Sports Beat column - July 11, 2008

Sports Beat

July 11, 2008

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

He¹s listed as a player from Frederick and a graduate from Tuscaroa High School but he does have a Southern Maryland and Prince George¹s County connection. His mother and father are from the Upper Marlboro area (Julie and John Edwards) and his grandmother (Norma Coffren) lives in Calvert County. His father started a website for him. Ed and Norma are known by many and Ed worked at Pepco with John Linthicum, Norma worked with the Prince George¹s bar association. Ed passed a year ago. At Tuscaroa Danny excelled in football and baseball and lettered in both sports. He was honorable mention All-State in football, he was red-shirted in 2006 and is now the back up center. His line coach is Tom Bratten who he likes a lot. Danny grew up a Terp fan, he¹s a fan of the Chicago Bears center. His major is Kinesiology and wouldn¹t mind going into sports management when he graduates. His parents go to all Terps football games, home and away. He plays golf and hangs out with the guys. This sophomore is 6¹1 and 276 pounds, has a great work ethic and is liked by everyone who knows him. Ralph Friedgen heads into his 9th season with a 50-31 record and three losing seasons in his last four, there has been grumbling by the fans. Chris Turner should be the starting quarterback even tho Friedge sometimes diss¹ him. Anyway our part of Maryland has a big rooting interest in the Terps and Danny Edwards.

Maryland should be bowl bound with the schedule they have:
August 30                   Delaware
September 6                at Middle Tennessee
September 13             California
September 20             Eastern Michigan
September 27             At Clemson
October 4                    At Virginia
October 18                  Wake Forest
October 25                  N.C. State
November 6                At Virginia Tech
November 15             North Carolina
November 22             Florida State
November 29             At Boston College
My prediction 7-5

ALL-STAR GAME

This week¹s All-Star game should be a good one. George Sherill of the Orioles was chosen for the AL stars and Christian Guzman is the Nationals representative on the NL squad. Ex-Oriole Miguel Tejada (now an Astro) made the NL team. The AL has six relief pitchers the NL four. The NL has eight starting pitchers, the AL six. I am surprised that Ryan Howard of the Phillies didn¹t make it, I know his batting average is low but you can¹t ignore his home runs and RBI¹s. When I was growing up the 1945 All-Star game was canceled because of travel restrictions but 1946 saw the big names in baseball back. I remember the 1946 game won by the AL, 12-0, Ted Williams hit a home run off one of Rip Sewell¹s blooper pitches. Nat Stan Spence had a hit in 1947 to drive in Bobby Doerr to help the AL win 2-1. Nat Dean Stone won the 1954 game when he threw a runner out at home and didn¹t pitch to one batter. In this year¹s game besides Ryan Howard I was surprised that another Phillie pitcher Cole Hamels didn¹t make it.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DON AND MK

I had a great time at Don and MK Saccardi¹s 50th Wedding Anniversary party on June 28th, it was a great time and everyone enjoyed it. At my table were my wife Bettie, Colonel Buddy Suraci, John and Connie Pavlides, Father John Mudd and Timmy O¹Conner. Father Mudd who graduated from John Carroll now fundraises for the school. O¹Conner also graduated from Carroll and he is well known in fast pitch softball and is in the Fast Pitch softball Hall of Fame.

FOUR BAYSOX CHOSEN FOR ALL STAR GAME

The Eastern League All-Star game will be played in Manchester and fans Bowie Baysox have been chosen for the Southern team -Bradley Bergesen (RHP, 10-3), Chris Tillman (RHP, 7-2), Jeff Nettles (16-51-27), and Luis Montanez (18-59, .321). The Baysox provide good baseball and entertainment for the entire family.

