Sports Beat column - May 30, 2008

Sports Beat

May 30, 2008

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

I had a great show on my PGCTV "Inside Sports" this week. My guests were Oxon Hill High School Wrestling Coach John Carpenter and his super star All-State Heavyweight wrestling champion Nigel Cross. Prince George?s County had not had a state wrestling champion for five years until Cross won the 4A-3A crown this year by beating previously unbeaten Quince Orchard junior Terrence Stephens 2-1 in the title match. Cross a junior was 37-1 this season and he also is a key member of the Clippers football team playing fullback and linebacker. His brother Walter Cross played football at Michigan and Walter is now the track coach at Oxon Hill. The other two state public school wrestling champions this decade from Prince George?s County are Chad Nkang (Northwestern, class 215 lb in 2003) and Adrian Belcarris (Oxon Hill, class 171 in 2000). Carpenter is doing a great job for wrestling at Oxon Hill and in Prince George?s County.

ORIOLES SNAP 5 GAME LOSING STREAK

As I said before the season started the New York Yankees pitching was suspect and guess what the Orioles snapped their losing streak by stopping the Yankees. The Orioles stopped the Bronx Bombers 6-1 and 10-9 in 11 innings before the Bombers topped them 4-2. After this past Wednesday the Orioles were 26-26 a half game ahead of the cellar dwelling Yanks (26-27). The Nats are still having problems and made some changes bringing up OF Ryan Langerhans, RHP Brian Sanches, and LHP Charlie Manning. Going to the minors were Matt Chico and Chris Schroder moving to the 60 day DL was Ryan Wagner. Nats outfielder Austin Kearns will be out for at least four weeks after elbow surgery. The Yankees have signed veteran Ben Broussard to a minor league contract.

DC DIVAS 43-0 WINNERS OVER CENTRAL PA. VIPERS

The DC Divas evened their season record at 2-2 with a victory over the Vipers. QB Allyson Hamlin found WR Nikki Williams on the second play of the game for a 39 yard touchdown, and Rachelle Pecovsky?s 2pt conversion put the Divas ahead 8-0. DB Kathryn Hemlock intercepted a pass on the next series and that eventually lead to a Tiffany Mathews 2 yard TD run and a 2pt conversion by her to make it 16-0 Divas. Matthews, known as ?Space Ghost?, had 5 carries on the day for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns. RB Okiima Pickett was named the offensive MVP with her 78 yard two touchdown afternoon. Her 48 yard TD in the 4th quarter made it 43-0 with the Kathryn Hemlock extra point. QB Allyson Hamlin was 2 of 3 for 56 yards and two touchdowns on the day, the second to WR Tara Stephenson who made some great moves on her way to a 27 yard TD. Defensive MVP DE Lara Aribasala was outstanding in her first career start with 2 sacks-3 tackles and a forced fumble. ?I can?t wait to do it again? said Lara after he defensive unit picked off two passes on the day and held Central Pa. to under 100 yards in total offense. The Divas play New York on June 7th then the big game on June 14th. They host Pittsburgh in a big rematch at the PG Sports and Learning Complex at 7 p.m.

Tillman Remains Perfect As Baysox Roll To Fifteenth In A Row

Chris Tillman held the Fisher Cats to one run over 6.1 innings Sunday in a 3-1 Baysox victory. With the win, the Baysox are now 32-18 and have a 1.5 game lead over Harrisburg in the Southern Divison. The win is the Baysox franchise-best fifteenth in a row at Prince George's Stadium. For the second day in a row, Lou Montanez got the Baysox offense going with a two-out walk in the bottom of the first inning. Montanez moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single to center by Jeff Nettles. Sebastien Boucher provided the rest of the offense for the Baysox with a solo homerun in the second inning and an RBI double in the fourth. The Baysox had multiple scoring chances but they had a hard time putting runs on the board. In the fourth inning, Nolan Reimold and Ryan Finan drew one-out walks. Boucher doubled to left to drive in Reimold and move Finan to third. Brian Valichka drew a walk to load the bases but Travis Brown hit into an inning ending double play. Nolan Reimold led off the sixth inning with a walk and moved to second on a single by Ryan Finan. Brian Valichka drew a one-out walk to load the bases before Travis Brown grounded into another inning-ending double play. The Baysox hit into four double plays in the game. Tillman earned the win and improved to 6-0, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four. Felix Romero allowed one hit over 1.2 innings to earn his third hold of the season and Julio Manon pitched a scoreless ninth to record his fifteenth save.

