Sports Beat column - May 4, 2006

Sports Beat
May 4, 2006

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

Well, the NFL draft provided some interesting moves and some surprises. Take the Baltimore Ravens they traded a draft choice to move up one spot because Phil Savage bluffed Ozzie Newsome into thinking the Browns was going to draft their pick in front of him.

Ozzie (know it all) also passed on a quarterback because he thinks the Ravens savior will be â¤¦Airlessâ¤? Steve McNair. But hey why do you think the Titans are willing to let him go and why hasn't there been more teams wanting him before now? You guess on that.

The Baltimoreans have been pounding the Charm City sports talk morons with how great it will be to get â¤¦Airlessâ¤?, anybody got a bridge in the Big Apple they want to sell? If you do get one of those â¤¦Blockâ¤? mouth fugitives on Charm City sports talk radio to hawk it for you.

Hey you sports talk geeks, can you say Elvis, Wright, or a half dozen of those Billick bombs that have gotten a free trip to Westminister , you guys will see why the Ravens will forget â¤¦Airlessâ¤? in less time than it takes him to get to McDaniel College.

Now the draft and who I think rates well and who doesnâ¤t. I think the Ravens choice was a good one who will make their defense go, the only trouble will be those mush mouths who broadcast the Ravens games who wonâ¤t be able to pronounce his name correct. (The only worse radio play-by-play and analysis are those Navy hambones). I wonder if they are related to St. Maryâ¤s Hambone?

I think the Ravens pick of Haloti Ngata was a great one but hey an on-the-field body guard for Raghead Ray Lewis? I thought good old Raghead was a tough hombre who took care of himself on the field, we all know he doesnâ¤t need any off-field but on the field? USA Today was right on target when they said Center Chris Chester was a â¤¦solid pickâ¤? which he certainly is and helps with the Ravens rebuilding of their offensive line.

The Redskins were rated to have one of the worse drafts this year and one look at what they did youâ¤d think that â¤¦Know it Allâ¤? had moved down the B-W Parkway and taken over as the Skins guru, but alas no such luck. Swapping a 2007 second round draft pick to pick up linebacker Rocky McIntosh doesnâ¤t look like the smartest deal in the world but I have more confidence in Joe Gibbs than Brian Billick.

Reggie Bush? The sure fire number one, wasnâ¤t Matt Leinart number 10? Someone above will regret they let him slip this far down.

Vernon Davis went sixth to the San Francisco 49â¤ers, the highest Marylander to go since Randy White was picked by the Dallas Cowboys.

Denver got their best quarterback in a while with the draft of Jay Cutler.

The big winners in the draft were the Cardinals, Broncos, Eagles, 49â¤ers, Texans, Patriots, Titans, and Saints. Of course the Saints are wondering if Bush is or isnâ¤t a Rickie Williams.

The Redskins don't even want to participate in the annual draft so they trade and also sign free agents and it doesnâ¤t work half bad.

Ted Lerner, the reality mogul who is the new Washington Nationals owner is a Theodore Roosevelt High School (13th and Upster Street NW DC) product and a good one (light years better than Redskins owner Dangerous Dan). I wonder if he's related to Harriett who went to MacFarland Junior HS when I and Ray Huff went there? Whoops also Phil Sullivan, Terry Maher, John Pavlides, Joan Albert, Joan Gray, Joan Grahe, Virginia Pavay, Courtland Buell, Geraldine Cox, and James Parker Blackwell went to Arthur Storey's Castle. She (Harriett Lerner) graduated from RHS in 1952.

BRUCE ADAMS REPORT --

LIVINGSTON FOURTH BIG TRAIN ALUM IN THE MAJORS
Bobby Livingston (BT 2001) was called up to the Seattle Mariners this week and pitched in relief on Tuesday. Livingston joins John Maine (BT 2000), Steve Schmoll (BT 2000), and CJ Jimerson (BT 1999) as the four Big Train alumni to play in the major leagues. Maine was in the Orioles starting rotation in 2005 while Schmoll was a set-up man for the Dodgers. Both were traded to the Mets in the off season and are now in Triple A in Norfolk. Jimerson was an end-of-season call-up for the Astros last fall. He is hitting .292 with five home runs for the Triple A Round Rock Express. Here's the story on Bobby from the Mariners' webpage:

Another new face: When left-handed pitcher Bobby Livingston saw Hargrove in the clubhouse Monday, the Mariners manager had but one message for him.