BAYSOX SEND SEAWOLVES PACKING

The Baysox swept a four-game series from the SeaWolves with a 4-3 victory Monday night. Starter David Hernandez worked just 4.1 innings and gave up three runs on two hits before being ejected after being relieved in the top of the fifth. Only two of the runs were earned. Felix Romero earned the win with 2.2 hitless innings of work. The SeaWolves jumped out to an early lead with a run in the top of the second. Ryan Roberson led off with a walk and stole second base. Pedro Cotto hit a single up the middle to bring Roberson home and give Erie a 1-0 lead. The Baysox answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning. Nolan Reimold led off with a base hit into left field and stole second with Jeff Nettles at the plate. Nettles pulled a base hit through the hole between third and short to move Reimold to third. Steve Torrealba walked to load the bases and Nolan Reimold came in to score on a sacrifice fly by Carlos Rojas to tie the game at 1-1. Erie pushed another run across in the top half of the third inning without getting a hit. Wilkin Ramirez drew a two-out walk and stole second base. Matt Wieters tried to get Ramirez at second but threw the ball into center field for an error. Ramirez moved to third base on the throw and came in to score on a wild pitch by Hernandez to give the SeaWolves a 2-1 lead. The SeaWolves put up another run in the top of the fifth when Casper Wells led off with a line drive homerun over the wall in left field to give Erie a 3-1 lead. David Hernandez got Shawn Roof on strikes and walked Will Rhymes before manager Brad Komminsk came out of the dugout to bring Romero in. Hernandez began walking toward the dugout but paused to exchange words with home plate umpire Mark Buchanan. Buchanan ejected Hernandez even though he had already been replaced, "My emotions got the best of me. I wish I wouldn't have gotten tossed but there's nothing I can do about it now. It's actually my first time being ejected in pro ball. It wasn't my emotions tonight it just seems like a rough trend, every time I go out there it's at least three walks and it's just frustrating. At this point I'm just trying to throw strikes." Despite throwing only 4.1 innings and getting ejected, pitching coach Mike Griffin was not disappointed in Hernandez's start, "David's done a very good job keeping his emotions in check the last month of the season. I thought he was pitching pretty good for the most part. He wasn't quite at his best but he battled, still made some good pitches. The homerun was the only hard hit ball off him tonight." Felix Romero came on and closed out the SeaWolves in the fifth. Romero worked 2.2 outstanding innings, giving up no hits and striking out three. The only blemish was one hit batter, but Romero pitched a great game. Griffin was pleased with what he saw, "Well Felix did a heck of a job. What he did was, he held us there. And that's his job, is to hold us there, to give us a chance to come back or tie it up or whatever. And so you've gotta give Felix a lot of credit tonight. He's still learning how to use his pitches, learning how to command his three pitches still and he's made a lot of progress this year, I'm proud of what he has accomplished. You know what, everybody knows he's got a good changeup but he has really worked on his fastball and slider too, those are coming along really well." The Baysox came back to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Steve Torrealba led off the inning with a towering homerun over the left field wall. Carlos Rojas drew a walk and Blake Davis followed with a base hit up the middle. Mike Rodriguez came up to the plate with runners on first and second with one out and hit a hard ground ball to first base that Ryan Roberson could not handle. Roberson bobbled the ball and forced a hurried throw to the pitcher Luke French at first base. French couldn't handle it and Carlos Rojas alertly rounded third base and slid around a late tag at the plate to score. Davis moved to third on the play and Lou Montanez brought him home with a sacrifice fly to give the Baysox a 4-3 lead. Gerardo Casadiego came on for Romero in the eighth inning and gave up just one hit in retiring the side. Julio Manon came on to pitch a perfect ninth inning and earn his 22nd save. Manon saved three games for the Baysox this series, without allowing a single baserunner. With the sweep, the Baysox improve to 52-38, second place in the Southern Division.

