parade All-American this season. A 6-3 center, Kizer was a four-year letter winner at Potomac High School . For more information, visit the USA Basketball web site at www.usabasketball.com.

BOWIE STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 30 at Cheyney 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 6 at Shepherd (WV) 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 13 at NichollsState TBA

Saturday, September 20 at Livingstone * 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 27 at Shaw * ^ 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 4 LINCOLN (PA) 1:00 p.m. (5th Annual Prince George's Classic)

Saturday, October 11 ELIZABETH CITY STATE * (TV Game) 1:00 p.m. (Homecoming)

Saturday, October 18 at St. Paul ?s * 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 25 VIRGINIA UNION * 1:00 p.m. (Champions Day)

Saturday, November 1 VIRGINIA STATE * 1:00 p.m. (Senior Day)

Home Games Listed in BOLDFACE CAPS
* CIAA Conference Game
^ Played at Durham County Stadium

St. Pierre Steamrolls Baysox

Max St. Pierre went 2-for-5 with a homerun and five RBI as the Erie SeaWolves beat the Baysox 9-2 Wednesday to end the Baysox winning streak at a season-high nine games. The Baysox were just a win away from tying their franchise record with ten consecutive wins, set last year from August 5-16. The Baysox were tied with Harrisburg for first place in the Southern Division heading into the game.

Erie scored four runs in the second inning and never trailed in the game. With one out in the second, Deik Scram and Ryan Roberson both singled off Baysox starter Kyle Schmidt. With two on and one out, Max St. Pierre hit a three-run homerun to left. Will Rhymes followed the homerun with a triple to right and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kody Kirkland. The Baysox got on the board in the top of the fourth when Lou Montanez scored on a double by Ryan Finan. The SeaWolves responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning when Caonabo Cosme singled to drive in Kody Kirkland. Lou Montanez would add another run for the Baysox with a two-out solo homerun to right in the top of the sixth, but the SeaWolves added another four runs in the bottom of the seventh.

Max Leon led off the bottom of the seventh with the SeaWolves second triple of the game. Caonabo Cosme drove Leon in with a single to right and went to second when Nolan Reimold threw home on the play. Cosme went to third on a groundout by Justin Justice and Felix Romero came in to pitch for the Baysox.

Romero hit the first batter he faced, Wilkin Ramirez, and Ramirez had to come out of the game. He was replaced by Jeff Frazier. Romero then walked Deik Scram to load the bases and Max St. Pierre singled to left, driving in Cosme and Frazier. Will Rhymes singled to right-center to score Deik Scram before Kody Kirkland struck out to end the inning. Kyle Schmidt struggled in his fourth start for the Baysox. He allowed five runs in 4.0 innings on seven hits and three walks while striking out five. He is the first Baysox starting pitcher to be charged with a loss since April 20. Jason Burch allowed two runs in 2.1 innings on two hits and two walks. Felix Romero also allowed 2 runs in 1.2 innings on two walks and two hits while striking out three.

The Bowie Baysox are in their 16th season as the ?AA? affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Baysox individual game tickets, season ticket plans, group outings, picnics and birthday parties are currently available for booking by calling the Baysox front office at (301) 464-4880. A day out going to a Baysox game is great fun for the entire family. Also going to a Blue Crab game is a great time for the whole family.

Patient Baysox Blow Out SeaWolves

The Baysox drew 10 walks, including four with the bases loaded, in the Baysox 11-4 victory over Erie Thursday. Brad Bergesen started for the Baysox and improved to 5-0. Despite the win, the Baysox remain 0.5 game behind Harrisburg in the Southern Division.

Brian Peterson put the Baysox in front early when he hit a two-out homerun to center field in the second but the SeaWolves took a 3-2 lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Danny Worth hit a ball to center that got over the head of Sebestien Boucher and wound up with a triple to lead off the fourth and scored on a groundout by Max St. Pierre. Deik Scram drew a two-out walk and scored on a Dusty Ryan double to right-center field.