"He told me to come in and throw strikes," said Livingston, who was recalled on Monday from Triple-A Tacoma.

The Mariners latest roster move comes a day after pitcher Clint Nageotte was recalled from Tacoma only to be optioned back after a 6-4 loss to Detroit after allowing a three-run home run and two walks in one inning.

Livingston, 23, has a history of throwing a lot of strikes. He has never walked more than 30 batters since beginning his professional career in 2002.

Livingston was 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA in three starts at Tacoma with 12 strikeouts and two walks in 17 innings.

He'll have the same role that Nageotte was pegged to fill -- a little bit of everything.

"It will be a long, middle to a one-inning shot role," Hargrove said. "We'll see how he does."

Livingston -- who was a combined 14-4 between Double-A San Antonio and Tacoma in 2005 -- was pleased with the way he had been throwing the ball for Tacoma.

"I felt great. ... I just kind of picked up where I left off last year," said Livingston, who was scheduled to start Monday's game in Tacoma against Fresno. "I just come in and do what I'm blessed to do and let my abilities take over. I get a lot of success out of that."

Livingston talked with Nageotte late Sunday afternoon not knowing that his friend had already been optioned back to Tacoma.

"I didn't know what was going on or what the deal was," Livingston said. "Me and Nags are buddies. There was nothing awkward."

LaNinfa (BT 2003-4): National Player Of The Week Honors
Mississippi State junior designated hitter Brian LaNinfa has been tabbed for National Player of the Week honors by Collegiate Baseball newspaper. Despite being slowed by a hamstring injury, the Venice, Fla. native turned in a career week at the plate, belting four home runs during a 9-for-19 offensive show over the past five games. LaNinfa delivered the game-winning hit in the ninth inning of State's 12-8 victory at Memphis, launched his fourth and fifth home runs to pace the Bulldogs to a 5-3 win over UM's Tigers at AutoZone Park, and roped two more home runs, the second a game-winning two-run shot in the ninth inning of State's 9-8 win over No. 12 Arkansas. LaNinfa went 3-for-5 with four RBI in that game and 6-for-14 for the weekend series. LaNinfa's career-best seven home runs leads Mississippi State and his .431 batting average in SEC competition leads the Southeastern Conference. He also sports an .804 SEC slugging percentage, second-best in the conference. He's hitting .513 (20-for-39) with three doubles, five home runs and 14 RBI over that span.

BUY YOUR 2006 BIG TRAIN FAMILY PASS
Make your check for $100 payable to the "Bethesda Community Base Ball Club" and send it to: BCBBC, P. O. Box 30306, Bethesda, MD 20824-0306. Corporate Season Passes for 4 ($100) and Individual Season Passes ($50) are also available. Again this season, we will reserve special seating and ensure easy entry for our Season Pass holders. Season Pass holders are guaranteed admission even if game night tickets are sold out. The Orioles Bird, Keyote, Louie from the Baysox, all of your mascot favorites will be visiting Povich Field this summer. To order your season pass, click on:
http://www.bigtrain.org/published/season_passes.html

FINALLY!
The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Washington Nationals Ballpark will take place Thursday May 4 at 10 a.m. at Half Street and O Street, SE

FOR MORE BIG TRAIN INFORMATION
For more information, please log onto www.bigtrain.org or call 301/983-1006. Or email us at faninfo@bigtrain.org.

CAL RIPKEN, SR. COLLEGIATE BASEBALL LEAGUE
2005 was the inaugural season of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. The Maryland-based collegiate wooden bat league is comprised of six teams: Bethesda Big Train, College Park Maryland Bombers, Maryland Redbirds, Rockville Express, Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts, and Youse's Maryland Orioles. The teams played a 40-game regular season that started on Friday, June 10 with the Maryland Orioles visiting the Big Train at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda. 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.