BATTERED BAYSOX BATTER 'WOLVES

Brad Bergesen earned his tenth win despite coming out of the bullpen as the Baysox outscored the SeaWolves 7-3 Sunday night. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Randor Bierd got the call to start Sunday's contest. Bierd was transferred to Bowie Sunday as part of a Major League rehab assignment. With rain delaying the start of the game and threatening to cause a stoppage, Bierd got the nod to start the game to make sure he got his required work. Erie got on the board in the top of the second inning. Ryan Roberson led off the inning with a shot to third base. Jonathan Tucker got his glove on the ball but it ricocheted and hit him above the left eye. Roberson reached safely and Tucker had to come out of the game; he was replaced by Travis Brown. Kody Kirkland rocked a double to center field and Roberson came all the way around to score from first. Kirkland moved to third base on a wild pitch by Bierd and Jeff Kunkel got a base hit into right field to plate Kirkland and give the SeaWolves a 2-0 lead. Scheduled starter Brad Bergesen entered the game for Bierd and got the first batter he faced to ground into a double play and got the third out on a ground ball to Brown and the inning was over. The Baysox answered back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the second. Matt Wieters led off with a base hit to left field and Ryan Finan flied out. Steve Torrealba drew a walk and Carlos Rojas pulled a base hit through the hole at short to load the bases with one out. Blake Davis grounded out to first base but Wieters came in to score on the play. Travis Brown loaded the bases again with a walk and Mike Rodriguez was hit by a pitch, bringing Torrealba in to tie the game at 2-2. Lou Montanez struck out to end the threat. Bowie added runs in the third and the fifth to take a 4-2 lead. Nolan Reimold led off the third inning with a double into the gap in left-center and scored when Steve Torrealba smacked a double down the right field line. Matt Wieters gave the Baysox a two-run lead with his first homerun in Prince George's Stadium, a solo homerun to right field in the bottom of the fifth. He is hitting .353 in his first ten games in AA, but he contends that is not as easy as it looks, "I don't think it's ever easy, you still gotta work hard and put your time in. I'm going through a good time right now and I'm seeing the ball well so you just try to get as many hits as possible while you're seeing the ball well. The struggles are gonna come, you just gotta get the hits when you can." First baseman Ryan Finan injured his ankle sliding into third base in the fifth inning and had to leave the game. Catcher Brian Peterson came in to play first. Erie scored a run in the top of the sixth but could have come away with much more. Dusty Ryan hit a one-out single up the middle and Pedro Cotto got a base hit into right field. Ryan Roberson came up with a single of his own into right field and the bases were loaded with just one away. Kody Kirkland was able to drive a sacrifice fly into center field to cut the Bowie lead to 4-3. Jeff Kunkel drew a walk to load the bases with two outs and Casper Wells stepped up to the plate. Bergesen threw a ball, but catcher Steve Torrealba snapped a perfect pickoff throw behind Kunkel at first base. Peterson, in for Finan, fielded the throw and laid down the tag to end the inning. Peterson has had limited experience at first base, but his instincts as a catcher helped him on this particular play, "Yeah, (I've played first) probably ten or so times when a first baseman was injured and we had to shuffle things around. I know when I'm catching I always want a chance to try to pick somebody off, Bergesen threw four balls in a row leading up to it. I just took a step in and looked at Steve and he saw me looking, gave me a little nod and I just took off toward the bag. It was a perfect throw, it was ankle high, I guess the runner was kinda upset cause I sort of blocked the bag but hey, I'm not a first baseman." Torrealba remembered it the same way, "Well it was two catchers together playing right there and you know most of the time we're on the same page. I looked down at Petey and he gave me a little look back so it was kind of exciting you know, it's always exciting when you make a play like that. We stopped the bleeding right there so it was a great play." The Baysox put the game out of reach with three more run in the bottom of the seventh. Mike Rodriguez led off with a base hit up the middle and advanced to second on a balk. Lou Montanez grounded out but Rodriguez moved to third base. Nolan Reimold hit a shallow fly ball to right field. Pedro Cotto had to make a long run to get there and could not make a sprawling catch. Reimold got credit for a single and moved to second base on the fielding error by Cotto. Rodriguez came in to score and the Baysox lead was 5-3. Matt Wieters warranted an intentional walk to put runners on first and second with one out. After a Brian Peterson flyout, Steve Torrealba hit a double down the left field line, scoring Reimold and moving Wieters to third. Carlos Rojas brought Wieters in with a single through the hole at short and the Bowie lead was 7-3. Bergesen worked 7.0 innings, pitching through the top of the eighth. He won his tenth game in just 14 appearances since being promoted to Bowie from Class High-A Frederick early this year. He wasn't affected by the non-start, despite the fact it was a last minute decision, "It was definitely huge to get rolling there, I didn't even know until about a half an hour before the game that I wouldn't be starting. I only had one strikeout tonight I was just trying to get ground balls like I always do. The defense played stellar tonight, Travis Brown was phenomenal at third. The offense has been great so far so we're just rolling." Gerardo Casadiego came in and worked a perfect ninth inning, striking out one batter to close out the SeaWolves. With the victory, the Baysox improve to 51-38 on the year, second place in the Southern Division.

BAYSOX KEEP PACE, SPLIT TWO WITH AEROS

The Baysox split a doubleheader with the Aeros Wednesday, dropping game one 3-0 and winning the nightcap 5-0. Bowie starter Chris Tillman worked just four-plus innings before leaving game one with an apparent leg injury. He gave up one run on six hits but got charged with his third loss of the season. Righty Zach Clark pitched a gem in game two to earn the win in his first career AA start. Akron struck first in the bottom of the third inning of game one when Josh Rodriguez led off with a solo homerun to center field. Tillman settled down and retired the rest of the side in the third, but had to come out in the bottom of the fourth. Nathan Panther led off the fourth with a base hit past third base and Tillman had to leave the game with an injured leg. Ryan Keefer came in to take over and retired the rest of the side in order. The Aero s put the game out of reach with two more runs in the home half of the sixth. Keefer walked a man and got two popups before Wyatt Toregas smashed a two-run homerun over the wall in left field. Keefer gave up another single and a walk before Jason Burch came on and retired the only batter he faced to end the inning. Scott Roehl came on for the Aeros and worked a perfect seventh inning to earn his second save of the year. Akron starter Scott Lewis shut down the Baysox lineup, giving up just four hits on his way to six shutout innings and his fourth victory of the season. Game two was all Baysox, as Zach Clark made his first AA start and pitched beautifully. Clark worked five innings of shutout baseball, giving up just four hits and walking one. Randor Bierd made his second appearance for the Baysox, striking out all three batters he faced. The Baysox picked up the early lead in the top of the third inning. Blake Davis got things started with a base hit up the mi d dle. Mike Rodriguez popped out but Jonathan Tucker pushed a single up the middle that moved Davis to third. With Lou Montanez batting, Jim Deters threw a wild pitch and Tucker advanced to second. Montanez drew a walk to load the bases with one away. Davis came in to score on a passed ball by Damaso Espino and the runners moved to second and third. Nolan Reimold brought Tucker home with a sacrifice fly to left field to give Bowie a 2-0 lead. Matt Wieters stepped in with two outs and man on second and smacked a double into the gap in right-center to plate Montanez and make the Baysox lead 3-0. Bowie added two big insurance runs in the top of the seventh. With one out, Jonathan Tucker legged out an infield single to third base. Lou Montanez reached on a fielding error by shortstop Brandon Chaves and Tucker came all the way around to score. With two outs and a man on first, Matt Wieters drove a double to right field and Montanez came in to score and give the Baysox a 5-0 lead. Wilfrido Perez, the newest addition to the Baysox roster, came on to pitch the bottom of the seventh. He allowed just two walks and struck out two more on his way to closing out the Aeros. With the split, the Baysox move to 53-39, still trailing first-place Akron by 4.5 games.