Fisher Cats Bludgeon The Streak

The Fisher Cats had 13 hits, including 4 homeruns, in their 6-5 victory over the Baysox Monday. The loss ends the Baysox fifteen-game home winning streak. With the loss, the Baysox are now 32-19 and remain 1.5 games in front of Harrisburg in the Southern Division. Craig Anderson started out strong for the Baysox, retiring the first eight batters he faced. He was less effective the next time through the batting order, allowing four homeruns in a span of eight batters. Ryan Keefer relieved Anderson with two outs in the fourth inning and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings. Rommie Lewis and Gerrardo Casadiego would also pitch in relief for the Baysox in the game. New Hampshire took the first lead of the game when Ryan Klosterman hit a two-out two-run homerun to left in the third inning. The Baysox came back with three runs in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. With one out in the bottom of the third, Carlos Rojas hit a chopper back to the mound. The ball deflected off pitcher Brett Cecil's glove and caromed towards the shortstop for an infield single. Lou Montanez singled to left, moving Rojas to third, and both runners scored on a double by Jeff Nettles. Nolan Reimold singled to left to move Nettles to third and Ryan Finan gave the Baysox a 3-2 lead with a sacrifice fly to center.

Ryan Patterson, Travis Snider and Brian Jeroloman all hit solo homeruns off Craig Anderson in the top of the fourth inning to put the Fisher Cats back in front 5-3. Jeff Nettles hit the Baysox lone homerun of the game, a solo homerun in the fifth inning to cut the lead down to 5-4. Bowie would tie the game in the bottom of the sixth inning. Brian Peterson led off with a flyball to gap in right-center field. New Hampshire center fielder Aaron Mathews dove for the ball and had it in his glove briefly, but the ball popped out of his glove and Peterson wound up on second with a double. Peterson moved to third on a ground-out by Boucher and scored the tying run on a single by Blake Davis. Rommie Lewis came in to pitch for the Baysox in the top of the seventh inning and allowed a single to Anthony Hatch to lead off the inning. Jonathan Diaz came to the plate looking to lay down a sacrifice bunt, but Lewis threw a wild pitch and Hatch advanced to second base. Diaz then managed to lay down a bunt with two strikes to advance Hatch to third. Lewis struck out Ryan Klosterman for the second out of the inning, but he threw another wild pitch to Aaron Mathews and Hatch scored what would be the winning run from third. Baysox starter Craig Anderson did not record a decision after allowing five runs on six hits in 3.2 innings. Ryan Keefer did not record a decision, allowing three hits in 2.1 scoreless innings of relief while striking out two. Rommie Lewis was charged with the loss, allowing one run on four hits in 2.2 innings while striking out five. Gerrardo Casadiego struck out the only batter he faced in the game.