BIG TRAIN 2006 SEASON SPONSORS
Thanks to these organizations for their generous support of Big Train baseball for the 2006 season: Chevy Chase Bank, Grossberg CPAs, Ledo Pizza, Miller & Long Co., Ourisman Automotive, and Sandy Spring Builders.

BIG TRAIN EMAIL LIST
More than 1,800 families and individuals are receiving the Big Train emails. If you know of someone who might like to be added to our list, please ask them first and then send us their name, home address, and email address or have them sign-up through our webpage at www.bigtrain.org. THANKS! Cal Ripken, Sr., used to say, â¤¦Practice doesnâ¤t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.â¤?

Walz Promoted to Associate Women's Basketball Coach
Walz has been a member of Frese's staff since 2001.

A fixture on the bench alongside Maryland head coach Brenda Frese, Jeff Walz has been promoted to associate head coach of the National Champion Terrapin women's basketball team, Frese announced. A coaching veteran, Walz has over 11 years of coaching experience and has been a valuable member of her staff for the last five years. Walz is involved with all aspects of the program, including coaching, recruiting and scouting.

"I am pleased to announce Jeff to the title of Associate Head Coach. Over the past five years of working with him, he has proven to be valuable member of our staff," said head coach Brenda Frese. "Our players have benefited so much from his teachings and his knowledge of the game. Jeff continues to represent our program with the utmost professionalism and his tireless work ethic continues to make our team be the best it can be. I look forward to working with him as we defend our National Championship."

"I am honored Brenda would consider me for the position of Associate Head Coach. We have worked very well together over the past five years and it has been exciting to see the growth of the Maryland program," said Walz. "I'm proud to be apart of this program and to work with such special people. I have no doubt we will all continue to work hard on the court and in recruiting to keep this team competing for national championships every year."

A native of Fort Thomas, Ky., Walz has been a vital part of the rebuilding of the Maryland women's basketball program. During his tenure, the Terps have seen marked improvements, leading to the program's first national title this season and its first No. 1 ranking in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll. After posting a 10-18 record during their first year in College Park, Maryland has had three-straight winning seasons, including a 34-4 performance this year, the program's first-ever 30-win campaign. The Terps have finished with at least a .500 record in ACC play in each of the last three seasons and finished in third place or better twice.

Walz's teachings on the court have been evident on the stats sheet. The Terps' scoring has improved from 67.4 points per game to 83.3 ppg this season, the second-highest scoring average in the nation and the second-best in program history. Maryland's rebounding efforts have also drastically improved over the four years Frese and Walz have been on the sidelines, from 39.0 to 45.3 rpg. The Terps led the nation in rebounding margin this season at +11.9 rpg.

Walz has helped to lure a number of the top recruits in the nation to College Park, as well. Maryland has signed three-straight top-10 recruiting classes, including two rated in the top five. Those recruits have gone on to earn back-to-back ACC Rookie of the Year honors (Crystal Langhorne `05, Marissa Coleman `06) and six All-ACC honorees.

Prior to coming to Maryland, Walz joined Frese at Minnesota for one season during the 2001-02 campaign. He helped revitalize a Minnesota program, posting a 10-win improvement in Big Ten play, the biggest one-year improvement in Big Ten history. The Gophers also achieved its highest ranking in school history to that point when they were rated No. 14 in the Associated Press poll.

Walz began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky from 1995-1997. He went on to become an assistant coach at Nebraska for four years from 1997-2001 where he was in charge of conducting individual development workouts, as well as opponent scouting by the end of his tenure. During that time he helped to guide the Huskers to a school-record three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and also coached the L.A. Sparks' No. 1 draft pick in the 2000 WNBA Draft, Nicole Kubik.

Walz's coaching career began at the middle and high school levels in 1992 and was an AAU coach from 1995-96. During his career, he has mentored such players as 1999 NCAA Champion and WNBA standout Ukari Figgs, 2002 Big Ten Player of the Year and WNBA All-Star Lindsay Whalen, the University of Tennessee's Kyra Elzy, who is a two-time NCAA Champion, 1996 National High School Player of the Year Jamie Walz.

A 1995 graduate of Northern Kentucky with a degree in secondary education, Walz also earned a master's in education from his alma mater in 2000. He currently resides in Crofton, Md., with his wife, Kim, and his newborn baby, Kaeley ThÃ¶ney.