SPORTS NOTES

Akron catcher Wyatt Toregas is the winner of the Bank of America Eastern League Player of the Week Award and Connecticut right-hander Nate Bump is the winner of the Bank of America Eastern League Pitcher of the Week Award. Akron Aeros outfielder Trevor Crowe has been selected as the winner of the Eastern League Player of the Month Award for the month of June. Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following: Diana Miottec Lang (Bowie HS grad) Ed Casey (former executive editor of the Capital Gazette newspaper) Jon R. Hansen (Graduate of Springbrook HS) Gloria H. Mosler (Graduate of Bladensburg HS) Donna Caroline Richardson (Graduate Holton-Arms school) Jeanne Loveless Hoover Wolohan (Graduate Holy Cross Academy) Michael Stephen Eagney (Bowie HS grad) Robert Poetzman (Washington native and father of Robert Leroy Poetzman) James Ware (Broadneck Sr. HS girls softball coach) Mando Ramos (former lightweight boxing champion) Tyrone L. King, Jr. Armstead (Suitland HS grad) John E. Gogarty (graduate St. John¹s College (DC) HS) Sergei Fedorov (1 year) and Brooks Laich (3 years) have re-upped wsith the Caps. The Wizards lost Roger Mason Jr. to San Antonio, signed their number one draft pick JaVale McGee, signed Dee Brown and their three assistant coaches Mike O¹Koren, Phil Hubbard and Wes Unseld Jr. Our gal Harpo Marx is on the warpath because the Cleveland Indian media director dissed her when she was trying to get through to Grady Sizemore, tish, tish, Marx it could have been worse. Is Brett Farve headed to Charm City? Are the Charm City Roller boys challenging the Charm City Roller girls? Donnie Neuenberger went all the way at Daytona last weekend and finished five places above his start. Rafael Nadal won the men¹s title at Wimbleton in one of the best tennis matches I have ever seen. Venus Williams won her 5th Women¹s Title at Wimbleton. The Mystics are still losers! Trent Dilfer the QB who was dissed by the Ravens and Brian Billick after he led them to their only NFL championship has retired. Troy Smith continues to be the QB of choice with the Ravens. In golf at Old South Bill Dipple won the flag tournament. Also at Old South in the senior two men team tournament the winners were: Low gross Mark Adams and Mike Foster 70 Low net‹Les Belcher and Baker‹63 Women¹s Division --- Kathy Byeres and Margaret Owens with low net of 61. I wonder where they are today---- Jimmy Edwards, Carl Weddle, Don Hardesty, Carole Daniels, Bette Powell, Marvin Powell, Don Geer, Freddie Dye, Pattie Leonard, Ann Stinchcomb, Bonnie Lavering, Lynda Calhoun, Jimmy Yates, and Precilla Harrison? In golf at Bretton Woods the June monthly medal went to D.Z.Zhou. No truth to the rumor that Ron Hoagie Man² Stover will rassle ³Butterbean². Former Cap Jaromir Jagr will play in Russia next season. Tony Stewart is leaving Joe Gibbs racing and forming a new team. Is Norris Walker joining Dave Prinkert as a big fan of female roller derby? T.T. was blanked in Nathan¹s Hot Dog challenge. Also Johnny Pocket and Paul Weasel bombed out in their attempt to get in on the event.

WE GET LETTERS

Letter from my friend David Carroll, please help if you can, Bill:
Friends, Please pledge $5 to help me reach my fundraising goal for the Make-A-Wish Triathlon . Thank you and God Bless! You can find my fundraising page here: http://www.midatlanticcommunity.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=211&srcid=212&frsid=523

David Carroll ALLpave Pavement Services, Inc. ³Full Service Commercial Property Maintenance² www.allpave.com

Bill, I noticed the other day that someone was looking for Herb Wright. He lives with his wife Barbara in South Carolina. Unfortunately he has suffered from Alzheimer's disease for the past several years. I guess that no one had any information on Pete O'Hara or Bill Espey. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Joan (Grahe) Rhodes

Joan, Thanks for the information, Espey was living in the Baltimore area but no one seems to know about Pete. Bill

Bill, Thanks for your sports column. I really enjoy your thoughts. George

George, Thanks Bill

Bill, Happy July 4th I Have Two Special Memories Of Those July 4th's Long Ago. One Was Going To Meridian Hill Park To See The Fireworks And The Other Is Going To The Mall By The Washington Monument And Hearing President Harry Truman Speak. I Think It Was 1952. I Have A Program Somewhere In My Boxes Of Memories. This Time, I Will Watch "A Capitol 4th" On My TV. Enjoy The Day And Night. Carolyn RHS '53