The Baysox took the lead back on a two-run homerun by Jeff Nettles in the top of the sixth and added three more runs in the seventh. Angel Castro came in to pitch for the SeaWolves in the seventh and Blake Davis and Jonathan Tucker each hit one-out singles. Carlos Rojas was safe at first after grounding into a fielders choice, Tucker was out second and Davis advanced to third on the play. Lou Montanez walked to load the bases and Castro allowed three straight bases-loaded walks to Jeff Nettles, Nolan Reimold and Ryan Finan. After walking in the three runs, Castro got Brian Peterson to strike out to end the inning.

Erie would add a run in the bottom of the inning on a solo homerun by Ryan Roberson off reliever Ryan Keefer to cut the lead down to 7-4, but it would be their last run of the game.

Bowie added four more runs in the top of the eighth. Sebastien Boucher led off the inning with a walk off reliever Marcelo Perez and went to third on a double by Blake Davis. With runners on second and third and nobody out, Jonathan Tucker singled to center and both Davis and Boucher scored. Tucker went to second on a wild pitch and went to third on a one-out single by Lou Montanez. Jeff Nettles drew a walk to load the bases and Nolan Reimold walked to force in another run. Ryan Finan hit a single to drive in Lou Montanez before Brian Valichka struck out to end the inning.

Brad Bergesen went six innings for the Baysox, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four. He is the third Baysox pitcher to reach 5-0 this season. He has made six starts for the Baysox and has an ERA of 1.85. Ryan Keefer allowed one run in relief of Bergesen, he pitched two innings and allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one. Rommie Lewis threw a scoreless ninth, striking out two.

The Baysox are home for a seven game homestand against New Hampshire and Altoona .

They will have World Record Attempt Night Saturday and Pat Sajak Day Sunday. Details on each of the games and tickets are available on the Baysox Web site, www.baysox.com.

BALLROOM BOXING

The May 29, 2008 professional boxing show at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, Maryland is scheduled to feature up to seven professional bouts.

Among the bouts are:
10 rounds: Mike Paschall (16-0-1, 4 ko's) versus Larry Marks (29-9-1, 16 ko's) This is Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall's fourth fight in the Ballroom in Glen Burnie, with his last two opponents failing to go the distance against him. "Laser" Larry Marks is a step up for Paschall, as Marks is a veteran who has fought and gone the distance in the past against world-class opposition including Cory Spinks, Andrew "Six Heads" Lewis, and Charles "The Natural" Murray.

4 rounds: Jonath an Felton (5-9-0, 5 ko's) versus Askia Schneider (1-0-0) Both of these fighters were disqualified for scuffling before the opening bell of their first scheduled bout on January 31, 2008. After both boxers were disciplined by the Maryland State Athletic Commission for their respective actions (including each boxer making the effort to publicly apologize to the other at a Commission hearing), this is the much-anticipated rematch.

6 rounds: Carney "Beeper" Bowman (9-0-0, 4 ko's) versus Edwin Valdez (3-5-2, 2 ko's) This is Carney "Beeper" Bowman's second trip from York , Pennsylvania to Glen Burnie to compete in the Ballroom. Edwin Valdez lost by a split decision in his last bout to a boxer who was undefeated with eight wins.

4 rounds: Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (2-0-1, 1 ko) versus Alexis Cruz Medina (0-3-1) This is a heavyweight bout.

4 rounds: Danny Kisner (1-0-0, 1 ko) versus Kevin Johnson (Pro Debut) This is a heavyweight bout.

MYSTICS OPEN WITH A LOSS

Like a signal of the future Indiana knocked off the Mystics 64-53, in the Mystics opener on the road.

Here are my WNBA picks:
EAST
Detroit
Connecticut
Indiana
New York
Atlanta
Chicago
Washington

WEST
Los Angeles
Sacramento
Minnesota
Houston
Seattle
Phoenix
San Antonio

Look for Alana Beard and Crystal Langhorne to have great seasons for the Mystics. I think the Mystics made a mistake in releasing Lindsay Taylor, after all she?s 6?8 and towers over most of the players that play for the Mystics.