A SUPERBOWL SEASON IN THE MAKING

Don't miss your chance to see one of the finest women's pro football teams in the world, when the D.C. Divas host the Harrisburg Angels this Saturday, May 6th at 7:00pm. Reserve your individual or group Divas tickets now! The D.C. Divas remained unbeaten with a 45-0 win over the Tidewater Floods. The Divas have now won 25 of 26 regular season games over the last 4 seasons of play. The Divas players were encouraged by the hundreds of dedicated and passionate fans who rooted them on in the rain against Baltimore in the opener. A reminder, the players and the organization welcome your interaction with the players following the game. Get there early and follow the directions for free parking available online.VIP seats are available at the gateâ¤† just $25 you get seating on the 50 yard line, limited waiter service and a free T-shirt.

DIVA NATION: NEWS FROM COACH COOPER

When you go on the road to play games you have to expect the unexpected. Murphy's Law certainly applies. From leaving late from Northern Virginia, to players forgetting equipment, to others forgetting parts of their uniforms - you have to be prepared for anything and everything. Luckily we have a GREAT front office that keeps these distractions to a minimum and helps maintain focus for game time. The weather was gorgeous. It actually felt like fall for most of the first half. The wind caused some problems with the passing game but overall it was a clear and cool night. From the first kickoff I sensed we were ready to play. The hitting was intense and I knew that our team was not willing to start slowâ¤† not tonight.

It has been a long time since I have seen such a dominant performance by a defense. Leaving a team with -33 total yards on their home field isn't something that happens every day. It is remarkable what happens when the right scheme is available for players to make plays. Play after play they certainly made the defensive staff look good. The defensive line really played well. We challenged them all week and they responded with a suffocating performance. Tessa Nelson earned her MVP performance with tackles for negative yards, several QB hurries, and a sack. Stacey Micheals (DE) ended the game with 2 sacks, and Trigger McNair scored the first defensive TD of the season. On offense, the offensive line and the ground force continued their punishing ways. With every RB scoring at least once, they pummeled the tidewater defense time and time again. Although we are consistently getting total offense at or around 250 yards a game, it is disappointing that our passing game hasn't solidified. If we are going to be serious contenders this has to change and change immediately.

Practice this week will consist of lots and lots of running. After having a chance to see the Harrisburg Angels on film, I know that their best athlete #24 can really run. The situation gets even more complicated when athletes of her caliber play running back. We are going to have to contain her if we have a shot at slowing down their offense. Their defense has some holes. They are stingy but the opportunities are there. Both the running game and the passing game should be successful if we execute. This week I am challenging the offense â¤³ our passing game in particular. I am looking for better protection, better decisions, and cleaner routes. We are not a new team. As veterans we understand that without a significant passing game it is going to be difficult to go deep in the playoffs. Can we turn it around and make our passing game as productive as our running game? I believe so. How hard we work in practice this week will tell the story. See you all on May 6th. It's another CANT MISS.
Sincerely,
Ezra Cooper, Head Coach

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BLACK MAYORS TO DESIGNATE 3RD WEEK OF AUGUST AS NEGRO LEAGUE LEGENDS HALL OF FAME WEEK
"Monroe, Louisiana First City to Issue Proclaim of Commemoration of Negro Baseball Legends"

During the 32nd Annual Conference of Black Mayors in Memphis, Tennessee (April 26 â¤³ 29), former president of the National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM), Jesse Norwood, Jr., Mayor Ron Davis of Prichard, Alabama and Dwayne Renal Sims, founder of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF), introduced a proposal to have mayors across the U.S. to adopt a resolution to designate the third week of August as The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Week. The resolution calls for cities across the country to designate the third week of August as a time to observe and commemorate the contributions of the Negro League players to the game of baseball in American history.

"I feel privileged to be a part of this process in honoring these black history legends,â¤? said Dwayne Renal Sims, founder of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame. â¤¦We should always remember and honor the accomplishments and contributions Negro players made to the history of American baseball."

The first city to proclaim the third week of August as The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Week is Monroe, Louisiana. James E. Mayo, mayor of Monroe, Louisiana signed and issued the proclamation April 13, 2006 declaring that his town would uphold the third week of August as The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Week.