Carolyn, Thanks for the memories, hope you had a great Fourth also. Bill

Hi Bill, And a happy Fourth to you ! Your first article in today's McCaffrey¹s World or at least the letter within about Washington shortstops brought back memories. Mind you, I am originally from Bayonne, New Jersey but visited the old Griffith Stadium when I came down on a class trip with my high school. Now that was 1956 and who was cutting up the American league but non other than the triple crown winner that year, Mickey Mantle. I remember taking in a game at Griffith stadium and looking at the spot that Mantle had previously put one out of the stadium over 500 feet away It may have set a record at 565 feet. It was in dead center field and if my memory serves correctly it was not a half moon wall but a squared off corner much like Fenway park is today in right center. Griffith Stadium had theirs in left center. I think Mantle's ball landed on the street outside the park. Stay healthy, Jerry

Jerry, Mantle hit it over the left field bleachers and it did land in the street, it was hit off Chuck Stobbs. Larry Dody hit it over the center field wall. I was there at Mantle¹s and Chuck Enterline was one of the guys who was with me that day. Bill

Bill, Great column as always, have a great 4th. J

Bill, Anybody see a name on the lineup for the Nascar Nationwide Series race about to begin here in Daytona in a few minutes, on ESPN2? Hint: Your prayers worked, and now all prayers are for a really good run for Donnie Neuenberger of Brandywine, Maryland, Royal Farms car #52, and the team tonight!!!!! I am sure Donnie and his crew, manager, owners, etc., friends, family and fans all thank you and now it is time to let out a cheer for our favorite NASCAR driver from Maryland. It was very encouraging and appropriate to hear the commentators sharing Donnie's testimony of overcoming adversities of amazing magnitude while Donnie was giving his best efforts on the track for qualifying speed, and they all acknowledged that Donnie is an exceptional guy and they wished him well tonight, as we do also of course. Blessings and love to all, Dale

Dale, I am in full agreement. Bill

Bill, 1. Cane series is DEAD...In an April 2008 interview, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler called the drama's chances for renewal "a real long shot." On May 14, 2008, CBS officially cancelled the series.

2. On May 13, 2008, CBS announced that Moonlight was officially canceled. Following the CBS cancellation, Warner Bros. is inquiring with other outlets about their interest in the show. Presently, the current status of the show is unknown, with negotiations still ongoing. 3. On February 13, 2008, it was announced by NBC that Chuck has been picked up for a second season for 2008/2009.Danny Morrison

Danny, Thanks for the information. Bill

Bill, I want to thank those of you who were so gracious and helpful in investigating or offering to investigate batter strikeouts in the Washington newspapers for 1901. Unfortunately, as a few of you helped me found out, none of the papers had documented batter strikeouts, although a couple had ok game summaries in which some info could be gleaned. Now I would like to ask for some more assistance, Oriole-style. I need someone who would be willing to pull batter strikeout information for Baltimore home games in 1901, 1902, and 1897. I had used the Baltimore Sun for 1898 and 1899, so hopefully this will continue for 1901 & 1902 (I am pretty certain the Sun has 1897 coverage). If someone would be willing to go through the Baltimore Sun (and maybe the Baltimore American) and document the batter strikeouts out of the box scores, I will happily compensate them for their time, trave l, and postage. I will send along the games that I need documented to whoever can help. I appreciate any assistance that anyone can offer.

Thank you, Jonathan Frankel 2140 Blue Stone Lane Walled Lake, MI 48390-1528 lfrankel@comcast.net (248) 926-1390

SABR BOB DAVIDS NIGHT AT THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLUE CRABS
SATURDAY AUGUST 9, 2008 3:30 PM PROGRAM, 6:35 FIRST PITCH
DINNER/GAME: $29 ($24 12/UNDER)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BUTCH HOBSON, FORMER RED SOX PLAYER/MANAGER

There¹s a new professional team in town, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, and a new ballpark you probably have not seen yet, Regency Furniture Stadium. This is your chance! The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are in the Atlantic League, an independent professional minor league. For more info on the Blue Crabs, go to www.somdbluecrabs.com. Regency Furniture Stadium is in Waldorf, MD, about 20 miles south of the Beltway Our main speaker will be Blue Crabs Manager Butch Hobson, who you probably remember from his major league career with the Red Sox, Angels, and the Yankees from 1975 to 1982, and his managerial career with the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Boston Red Sox (from 1992-1994), the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, and the Nashua Pride. We will also have an Atlantic League umpire speak to our group, as well as other speakers and events. We will be having dinner at the covered Red Hot & Blue picnic pavilion, which is the perfect setting to eat, watch the game and mingle. Enjoy a marvelous 2-hour all-you-can-eat buffet picnic with Red Hot & Blue BBQ pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, cole slaw, potato chips, banana pudding, and soft drinks. The pavilion is located behind the left field wall. If you have any questions on the event, contact Dave Raglin at dar6884@earthlink.net or 703.835.1198. Here¹s how you sign up! Send the form below to: Don Seaman, 8332 Moline Place, Springfield, VA 22153-3314