Baysox Can't Surmount Hill

Altoona starter Josh Hill shut out the Baysox over six innings, holding Bowie to three hits and two walks while striking out three in the Curve's 5-0 victory. The Baysox only managed to get the leadoff batter on base twice in the game and were held to four hits. Three of the Baysox hits were doubles. Baysox starter Brad Bergesen got into trouble early, allowing three runs in the first inning. Melvin Dorta hit a one out single to center and moved to second on a walk by Jonel Pacheco. Brad Corley doubled down the left field line to drive in Dorta for the first run of the game. With one out and runners on second and third, Jason Delaney hit a groundball down the third base line. Jeff Nettles fielded the ball and threw home, but his throw was high and Pacheco slid into home for the second run. Now with runners on the corners with one out and a 2-0 lead, Anthony Webster hit a groundball to short. Blake Davis threw to second for an out but Webster beat the relay throw to first and Brad Corley scored on the play. Bergesen got Luis Cruz to ground out to end the inning. Jason Delaney would add another run on a solo homerun to right field with one out in the third inning. Altoona scored their last run in the fifth inning when Anthony Webster singled to drive in Brad Corley and give the Curve a 5-0 lead. Bowie never mounted much of an offensive threat in the game. Ryan Finan doubled with one out in the second inning but was stranded at third. Jeff Nettles doubled in the fourth to extend his hitting streak to ten games, but he never got past second base. Mike Rodriguez and Carlos Rojas both walked to lead off the sixth inning but were stranded at first and second base. With a runner on first with two outs in the seventh inning, Blake Davis doubled to left, but Jonathan Tucker was held at third and Mike Rodriguez grounded out to end the inning. Brad Bergesen was charged with his first loss of the season, allowing five runs in 6.2 innings on nine hits and a walk while striking out three. Jason Burch and Kam Mickolio combined to pitch 2.1 scoreless innings in relief. With the loss, the Baysox are 32-20 and remain 1 game in front of Harrisburg in the Southern Division.

Bill, Here is lots of food for thought. Especially now a days when everyone is so down on the educational systems and what they do to support and encourage children everyday.
KIDS CAN DO IT ALL I am sure everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. In a time period when all we hear is negative comments concerning education and our youth, I have decided it was necessary to gather some information and shed some light on the academic, athletic and extra curricular successes of our amazing Kent Island H.S. (Oh yeah- remember we are only 10 years old)

Extra Curricular Activities:
KI Concert Choir- District Festival- receive the highest rating of Superior! KI Choir- District Festival- receive a rating of Excellent! 16 Students qualified for All Shore/ 3 to All State KI Band- District Festival- receive a rating of Excellent! 3 All State members

Sports/ Record/ Accomplishments:
Boys Soccer- 14-2- North Bayside Champs/ Regional Champs Girls Soccer- 12-2-1- North Bayside Champs/ Regional Semi-Finalist Football- 7-3- Co-North Bayside Champs Field Hockey- 13-3- North Bayside Champs/ Regional Champs Cross Country- Regional Champs Cheerleading- STATE CHAMPS!!! Dance Team- 3rd in the State Gold- 2nd in the Conference Volleyball- 7-16 Swimming- 6-1- Regional Champs/ 6th State Boys Basketball- 9-9 Girls Basketball- 15-5 Wrestling- 11-4- Qualified for Regional Duels Championship 1 Regional Champion/ 3rd Place finisher in the state Indoor Track- Bayside Champs - 17 qualified for states Girls Lacrosse- 13-3- North Bayside Champs/ Regional Semi-finalist Boys Lacrosse- 14-2- Regional Champs/ State Playoff Semi-Finalist Softball- 10-8 Tennis- Boys- 13-3- 1 Player 2nd in the region/ 1 Player qualified for State Championship Girls- 7-9 Outdoor Track- 17 qualified for State Championship
BOYS BASEBALL- State Champions

So, if you have counted- KI had 6 North Bayside Champions/ 6 Region Champs/ 1 State Champ (Several sports still competing) Even more impressive is the senior class of KI had 51 Master of Sports (lettered in 3 sports)- All 51 had a 3.0 GPA or higher. Total cumulative GPA for all 51 is a 3.64 and 15 students had a 4.0 or higher. (WOW!) Academically KIHS is also ranked in the top 25% for testing in the state of Maryland. I do not know about you, but I am concerned when all that I read in the papers or hear on the news channels is negative statements concerning our youth and educational system. Please pass this on to anyone you know that has a child that will be attending KIHS or any media sources (I am sure it is not controversial enough to publish!) Congratulation to all of the students, athletes, teachers, administrators and coaches - we really do make a difference in our youths lives and they do perform beyond expectations! Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Bryon Sofinowski Thank you Bryon. Bill