WE GET LETTERS

Bill, I am always giving you bad news, but this time it?s Great News. My daughter Kathy (Hascup) O?Reilly had a baby girl yesterday. Peyton Elizabeth O?Reilly, born May 14th at 12:16 p.m. weighing in at 6 pounds 9 ounces and 19 1Ž2 inches long. Thanks Henry Hascup Henry, Congratulations! Bill Bill, I guess you know that the 1953 class of Anacostia High School is going to hold their 55 Reunion October 7-8-9-20087 in Fredericksburg Virginia . Bernie Merritt is running a golf tournament and they have a wild weekend planned for the old people of 1953. Here at Myrtle Beach we have an old Clinton grad, who is now the president of Coastal Carolina Univ. in Dave DeSenso. He was on the PG police force for a few years and he dated my daughter Donna a few time while she was at St. Mary College . Was in DC last week for Grand Lodge and boy am I glad I got out of Dodge. Traffic, buildings I never seen, roads that you could not drive on and those you could you had to make detours but the new National stadium looked great. I see from your article that you are still hanging with the old gang of has been politicians, Mandell ? They must have carried him in but hang in there, you were one of them long ago, I would still vote for you. Take care and hope you are doing well both health wise and living every day to the fullest. McMullen

Ray, Good report. Tell Bernie to contact me about the reunion. Hope everything is well with you and the family. Bill

* Bill, Please tell your friend Frank to get over it with one of the greatest Governor's in the nation. Ask this spokesman for the MARYLAND right-wing what his problems with Gov. O'Malley not to mention a great American hero in Anthony Brown. Good for you in standing by your principles and giving credit to the great work Martin, Anthony, Mike Miller and Mike Busch are doing for the working families of Maryland! B.S. Go Frank Kratovil over the meanest politician in the State -- Andy Harris. David J from Annapolis.

David J, Well said. Bill

Bill, Thanks so much for the excellent column, my hometown connection. Sure would have loved to have been at the luncheon with the former Maryland Governors and to see the dashingly debonair and handsome Colonel Chuck present Governor Mandel with that certificate from the Air Force Association. How is the good Colonel these days? Will have to write him and say hello. I see the lecherous "Colonel" Phil Sullivan is still, well, being Colonel Phil. You have been quite the man about town these days I see and thank God for bringing you back to us in such great shape. How is my childhood buddy Bobby Simi these days? I will write to him also. Please tell him not to sell that boat because I am looking forward to picking up my rain check for a cruise with him and some friends to St. Michael's Island for some delicious Maryland crab later this year. Maryland crab is advertised down here in some restaurants but it is not Maryland crab, they cannot fool me. Good to see the O's not in the cellar right now and sorry folks about our Florida Marlins winning those games against the good ole hometown team, the Washington Nationals. Kudos to Governor O'Malley for signing that bill for students with special challenges. Blessings to you and yours and continue to take good care of yourself, we all need you to stick around for a long, long time. Dale in hot and dry Daytona

Dale, Good report. Bill

Fred, Dick Allison Class of 51 AHS Dick Allison is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of Montgomery General Hospital. Dick's wife, Anita, informed me that it is only a matter of time. There will be a memorial service in July. I will post the information when I receive it. Alan Herbert

Fred, Thanks for the information, though sad. Bill

Bill, Just a note to inform you that Dick passed away at 8:00 p.m. last night (Saturday). Anita, his wife, said there will be a memorial service sometime in July. Alan Herbert

Fred/Alan, My deepest sympathy goes to the family. Bill

Bill, Just received word that Donnie Wolfe has died, no details, check Washington papers for more information. Shelton Meade

Shelton, My deepest sympathy to the family. Bill

Bill, Joseph Clements Sr. 79, an Anacostia HS grad dies on May 12, 2008. Mr. Clements was a longtime resident of Clinton , MD. Fred Plummer