Please make your check payable to SABR Bob Davids Chapter

Name(s) __________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________ City, St, Zip _______________________
E-Mail __________________________________ Phone ____________________________
Adult dinner/game tickets ................................. _______ x $29 = $________
Youth (12 and under) dinner/game tickets ........ _______ x $24 = $________
Total cost .................................................................................... $________

BIG TRAIN KEEP ON ROLLING, EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO 8

Fresh off a week which saw them go undefeated at 6-0, the Big Train didn't stop there. They got off on the right foot again, sweeping the College Park Bombers in a doubleheader in their own venue on Monday night. Cody Allen and Justin Wright got the starts in the two seven-inning games, and the Big Train didn't give up a run in either, winning 2-0 and 6-0. In the second game, an Eli Boike grand slam provided the knockout punch for the Big Train, as they won their twenty and twenty-first games of the season, and they continue to close in on what could be a record 30 wins this summer. The Big Train have now clinched The Gazette's Montgomery Cup after they beat the Thunderbolts on Sunday . 2008 is the fourth year the Big Train have won the Cup outright (in addition to 2001, 2005, and 2006), and they also tied for the win twice (2002 and 2007). Turns out the doubleheader sweep was much-needed for the Big Train, as Youse's Orioles also swept their doubleheader and have now also won eight in a row to incredibly keep pace with the Big Train. Bethesda currently leads them by half-a-game in the CRSCBL. Join us on Wednesday night at Povich for WALTER JOHNSON BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT! Gates open at 6:00, and only the first 600 get bobbleheads so get there early! Game One: In the first game of a doubleheader in College Park, the Big Train defeated the Bombers 2-0 in seven innings thanks to stellar pitching and defense. Cody Allen(Central Florida) started on the hill and pitched five shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing only three hits, on his way to his second win of the season. Allen got into trouble in the bottom of the first, with runners on first and third with only one out. Luckily, Scott Schneider (Saint Mary's CA) and Jordan King (Meridian CC) turned a crisp 6-4-3 double play to get the Big Train out of the inning unscathed. The Big Train's first run came in the second inning. Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) led off the inning with a single, and after a fly out and a fielder's choice, found himself on second base with two outs. Ryan Mulligan (Saint Mary's CA) then drove in what turned out to be the game-winning run with an RBI single that scored Stienstra. In the sixth inning, Big Train left fielder Luke Adkins (Mississippi State) drew a walk to lead off the inning, and moved over to second on a fielder's choice. With one out, Jordan King added another run with a double that scored Adkins. Quinn Ewert (Illinois State) secured the victory for the Big Train, pitching the last two innings, allowing only one hit and no walks to earn his first save of the season. With the win, Bethesda improved to 20-5 on the season. Game Two: In the night cap, the Big Train once again shutout the Bombers, winning 6-0, thanks in large part to a masterful three-hitter by Justin Wright (Virginia Tech) and some late clutch hitting. Both starters cruised through the first four innings, before the Big Train landed on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. With two outs and the bases empty, Scott Schneider (Saint Mary's) doubled and Luke Adkins (Mississippi State) walked before Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) reached on a costly error by Bombers third baseman Grant Morlock that allowed Schneider to score the game's first run. In the seventh, the Bombers brought in Brian Hangbers to replace starter Darren O'Brien who had yet to allow an earned run. After a strike-out to lead off the inning, Luke Adkins and Danny Stienstra both singled and Jordan King (Meridian CC) walked to load the bases. Another strike-out gave the Big Train two outs, and they were in danger of leaving the bases loaded. Dylan Tonneson (California) came through with a walk that scored Adkins from third. Eli Boike (Michigan State) trampled all hope the Bombers had with a huge grand slam that gave the Big Train a 6-0 lead. Justin Wright was able to close out the Bombers in the seventh inning, giving him a complete game shutout. Wright, who won his third consecutive start and has yet to be defeated this season, struck out eight and faced only 29 batters.