SPORTS NOTES

Northwestern won its fourth straight NCAA woman?s lacrosse championship beating Penn 10-9. Salisbury?s men?s won the NCAA Division III crown defeating SUNY-Courtland 19-13. Syracuse won the D-1 men?s lacrosse title with a 13-10 win over Johns Hopkins. It was Syracuse?s 10th NCAA men?s lacrosse crown. Look-a-Likes: Donnie Herman and Kramer of Seinfeld, Jim Hoover and Jason Alexander, Dale Poole and Jane Russell. Dewey Beach changing its image? Hummnm somehow I don?t think so? The New York Times on May 25th, page one, had a great article on sports betting by Joe Drape. Johnny Holliday is doing a great job as play-by-play man on the Washington Nationals TV games. In golf in the Tantallon Memorial Day Tournament Scott Kimmel won with the low gross and Ralph Harnes took low net. At Old South in the couples stroke play championship Marie and Hall Chaney took low gross with 72 and low net with 62 the winning couple was Marjorie and Steve Claggett.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following:
Dick Martin of "Laugh In"
Lloyd Moore, oldest living NASCAR driver when he passed on May 18th at age 95.
Gordon A. Whitt, Sr., graduate of McKinley (DC) Tech.
Iris Rivera Bouchard, former C&P Telephone employee.
Bob Florence, grammy award winning band leader.
Iris Del Vecchio Cotter, Theodore Roosevelt (DC) HS graduate.
James A. "Gus" MacLaughlin, Potomac HS graduate.
Clifford Hamdon Eley, III, All American lacrosse goalie at Navy.
Herbert Hash was the oldest living Red Sox player at 97 when he died on May 20th. (the oldest living Red Sox player now is DC Billy Werber).
Clem Florio, great racing writer and handicapper, also former prize fighter.
Sophie Altman, founder of the TV show "Its Academic".
Helen Rinewalt Rouse, Central (DC) HS grad.

A lot of UM folks are happy that Tyree Evans won't be playing basketball at College Park, his criminal record is almost as long as his basketball honors (I think this is best for Gary Williams and Maryland Men?s basketball). An article in the ?Baltimore Sun? on May 28th by a Garrison Keillor (he looks like he might be suffering from hemorodes) belittling motorcycle riders for standing up for America and holding their ?Rolling Thunder? rally in DC on Memorial Day weekend. He seemed to question the biker?s patriotism and he was upset because it took longer than usual to cross the street. Why the ?Sun? has this guy writing for them I just don?t understand! I wonder where they are today?Doug Hale, Irene Nichols, Joyce Andrews, George Malloy, Charlie Stringfellow, Ray ?Raygun? Duncan, Ralph Grimsley, Francis Stringfellow, Diane Ford, Ann Latimer, Faye DeMent, Carolyn Briggs, Gene Herring? Georgetown University?s Jeremiah Rivers (Celtics coach Doc Rivers is his father) is transferring to Indiana. It?s hard to believe that DeMatha has fired its lacrosse coach, after all he?s a DeMatha grad, is coming off an undefeated season in the WCAC and his second WCAC title in three seasons (must be something here).

HIGH SCHOOL STATE RESULTS

SOFTBALL
4A Chesapeake (AACTY)
3A Northern
2A McDonough
1A Ft. Hill

BASEBALL
4A Sherwood
3A LaPlata
2A Kent Island
1A St. Michaels

Severna Park won the 4A-3A State lacrosse girls crown and finished a perfect 22-0 season. They beat Catonsville 17-6 in the title game.

TRACK
4A Boys ? Roosevelt
4A Girls ? Roosevelt|
3A Boys ? Meade, (2) Westlake (3) Huntington (4) LaPlata (5) Northern
3A Girls ? Westlake
2A Boys ? North Point and Walkersville (Tie for 1st).

