Sports Beat column - July 5, 2006

Sports Beat
July 5, 2006

Sports Beat by Bill McCaffrey

Coming up the All-Star Baseball game and even though it should be a good one, one has to wonder how fans could not have Andruw Jones, Joe Mauer, Paul Konerko, Miguel Tejada and Vernon Wells in the starting lineup.

How can Joe Nathan, Houston Street, John Schnoltz, Justin Verlander, Francisco Lirjano be left off the pitching staffs?

Here's an All-Star question, what Washington left hander was a winning all-star pitcher without facing a batter in the1954game? Okay Jim Wexler, its your time and your age bracket.

How about Stan Spence of the Senators diving in the winning run in the 1947 all-star game. What made â¤¦Ripâ¤? Sewell famous in the 1946 all-star game?

In 1945, the Washington Senators finished a game and a half out of first place but the real difference was an August doubleheader at Griffith Stadium when the Detroit Tigers swept both ends of the twin bill â¤³ the pitchers? Prince Hal Newhouser and Paul â¤¦Dizzyâ¤? Trout of the Tigers against Roger Wolff and Emil â¤¦Dutchâ¤? Leonard.

Oh by the way, what happened to Sunday and Holiday baseball doubleheaders (and I don't mean day/night separate admission deals)? Could it be greed? Yes on the Owners and Players part. Thank you for asking that question.

Don't forget to check out the DC Divas information further in the column.

DC DIVAS REPORT

Divas vs. Chattanooga Playoff July 8th @ 7pm
Tickets now available

The Divas have begun preparations for the Saturday July 8th playoff game at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex. The Divas playoff opponent will be the Chattanooga Locomotion. The Locomotion have been one of the top teams in the South for years.
Tickets are now on sale! Order your D.C. Divas playoff tickets NOW to be entered into a drawing to win a 2006 D.C. Divas autographed team football.
The winner will be awarded and photographed at halftime of the playoff game.

LAST GAME OF THE REGULAR SEASON
D.C. Divas beat Connecticut Crush 48-0
Game statistics
Game photos
Listen to the game online
Game recap/press release

The D.C.Divas finished their third straight undefeated regular season and ran their 4 year regular season record to 31-1 with a win over the visiting Crush. Offensive MVP Claudia Hogan (left in photo) recorded her first touchdown of the season. Defensive MVP Trigger McNair (right in photo) had 5 solo tackles. The Chattanooga Locomotion beat the Austin Outlaws 23-6 last Saturday night to earn the right to play the D.C. Divas this coming Saturday night, July 8th, at the Prince George's Sports Complex. The Divas have home field advantage by being seeded #1 in the Northern Division of the NWFA due their 8-0 regular season record. The Locomotion are seeded #4 in the South and will be the first team from the south the Divas has played in its six-year history.

Running back Rachelle Pecovsky will be leading the Divas offensive attack. She is one of only three backs in the NWFA to gain more than 1000 yards this year in the regular season and is averaging an incredible 10.8 yards per carry. The Locomotion will also have to watch out for QB Allyson "Smooth" Hamlin's arm as she connected for 11 TDs in the air so far this year. Her favorite receivers, co-captain Nikki Williams and rookie Tara Stephenson, will be itching to get a step on the Locomotion defensive backs.

Lead by co-captain and leading tackler "Poison" Ivy Tillman, the Divas defense gave up only one TD all season, fewer points than any other in the NWFA. Saturday could be the toughest test of the defense so far this year as the Locomotion have won six games so far and have both a ground and air attack. The Divas have shut out their opponents seven games in a row! Can they hold against an unknown offense from the Southern Division?

Don't miss this historic game for Divas this Saturday night, July 8th, at 7 PM . Order tickets via the Internet now to be entered to receive a team-signed football at halftime.