The efforts to preserve black baseball history in America were initiated by Sims and others. Current NLLHOF honorary Board members include Sam Allen of the Kansas City Monarchs, Frank Evans of the Cleveland Buckeyes, Larry LeGrande of the Satchel Paige All-Stars, Rendon Marbury of the Birmingham Black Barons, and William Randall and James Tillman, Sr., both of the Washington Homestead Grays.

The Negro National League in 1920 was the first fully organized black league, followed by the Eastern Colored League in 1923; these leagues represented a diverse group of men and women of Negro, White, Cuban and Indian descent. There were over 3,000 Negro League Legends from the 1920's through the middle of the 1960's, many who are still living.

I am sorry that I missed the 25th Annual Reunion of the Eastern Fifty Plus Club. I especially missed seeing Jack Hoffman, John Ward, Woody Seybert, Chick Payne, Nancy Taylor McQueeney, Pat Harford, Jerry Webster, Charlie Sokol, among others.

The officers are:
President --- Helen Higdon Gilbert
Vice President --- Richard Drechsler
2nd Vice President --- Francis Jenkins
Treasurer --- Chester Wee Speiser

I also missed the JOCKS Reunion but according to Frank Shore I didn't miss much.

It was a bad week for deaths.
Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of:
Hymie Perlo
Joe "Duke" Williams
Delegate Bennett Bosman
David Weiss

Weiss is former Maryland Governor Marvin Mandell's nephew.

Joe "Duke" Williams passed away at age 61, he was one of the nicest men you'd ever meet, he was a big man with a big heart and will be missed.

WE GET LETTERS

Bill,
The weather is here, I wish you were ..
Anyway, we hope to see you sometime during the month of May.

Friday, May 5, 8:30 - Midnight - The Back Room @ Woodfire Restaurant in Severna Park, 410-315-8100
http://www.woodfirebackroom.com/backroom.html

Saturday, May 6, 6-8PM â¤³ Hunt Valley Town Center. This should be fun and they have entertainment throughout the weekend.

Friday, May 12, 9-1:30AM, The Stil in Timonium - 410-560-7900
www.thestill.net/html

Saturday, May 13, 6-7PM, Benefit for our great friend Pat Wigglesworth (from the Stil) at Timonium Fairgrounds. E-mail me for ticket information. There will be entertainment all night.

10-1, The Rockfish Restaurant, Annapolis/Eastport, http://www.rockfishmd..com/restaurant.php

Sunday, May 14, 4-8 â¤³ Dock of the Bay, Millers Island, Happy Mothers Day - Bring the Family, eat some crabs on their wonderful deck - 410-477-8100, http://mywebpages.comcast.net/lthanner/dock/index.html

Friday, May 26, 4-8 Happy Hour â¤³ Looneyâ¤s, Belair â¤³ Great to be back. 410-803-7080 http://looneyspubbelair.homestead.com/Title.html

See Ya,
Steve Ports, David Bell, Don Wimbrough and Bill Fritz

Dear Steve,
You guys are great, keep up the good work.
Bill

Bill,
Thanks for the wonderful column, my hometown connection. Cheerleaders I remember from Roosevelt were that gorgeous blonde, Janet Bruchie Wallace, and the cute and always perky Carole West Cullinane. Also adorable and tiny Joan Lyon Harris, the vivacious Iva Lea Shaffer Volkmer, beautiful Marlene Billy, effervescent Sosie Najarian and there were others I cannot remember the names of. Wasn't Julieanne Maske a cheerleader? Go DC Divas Go!
Dale in Daytona

Dale,
All lovely and beautiful. But Audrey Nicoloudis and June Coates of RHS and some of the Anacostia girls were also great including Pat Kessler and Barbara Stewart. Barbara is married to Charlie Pratt.
Bill

Bill,
"Stick" King, always wondered what happened to him. Glad to see he is still with us. All those guys should be automatic for the Hall.
J.