Mike Miller

I have become very upset with people taking shots at State Senate President Mike Miller. First I saw a letter in the Annapolis Capital on April 2nd from one Linda L. Fisher of Severna Park who among other things accused him of turning his back on the people. I don?t know Ms. Fisher but she is dead wrong. Mike Miller has served the people of Maryland and has done a great job in the 38 years he?s been in public office and has championed many things that helped the people. He is a person of the people and not only is he a great man but one that is dedicated to serving the citizens of Maryland. Another gripe I have is these people who are talking bad about Mike?s son Tommy. Tommy like his father is a person of the people well educated, well versed in the law and has done a super job on the Parole Board. These crybabies trying to derail him from becoming a judge are dead wrong! Tommy Miller would do an outstanding job and I urge Governor O?Malley to do the right thing by appointing Tommy Miller to a District Court Judge. As you readers know I served in the House of Delegates from 1975 to 1990 and I have known the Millers for over 40 years and I have only the highest respect for Mike, Tommy, Patti and the rest of the Miller family. Least you folks think I don?t have any kudos for anyone else I do and will have more when I finally get my report out. But I have to give some good points to John Leapold who I think has done a great job for Anne Arundel County. He certainly has taken the lead on many touchy things and has come through with flying colors. He has proven more than once that he has been good for the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

WE GET LETTERS

Good Manager analysis Dad, No mention of Manny Acta though, I personally do not think he is that great a manager or even a good one, he seems with his attitude to perhaps been a good minor league manager encouraging young players and all that. I don't think he is up to managing against the teams in his league, but on the other hand, he does not have much to work with talent wise-Zimmerman is the only decent player on that team. They said they wished to avoid the free agent spending, but they should have tried to pick up a veteran starting pitcher or two. Glavine or Maddux would have cost, but I think they could have gotten one. They also shouldn't have made the Milledge trade-they gave up too much for him. I also think that when they got Nick Johnson healthy they should have traded him, he has a history of getting hurt. Oh well, at least Washington has a team, and they have sometimes this season pulled some surprises win wise. Take care, love Mike

Mike, Thanks Dad

Bill, Hope all goes well. I really enjoy reading your news magazine. It is informative and great insights. Thanks again. George Detsis

George, Thank you. Bill

Bill, Happy Memorial Day! I wish the war efforts in Iraq and the drain on our society was over. That is great news about you possibly observing this Fall/Winter. I always appreciate your insight comments/thoughts regarding basketball calls, positioning, game management, etc. Take Care George

George, Thank you. Bill

Frank Kratovil Report
Environmental alibi
Baltimore Sun Editorial, May 15, 2008

"Voters in Maryland's 1st Congressional District have a habit of sending people to Congress with a fondness for the Chesapeake Bay. The latest Republican vying for that seat, Andy Harris, has an abysmal score on a leading environmental 'report card,' which he claims is unfair and political." Read the editorial summary of his record or check his voting record to form your own opinion.

Political scientist, Harry Basehart: First District contest is an interesting one
The Sunday Star, May 25, 2008

"Getting the votes of the 'Gilchrest Republicans' could be the key to victory for candidates in Maryland's 1st congressional district. [Campaign Manager] Meekins said Harris' views are in contrast to those of Kratovil, who Meekins says want to follow the 'tax and spend' policies of Gov. Martin O'Malley." "Kratovil said Harris is a right of center extremist who labels anyone who doesn't agree with him--whether a Democrat or Republican--a liberal. 'The vast majority of the voters in this district are moderate,' said Kratovil." "Kratovil said Harris has 'zero credibility' when it comes to labeling Kratovil a liberal machine politician. Voters should check the records of the two men and the policies they advocate, said Kratovil. Anyone who looks at his background as a prosecutor and his views on the Iraq war and immigration will realize Harris' accusations aren't based on facts, said Kratovil." "Kratovil said Harris has benefited from more than $1 million in contributions from the conservative advocacy group, the Club for Growth. Kratovil said the Club for Growth is an extremist special interest group."