Big Train Players in Pro Baseball

Thanks to Big Train historian Bill Hickman for compiling this list of all Big Train players currently in professional baseball: Anderson, Brian RHP BT2006-07 Gulf Coast League Orioles (Rookie), 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 game
Baron, Casey LHP BT2004 Brevard County (Hi A - Fla. State Lg.) 2-2, 2.35 ERA, 3 SV in 29 gms
Brennan, Jackson OF BT2002 Columbus (A - So. Atlantic League) .189 in 15 games; Released in June.
Costanzo, Mike 3B/P BT2003 Norfolk (AAA- International Lg.)  .257, 9 HR, 35 RBI
Frederickson, Evan LHP BT2006-07 West Virginia (Lo A -S. Atlantic Lg.) 0-0, 4.06 ERA w/Helena & WVa
Hayhurst, Dirk RHP BT2001 Portland (AAA - PCL)  0-2, 5.04, 1 SV, 73 Ks in 58.1 IP
Herold, Mitch LHP BT2007 Lowell (A-ss NY-Penn L g.)     On roster, but disabled.
Hinkle, Austin RHP BT2006 Columbus (Lo A -S. Atlantic Lg.)  1-3, 2.45 ERA, 6 SV
Hose, Terry Lee Jr. "T.J." RHP BT2004 Yakima (SS-A Northwest League 2-1, 5.51 ERA.
Jimerson, Charlton OF BT1999 Tacoma (AAA - PCL) .234, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 12 SB
Jones, Tyler OF BT2003 Visalia (Hi A - Calif. Lg.)  .226, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 6 SB
Kantakevich, Joe RHP BT2004 Wisconsin (A - Midwest Lg.)  2-2, 26.04 ERA w/High Desert; 0-0, 10.24 ERA with Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Kelly, Chris RHP/OF BT2001-02 Vero Beach (Hi A - Fla. State Lg.)  7-2, 4.09 ERA
Lemon, Greg 2B BT2004-05 St. George Roadrunners (Golden Lg. IND)  .370, 3 HR, 20 RBI in 32 games
Livingston, Bobby LHP BT2001 Rehab assignments with Gulf Coast League Reds and Sarasota (Hi A - Florida State Lg.); probably headed back to majors with Cincinnati.
Maine, John RHP BT2000   New York Mets (MLB) 8-6 with 3.91 ERA
McBryde, Mike OF BT2004 San Jose (Hi A - Calif. Lg.)  .278, 2 HR, 33 RBI, 25 SB
McKenry, Michael C BT2004 Modesto (Hi A - Calif. Lg.)  .254, 9 HR, 44 RBI
Mobley, Chris RHP BT2002 Carolina (AA - Southern Lg.)  3-1, 2.72 ERA, 15 SV
Moreland, Kenny RHP BT2005 Bluefield (Rookie - Appalachian Lg.) 1-3, 8.27 ERA
Pease, Dustin LHP BT2005-06 Winnipeg (Northern League - IND)  2-1, 4.54 ERA, 1 SV
Pehrson, Preston C BT2006 Bluefield (Rookie - Appalachian Lg.)  .100, 2 hits in 11 games
Schmoll, Steve RHP BT2000 Harrisburg (AA - Eastern Lg.)  2-2, 2.53 ERA, 4 SV
Wald, Jake SS BT2000 Connecticut (Eastern L g. - AA) .265 in 48 games

Big Train Weekly Report Week of June 28 through July 5
by Bryan Oringher

Just(in) (W)Right: Big Train starting pitcher Justin Wright (Virginia Tech) was named the Big Train's third Player of the Week after a great week on the mound when he went 2-0 with only two earned runs allowed in his ten innings of work. On the season, Wright is undefeated in five starts, as he is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA. In 22 innings of work, he has struck out 18 while giving up only 15 hits and six earned runs.

They're not saying "Booooo", They're saying "Drewwwww": Drew Lee (Morehead State) got off to a slow start with the bat, but he sure turned it around when his parents came to town. On Thursday, the starting shortstop went 2-for-4 with both of h is hits being solo homers to carry the Big Train to a 2-1 win. On Saturday, he played another huge role offensively as he went 3-for-5 with 3 runs, an RBI, and another homer. Additionally, his daring steal of third base in the bottom of the ninth with one out set up a Danny Stienstra walk-off single with two down. Despite hitting only .241 on the year, Lee is slugging .494, good for second on the team, and leads the team with six homers.

He's the (Hiser)man: Matt Hiserman (San Francisco) has pitched in a way this summer that right now has him in line for the best season by a Big Train pitcher ever. Just look at the numbers: Hiserman is 2-0 with seven saves, and has allowed NO runs and NO walks in 19.1 innings of work, while striking out 23. Mixing in a change-up, curveball, and absolutely ridiculous slider to set-up his fastball, Hiserman has had opposing hitters begging for mercy-or at least that he doesn't come out of the bullpen-all summer long. (*Note: His e rman's stats are the only in this report updated through Sunday*)

King of the Diamond: Second baseman Jordan King (Meridian CC) has been a model of consistency for the Big Train this season, and his steady production has made him appear to be the Big Train's regular number three hitter. King is hitting .304 (17-for-55) on the summer, and has posted .431 on-base and .446 slugging percentages.

Ex-ZACH-tly What the Doctor Ordered: Despite hitting almost exclusively in the lead-off spot, Zach Kim (San Francisco) leads the team in runs batted in (RBI) with 17. Kim has provided a little bit of everything for the Big Train this season-a .305 batting average, .396 OBP, .453 SLG, 6 steals, and a perfect fielding percentage.

These First Baseman's Mitts are Made for Walking: First-baseman Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) has displayed a keen batter's eye at the plate, as he leads the team with 15 walks and a .4 72 on-base-percentage. He's no slouch with the bat either, as he's second on the team and third in the league with a .366 batting average, and on Saturday, he went 3-for-3 with a walk-off single.