Dear J.
"Stick was there". You are so right but hey look at who does the picking. They should all be in. Frank knows food and if he said it was â¤¦skimpyâ¤? you know it was.
Bill

Hi Bill,
The Following Letter Is Rather Self Explanatory. I Met Gladys On My Last Cruise To Hawaii And Discovered She Is Eastern HS 51. She Told Me She Never Receives Reunion Or News Info From Her Alma Mater And I Told Her How Helpful Your Column Is To Me. So I Am Forwarding Her Letter To You. Thanks,
Tropically, Carolyn Rhs 53
Carolyn S. Wilfond

Hi Carolyn,
I'm the native Washingtonian whom you met after the show on the Celebrity Summit during the Hawaiian cruise. My husband and I had our two daughters with us (so that you will remember who I am). It was so nice talking with you and sharing remembrances of D.C.
My husband and I have been suffering jet lag all week because we came home on the redeye flight Sunday night. We went to see "The Phantom of the Opera" on our last night onboard and it wasn't over until 1:00 a.m. so we were extra tired when we disembarked.
You said that you could put me in touch with someone who might have information about reunions for Eastern High School. If you could do that, I would appreciate it.
Gladys Green

Dear Carolyn,
Thanks for the mail, you are the greatest.
Bill

Hello Diva Nation!

The D.C. Divas 6th season is underway and you don't want to miss the Divas in action on May 6th when the Divas host the Harrisburg Angels with a 7:00pm kickoff at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex.
For the first time in team history the Divas will have their games rebroadcast on leased access channels in Prince George's County and the District of Columbia. Tune in on Saturday May 6th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in PG on ch.80 and in D.C. on ch.77. Then head out to the game that night with a 7:00pm kickoff.
The Divas were in Hollywood this past August taping a reality show at the L.A. Coliseum. Stay tuned for airing dates.

The Divas are part of the NWFA, which has signed a movie deal with Ithaka Entertainment for full length feature film.

The Divas have been featured internationally on NFL Films "Under the Helmet" and on the Voice of America television all over the world. Check out http://www.dcdivas.com for the VOA story and the latest on the Divas in the Washington Post.

The Divas team members include representatives from all 4 branches of the military, police officers, firefighters, a chemist, a lawyer, a grandma, many "moms" and more...

The Divas are the first team in the world to wear the new Zena shoulder pads made exclusively for women by the Douglas Corporation . "Poison" Ivy Tillman is the first women in the world to wear the lightweight and very protective new device. This product is the first ever developed for a professional woman football player.

The Divas feature what many consider to be the best Wide Receiver in all of women's football in 40-year-old Nikki Williams. Kick Returner Lilah "L-boogie" Blackstone returns in the role of the most exciting returner in women's football history and Donna "The Animal" Wilkinson leads a cast of characters that are sure to be first round ballot in the Hall of Fame some day.

The Divas starting Safety "Primetime" Vickie Lucas became the third woman in history to win the James Posey award for the top football player in the area given by the Pigskin club of Washington, D.C.

Divas rookie kicker Katie Romano is a rugby player from Gallaudet University.

The Divas have a new running back. Rachelle Pecovsky drives from Norfolk, Va. to practice in Prince George's and play for the Divas. That's at least a 6 hour drive to her "second job" several days a week. The Divas have 9 players and Head Coach Ezra Cooper who have been with the team since it's inception in 2001.

The Divas have two theme songs; "60 Minutes of Hell" by rap artist and long time team supporter Lady Loe and a new edition, "Darlin' D.C. Diva," by Breakaway. Listen for both of these great songs on local airwaves.

The Divas web site http://www.dcdivas.com is at the top of the NWFA popularity polls. The Divas new Official medical provider is MedStar SportHealth -- the official medical provider for the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Nationals and now, the D.C. Divas.

The Divas are a proud member of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance.