Fight in the First
Baltimore Sun, May 7, 2008

Political Science Professor Thomas Schaller of UMBC states that "the wild card in the race could be Mr. Gilchrest, and there are hints that he is sympathetic toward Mr. Kratovil. Lynn Caligiuri, the Kratovil campaign's finance director, is a former campaign and finance director for Mr. Gilchrest, and the wife of Tony Caligiuri, the congressman 's chief of staff." "So the question is: Can a strong, Eastern Shore Democrat, running in what should be a somewhat favorable Democratic cycle--against a fractious Republican Party with an Ehrlich-backed, Baltimore-area nominee--make a contest of it? 'The Western Shore already has seven members of Congress,' says Mr. Kratovil, who is counting on his local roots to give him a boost. 'The Eastern Shore should have at least one.'"

Upcoming events
Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1 Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival Noon - 6:00 p.m. Terrapin Park on Kent Island. Visit their website for details.
Sunday, June 1 Wicomico County DCC and Club Dinner 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Chef Fred's Steakhouse, Salisbury.
Monday, June 2 Roland Terrace Democratic Club 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Mathews Avenue in Brooklyn Park. Frank Kratovil to speak.
Saturday, June 7 Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Wade-In 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. at CBEC in Grasonville. Remarks by Frank Kratovil.
Sunday, June 8 QAC Dem Club Picnic 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at 4H Park in Centreville. Frank Kratovil is keynote speaker. Saturday, June 14 Cypress Festival 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Cypress Park in Pocomoke City.
Sunday, June 15 Fire Convention Memorial Service 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Convention Center in Ocean City.
Monday, June 16 Fire Convention Opening Ceremony 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Convention Center in Ocean City.
Wednesday, June 18 Fire Convention Special Program 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on the boardwalk in Ocean City.
Saturday, June 21 Women for Kratovil 10:00 a.m. - noon in Oxford.
Saturday, June 21 Delmarva Chicken Festival 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Salisbury Center on N. Salisbury Blvd. in Salisbury.

Frank in the media

Kratovil poll
PolitickerMD, May 23, 2008

In a recent survey "Harris was favored by 43 percent of respondents, while Kratovil garnered 34 percent, with 23 percent undecided." The 9-point difference in name recognition is not surprising in light of Harris' many television ads during the primary, while Kratovil has not yet run one. "Kratovil, however, led by a margin of 45-38 among the 25 percent of respondents who recognized [both] the candidate's names."

Democratic raid on House seats may not be over
Washington Post, May 18, 2008

"With the winds of change blowing directly into Republicans' faces" Maryland's First Congressional District race is one of five races being carefully watched.

PACs played large role in Gilchrest defeat
The Capital, May 6, 2008

"Political action committees [PACs] played a large financial role in the February primary election defeat of nine-term U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest. About $727,000, or 74 percent, of the total independent expenditures in the campaign came from a single organization supporting Republican nominee and State Sen. Andy Harris: the Club for Growth, a conservative group based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for tax cuts, lower government spending, privatization of Social Security and expanded free trade." "Individual contributions sent through the Club for Growth also accounted for about 25 percent of Dr. Harris' $1.5 million fundraising total. The money helped the Harris campaign reach more people, said Chris Meekins, the campaign manager. "Federal law allows PACs to spend unlimited amounts for a candidate in the form of television advertisements, direct mail and other initiatives, as long as they do not coordinate directly with the actual campaign. Such activity was limited to the republican side of the ballot in the 1st Congressional District. Counting money spent for Dr. Harris and against State Sen. E.J. Pipkin and Mr. Gilchrest, Club For Growth alone shelled out $727,000."

Volunteers
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 CONG DISTRICT on NOV 4, 2008!

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