Great Scott!: Super utility-man Scott Schneider (Saint Mary's CA) has been most dominant on the mound, where he's 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA and 23 strikeouts in almost 22 innings of work. He's also 8-for-20 on the year with the bat. Schneider has seemingly been spotted almost everywhere on the field this season, which begs the question: might manager Sal Colangelo decide to give Schneider the opportunity to attempt to play all nine positions at some point during a game? We shall see...

For full Big Train individual stats, click here
For league leaders, click here.
For league and Big Train team stats, click here.

ALL the Excitement of Big Train Baseball, HALF the Price!

The Big Train are proud to announce that all season passes can now be bought for 50% off! The time has never been better to get out to Povich! Bethesda is right in the heart of the race for the league title, as they go neck-and-neck with Youse's Orioles every night. There are still many INCREDIBLE reasons to get out to Povich, including the upcoming Walter Johnson bobblehead night, Baltimore Orioles Night, and Tim Kurkjian, just to name a few! Purchasing a season pass is a great way to support the Big Train! With your season pass, you will get admission to all remaining 2008 regular season Big Train home games, without having to wait in line to buy tickets! Big Train season passes also make a great gift! If you can't use it yourself, just purchase your pass and reply to this e-mail with who you'd like us to send it to and we appreciate your donation to help improve local youth baseball and softball fields!

Individual Season Pass ($30)
Family Season Pass ($65)
Corporate Season Pass ($65)

July 20th is A Night Out for Arts Education at Povich, and Tim Kurkjian!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: A Night for Arts Education in Montgomery County Join an all-star lineup of Montgomery County arts organizations on Sunday, July 20th at beautiful Shirley Povich Field as the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County partners with the Big Train to celebrate A Night for Arts Education. Enjoy hands-on art activities and strolling performers before the game and catch the rising stars from the local arts scene. Watch the host Big Train and its roster of future Big Leaguers take on the College Park Bombers, meet ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian, and see the wide array of exciting things YOU and YOUR kids can do with the arts right here, right now.

Participating organizations include:
Access Montgomery: www.accessmontgomery.tv
Adventure Theatre: www.adventuretheatre.org
Arts Barn: www.gaithersburgmd.gov
Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County: www.creativemoco.com
Arts on the Block: www.artsontheblock.com
CityDance: www.citydance.net
Create Arts Center: www.createartscenter.org
Creative Adventures: www.artinyou.com
Frank Cassel, Banjo Man: www.banjomanfc.com
Glen Echo Partnership for Arts & Culture: www.glenechopark.org
Levine School of Music: www.levineschool.org
Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra: www.mcyo.org
Musical Theatre Center: www.musicaltheatercenter.org
The Writer's Center: www.writer.org

Big Train is GREENER Than Ever!

The Big Train is partnering with Bethesda Green to bring enhanced recycling to Povich Field. Bethesda Green is a new organization that will serve as a living model to sustain Bethesda's development by reducing the community's environmental footprint, attracting environmentally-conscious consumers, and promoting an environmental ethic. The Big Train will be adding a new, high-quality, iron recycling bin to Povich Field in the near future. Honest Beverage, the official beverage provider of the Big Train, will contribute half of the cost of the bin. We are asking that Big Train fans help us to raise the other half. The Big Train will sell raffle tickets to raise money. Each $10 ticket will entitle the purchaser to one entry in a drawing for naming rights to the bin. The winner will be drawn at the last Big Train home game of the season, and will have their name permanently engraved on the recycling bin.

BIG TRAIN 2008 SEASON SPONSORS

Thanks to these organizations for their generous support of Big Train baseball for the 2008 season: Chevy Chase Bank, Grossberg CPAs, Hopkins & Porter, Ledo Pizza, Miller & Long Co., Ourisman Automotive, and Sandy Spring Builders

CAL RIPKEN, SR. COLLEGIATE BASEBALL LEAGUE

Summer 2008 is the fourth season of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. The league consists of eight teams, the Alexandria Aces, 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 from early June to the end of July. 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.

CURRENT CRSL 2008 REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS
(W/L) Pct GB

Bethesda Big Train 21-5 .808 ---
Youse's Maryland Orioles 20-5 .800 0.5
Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts 11-12 .478 8.5
College Park Bombers 9-11 .450 9
Herndon Braves 9-15 .375 11
Rockville Express 8-14 .364 11
Alexandria Aces 8-15 .348 11.5
Maryland Redbirds 6-15 .286 12.5

THE MONTGOMERY CUP PRESENTED BY THE GAZETTE

Bethesda Big Train 8-1 Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts 2-6 Rockville Express 2-5 *Big Train have clinched 2008 Montgomery Cup* Log onto http://www.ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/ for up-to-date boxscores and standings. Sign-up for CRSL email alerts here. Regards, David Ireland, General Manager Michael Groeneman, Assistant General Manager Bryan Oringher, Public Relations Manager

SUPPORT SOUTHERN MARYLAND SPORTS!!