Go Divas! D.C. Divas website: http://www.dcdivas.com/
Ticket sales: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/event/EventListings?orgId=10235

BIG TRAIN REPORT

STILL TIME TO SIGN-UP FOR POVICH PICNIC
There is still time to schedule your end of season party, corporate outing, neighborhood get-together, or birthday party at the Davis Family Picnic Pavilion. Sign-up now: http://www.bigtrain.org/published/kids/picnic.html

COMEBACK FALLS JUST SHORT SATURDAY
The Rockville Express jumped on Big Train starting pitcher Dustin Pease (Mount St. Mary's), getting five straight singles in the first inning and taking a 5-0 lead to the bottom of the fourth inning. Express starter Ryan Huston (Cal Poly) held the Big Train hitless through three innings. Then Bethesda started to chip away at the Rockville lead. Cory Lane (UNC-Charlotte) singled to lead off the fourth and scored on Preston Pehrson (Texas)'s RBI groundout. In the fifth, Steven Leach (Jacksonville State) reached base on a dropped fly ball and scored on an RBI groundout by Steve Fay (Mount St. Mary's). In the sixth, Matt Long (Santa Clara) doubled, Pehrson walked, Luke Adkins doubled home Long, and Pehrson scored on an RBI groundout by Bryan Thomas (Virginia Tech). Daniel Kennedy (Georgetown) retired the last four Big Train batters to preserve the win for Rockville. Mike Murphy (Maryland) and Quentin Cate (Cal Poly) each had three hits for the Express. Adam Plummer (Pitt-Johnstown) and Alex Pepe (Florida Atlantic) combined to shutout the Express for the final five innings and keep the Big Train in the game.

Rockville Express (10-7) 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 -- 5 13 2
Bethesda Big Train (11-6) 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 -- 4 6 1

WP: Huston (2-1)
LP: Pease (2-2)
Save: Kennedy (1)
2B: Cate (RE), Dietz (BBT), Long (BBT), Adkins (BBT)
Attendance: 548
Time: 2 hours, 36 minutes

Big Train Notes: Mrs. Leon Day, the widow of the Hall of Fame Negro League hurler, graced Povich Field on Saturday night. The Leon Day Foundation put on an amazing display of Negro League memorabilia for the Big Train's Tribute to Black Baseball. With Mrs. Day on the mound and Ray Banks at bat, Big Train fans got to see a demonstration of "Shadow Ball" on the field before the game. Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post and Super Fan Alan Alper signed copies of National Pastime, a history of the first year of baseball back in Washington. Families of our Big Train players in town for our Family Weekend were recognized before the game. Our sponsor was Ourisman Ford. Ron Weber, the former voice of the Washington Capitals, was our public address announcer Saturday night.

CRSL ACTION & STANDINGS -- SATURDAY JULY 1
Results of Saturday July 1
Rockville Express defeated Bethesda Big Train 5-4 at Povich Field
Youse's Orioles defeated Maryland Redbirds 3-2 (10) and 14-2 (7) at the Naval Academy

Regular Season Standings
Bethesda Big Train 11-6 .647 -- Youse's Maryland Orioles 10-6 .625 .5 Rockville Express 10-7 .588 1 SS-T Thunderbolts 7-7 .500 2.5 College Park Bombers 7-10 .412 4 Maryland Redbirds 4-13 .235 7 The Montgomery Cup sponsored by The Gazette: Bethesda (6-3), Rockville (3-3), Silver Spring-Takoma (2-5). Log onto http://www.ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/ for up-to-date boxscores and standings. Sign-up for CRSL email alerts: http://ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/maillist/program/action.cgi?actionfiltered=adduser

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

CAL RIPKEN, SR. COLLEGIATE BASEBALL LEAGUE
2006 is the second 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 play a 40-game regular season that starts on Friday, June 9 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.