For more information o n the D.C. Divas, visit http://www.dcdivas.com or contact Rich Daniel at 240-676-5090.
Thank you fans and Go Divas!
Rich Daniel

Bill,
Too bad our wonderful jocks were not well fed at the reunion. That makes no sense. Are these wonderful heroes of the day in the Hall? Robbie Smithers, Phil Perlo, Bobby Potts, Chick Payne, Sonny Wise and John Linthicum of EHS? And Snookie Kernan?Sorry to hear Hymie Perlo is in poor health, will keep him in prayer. There was a guy named Frank Hawkins???? I think who was a DC HS jock and went on to assistant coach I think for the Skins. Not sure of the name, but had a crush on him. Also, ha. Any recent Jack Pitt sightings? God bless our handsome jocks, love them all,
Miss Jane

Dear Miss Jane,
Kerman and the Perlos (Hymie and Phil) are in the rest should be. Itâ¤s Ralph Hawkins who is Frank Shoreâ¤s cousin.
Bill

Bill,
I had to respond to your latest column... "...actually the Baltimore Ravens are better off with Kyle Boller".
Have you ever seen Kyle play in an entire game - you must be watching alot of Washington Redskins games. While I certainly hope Kyle turns it on at some point and becomes a great NFL quarterback - I believe the odds of that occurring after my sitting thru 3 years of his erratic play are unfortunately pretty low. In 36 games Kyle has thrown 5618 yards (that's 161 yd/game) with 32 Interceptions and 31 touchdowns with a 69% Quaterback rating. He's actually completed more passes and won more games for the competition than for the Ravenns!. Folks talk aqout the Ravens having a run oriented offense, etc , etc. - but no matter how you cut it - Kyle's a disappointing quarterback at best! The Ravens have been betting on getting Steve McNair from the Tennessee Titans thru trade or release since the end of last season. They signed and drafted players to fill all of the holes in their lineup other than quatrterback. Here is one person who really hopes their gamble pays off - with McNair it will be a good season - without McNair it will be more Kyle. Best Regards,
Mike

Dear Mike,
Come on â¤¦Airlessâ¤? hasnâ¤t done it for ten years.
Bill

SPORTS NOTES

The Rotary Club of South Anne Arundel County Maryland is sponsoring a fundraiser for charity, on Saturday evening June 10th, at the Bowie Baysox game in Prince Georges County. The game time is 7:05 P.M. and will be followed by a fireworks display; the evening also will feature appearances by veteran players from the Negro Leagues. SABR member Cort Vitty will be handling ticket sales for South County Rotary. The cost is $15.00 per person for upgraded seating; parking is free. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit local charities. Please email Cort at cort@picturethisonline.com for ticket requests.

Don't forget the Leslie Moore Scholarship Foundation dinner on Monday (May 8th) at Martins West. Lenny Moore has â¤¦Broadway Joeâ¤? Nameth along with the biggest names in sports in attendance. I will be there. For ticket requests call Patrick Pannella at 410-230-6223.

BAYSOX TO WEAR PINK UNIFORMS TO BATTLE BREAST CANCER AT PRINCE GEORGES STADIUM ON MAY 7

COMMUNITY INVITED TO "PINK IN THE PARK" TO LEARN ABOUT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

The Bowie Baysox, Class Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, will wear pink uniforms and pay tribute to breast cancer survivors when they host "Pink in the Park" prior to their game against the Trenton Thunder at Prince George's Stadium on Sunday, May 7, beginning at 1:05 p.m. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game to show their support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
The first 1,000 female fans attending the special "Pink In The Park" Day will receive a free, limited edition pink Baysox logo baseball cap courtesy of game sponsors Holy Cross Hospital and Maryland Regional Cancer Care.
During the game, the Baysox will conduct a silent auction of their game-worn pink jerseys to benefit Holy Cross Hospital Breast Fund. Winners of the auction can take the field after the game and claim the jersey off the player's back.
Prior to the game, the Baysox will honor local Breast Cancer Survivors from the local area. Doctors will be in attendance to answer Breast Cancer-related questions and host exhibits to help Baysox fans learn more about Breast Cancer.
"The Bowie Baysox are honored to be able to work with Holy Cross Hospital and Maryland Regional Cancer Care to use our public forum as a Minor League Baseball organization to bring attention to a very important cause." said Baysox General Manager Brian Shallcross. "We hope that by utilizing our stadium and our event to help spread the word about Breast Cancer Awareness, we can assist in the fight against Breast Cancer."
To purchase tickets or receive further information about the "Pink In The Park" event, fans can log on to the Baysox official website at www.baysox.com or call the Baysox Ticket Office at (301) 464-4865.
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.