SPORTS NOTES

Portland outfielder Zach Daeges is the winner of the Bank of America Eastern League Player of the Week Award and Akron left hander David Huff if the winner of the Bank of America Eastern League Pitcher of the Week Award. For more information about Bank of America visit www.bankofamerica.com. Mike Prazza has retired and leaves a career batting average of .308 and 427 home runs (396 as a catcher an all-time high for a catcher). Speaking of catchers when Jon Lester of the Red Sox threw a no-hitter recently Jason Varitek was behind the plate for his 4th complete (9 inning) no hit game, a new record and if they counted a 5 inning no-hitter by Devern Hansach in 2006 it would be five. How many remember Washington Senator catchers Mike Guerra, Rick Ferrell, Mickey Grasso, Al Evans, Jake Early and Lou Burret? The Chicago Bulls won the NBA draft lottery and will pick first in the NBA draft. I wonder where Natalie Blackitone Barry, Mickey McGowan, Joan Lindsay, Jack Hoover, Joe Eller, Harold Goldstein, Jean Beitzell, Judy Hurst, Jen Foster, Edwin Bell, and Pat Hayes are today. Matt Ryan got a six year 72 million dollar contract from the Atlanta Falcons. Coming up on June 14th will be the 3rd annual St. Gregory the Great Church Golf Outing at the Forest Park Golf Course. For information contact golf outing chairman Charles Grant at cgrant@mtamaryland.com or call 410-454-7120 9day) or 410-292-9019 (evening). This is a great event and all proceeds go to the church. When are the Baltimore and Washington areas going to get Arena Football League Franchises?

I like Big Brown in the Belmont (who wouldn't) but some folks believe the Japanese horse "Casino Drive" can win. "Harlem Rocker" if entered could be a contender.

I hear they are giving away taxpayers money at Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport at least that's what Jim Russell indicated in his letter to the editor in the Baltimore Sun on May 19th.

I guess the MTA thinks giving tee shirts away (at taxpayers expense) and asking those kids to sign a non-binding pledge will cut down rape, robbery, and violence on MTA buses in Baltimore? Fat Chance!

Dick Heller had a great article on Arch McDonald and Bob Wolff in the Washington Times paper on May 14th, 2008. You are really a Nats fan if you can tell me who Bob Wolff replaced as Arch?s partner. Try Russ Hodges who became famous after he called Bobby Thomson's homerun off Ralph Branca to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers, remember the Shot Heard round the World to give the Giants the National League title. In golf at Bretton Woods D. Jayanan and A. Delucio won the Argentine Cup.

I am glad to see Comptroller Peter Franchot holding the MDOT's Secretary's feet to the fire on the airport fiasco that cost Maryland taxpayers millions of dollars, Franchot should look into the running of the MTA and their waste of taxpayers money especially checking out the buses and light rail. I know someone in Franchot's office loves the MDOT Secretary, but that someone should take a pass on this one.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following:
Walter W. Kreirmann (former manager of Naylor apartments in SE Washington DC ).
William Kekua Fish (Crossland HS graduate).
Joan Marie McCloskey (Academy of the Holy Cross) grad.
Patricia H. Ingle (Frederick Sasscer HS graduate).
Geaton Joseph DiZebba, Sr. (McKinley Tech (DC) HS grad).

"Spirit in the Sky" is a great song, who remembers who did it when and what year it came out? Try Nelson Greenbaum in 1973.

You know that Governor O'Malley had a great 90 days when you see he only had to veto one bill. The BB&T Classic will be played December 7th at the Verizon Center , it pits Virginia Tech against Navy and Maryland against GWU. Lackey assistant football coach takes over the head football job at McDonough. Mike Clay is out as head football coach at St. Mary?s in Annapolis . He may end up as head football coach at Meade. Raymond Cotton a 6?4, 220 pound quarterback and an Auburn U. recruit has transferred to Meade in Anne Arundel County. Happy 55th Wedding Anniversary (May 9th) to Skip and Pat Harford. Congratulations to them. Also Happy Anniversary to Don and M.K. Saccardi who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 28th. Congratulations Don and M.K.!

* WEBMASTER COMMENT:
Elect ANDREW HARRIS in the FIRST CONG DISTRICT on NOV 4, 2008!
These politically partisan remarks are utterly misleading. The legislative records reflect poorly upon those demonrats defiling their oath of office by usurping the interests of the citizens of Maryland.

SUPPORT SOUTHERN MD SPORTS!!