MURPHY'S LAW HAUNTS BAYSOX WITH GRAND SLAM IN 6TH

In their three games with Portland the Baysox have scored only to see the Sea Dogs come right back in the same inning to tack on the game winning runs and stave off any Baysox hopes of a win. This unfortuante trend continued Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field in Portland, ME as the 'Sox fell 4-2 to lose their thrid straight game.

OF Jeff Fiorentino hit his third home run of the season in the 8th inning but by then the damage had already been done. The culprit this time was Sea Dog CF and lead-off man David Murphy. With one swing of the bat Murphy busted all glimpses of the Baysox taking one of three from Portland.

James Johnson suffered his first loss of the season after Murphy hit a grand slam off of reliever Eric DuBose in the 8th to blow open the game.

Portland was the first to threaten with the bases loaded and just one out in the bottom of the 1st inning. However, Johnson did not allow the pressure to get to him as he struck out Chad Spann and got Jay Johnson, yesterday's hero, to line out to Fiorentino, leaving the bags full.

The Baysox scored first when Fiorentino led off the top of the 6th with a line drive double to right, his second of the year. With one out, OF Tony Alvarez reached on a fielding error by Spann, allowing Fiorentino to score from second.

As they have all series long, Portland continued to score immediately after the Baysox. In the botttom half of the frame Jay Johnson walked with one out and moved to second on a ground out by Portland catcher Alberto Concepcion. Following the second walk of the inning by James Johnson and a hit batter that loaded the bases, Don Werner replaced Johnson with LHP Eric DuBose. The first batter DuBose faced ws Murphy. With the bags juiced and one out Murphy drove a pitch by DuBose over the right field wall for a grand slam and a quick 4-1 lead.

The Baysox would threaten in the top of the 7th again as DH Mario Delgado singled on a ground ball to right field who was followed by another single by 3B Pete Maestrales to pout two on and none out. However, Sea Dogs starter Chris Smith retired SS Rayner Bautista and enduced C Sandy Madera into a 5-4-3 double play to end the Bowie threat.

After 2B Brooks Badeaux flew out to lead-off the top of the 8th, Fiorentino hit his third homer of the year off Portland reliever Kevin Frederick to add another run on the board.

Following Fiorentino's home run to right, Frederick retired the next five batters and shut the door on the Baysox, ending any hopes of a comeback.

RHP Chris Britton returned to the Baysox bullpen from Baltimore as Todd Williams, who was rehabbing in Bowie was activated from the 15-day Disabled List. Britton faced three batters in the 8th and struck out two.

The Akron Aeros, who the Baysox will face when they return to Prince George's Stadium, have now surpassed Bowie for third place in the Eastern League's Southern Division. Bowie trails Altoona by just three games. With the loss the Baysox drop to 12-11 in the month of April. Last season the Baysox concluded the month of April with a 9-13 record.

The sweep was the Baysox second straight road sweep of the season. The other was a three game sweep at the hands of Akron April 17-19. The Baysox are now 4-6 on the road, including their current 0-6 road losing streak.

INTERESTING NOTE: The Baysox entered today's game with the most batters hit with a nationwide lead of 25. In the top of the 1st both OFs Noah Hall and Tony Alvarez were hit by a pitch adding two more times for a total of 27. After Mike Kinkade was hit by a pitch in Oklahoma earlier today, the Albuquerque Isotopes now trail the Baysox by just two hit batters with 25.

TRANSACTION: After their game on Sunday OF Bobby Andrews was transferred to Class A Frederick. Andrews' was transferred in order to make room for Chris Britton who was optioned back to Bowie from Baltimore on Saturday night. In three games with Bowie, Andrews was 2-for-10 with an RBI and two stolen bases.

ON DECK: The Baysox head to Manchester, NH to face the Fisher Cats for four games. Game times are slated for 6:35 PM on the first three games followed by an 11:05 day game on Thursday. When the 'Sox return to Prince George's Stadium on Friday they will take on the Akron Aeros in a three game set followed by three with the New Britain Rock Cats. Tickets are still available for all home games and can be purchased online by visiting www.baysox.com or by calling the ticket office at 301.464.4865.

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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