GREAT DEFENSE, AMAZING SPEED, WALK-OFF IN 11TH

Several spectacular defensive plays allowed the Big Train to stay in Friday night's game against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and amazing speed and a walk-off blast by Matt Long (Santa Clara) allowed Bethesda to prevail 4-3 in eleven innings. The 644 fans at Povich Field were treated to a spectacular game on a perfect night for baseball. With two hard throwers on the mound, it was the T'Bolts that got on the board first against Big Train starter Evan Frederickson (Virginia Tech). With two outs in the top of the third, a walk and a hit batsman both scored on a double by catcher Gerardo Hernandez (MC-Rockville). In the fourth, Silver Spring scored again with three consecutive singles, a walk, and an RBI single. A much bigger inning was averted when Big Train left fielder Matt Long threw out a runner at the plate. In the bottom of the fourth, the Big Train got even thanks in large part to a dropped fly ball when the T'Bolt third baseman and catcher collided. The dropped fly allowed Preston Pehrson (Texas) to reach first and later score. Luke Adkins (Southern Mississippi) singled, Adam Plummer (Pitt-Johnstown) walked but was erased on an RBI groundout by Steven Leach (Jacksonville State). Brian Dozier (Southern Mississippi) singled home Adkins, and Brian Dietz (Bowling Green) singled home Leach to knot the score at three. It stayed that way for six innings. One T-Bolt threat was erased when Joe Maca (Catholic) doubled with a runner on first in the eighth, but second baseman Cory Lane's (UNC-Charlotte) relay throw gunned down the potential go-ahead run at the plate. A single and two hit batsmen loaded the bases for the Big Train in the bottom of the tenth, but the Train could not push the run across. Two walks and a hit batsman loaded the bases for the T'Bolts in the top of the eleventh with only one out. But, for the second game in a row, third baseman Steven Leach snared a line drive and converted a double play. In the bottom of the eleventh, speed made all the difference. Dietz singled. Lane grounded into a force play but avoided being doubled up and then stole second. Nick Cleckler (Jacksonville State) hit a high chopper in front of the pitcher and beat the throw to first. With the outfield playing in, Long crushed a ball over the left fielder's head for the game winner.

SS-T Thunderbolts (7-7) 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -- 3 8 1
Bethesda Big Train (11-5) 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 -- 4 11 0

WP: Anderson (1-1)
LP: Blewett (1-1)
2B: Hernandez (SST), Maca (SST)
Attendance: 644
Time: 3 hours, 8 minutes

Big Train Notes: It was Bowie Baysox Night at Povich Field with Louie returning to visit Homer and meet young Bunt for the first time. Also, we celebrated Takoma Park-Silver Spring Babe Ruth League Night with A Big Train Tribute to the Legendary Coach G, the founder of the Babe Ruth League in Takoma Park. As expected, the game started a few minutes late as we had a hard time getting Coach G off the mound. He was ready to go nine. Our sponsor was Watkins, Meegan, Drury & Company. With a crowd of Takoma Park-Silver Spring Babe Ruth coaches and players in the stands, Povich Field Friday night felt a bit like Camden Yards when the Red Sox or Yankees are in town. Half the fans were rooting for the home team and about half for the visiting T'Bolts. The families of many Big Train players were in the stands tonight, the first night of our annual Family Weekend that will culminate with a trip to RFK Stadium on July 4 to see the Nationals.

CRSL ACTION & STANDINGS -- FRIDAY JUNE 30
Results of Friday June 30
Bethesda Big Train defeated SS-T Thunderbolts 4-3 (11 innings) at Povich Field
Rockville Express defeated Maryland Redbirds 5-1 at Joe Cannon Stadium
Youse's Orioles defeated College Park Bombers 2-1 (13 innings) at Bachman Park

Regular Season Standings
Bethesda Big Train
11-5 .688 --
Youse's Maryland Orioles
8-6 .571 2
Rockville Express
9-7 .563 2
SS-T Thunderbolts
7-7 .500 3
College Park Bombers
7-10 .412 4.5
Maryland Redbirds
4-11 .267 6.5

The Montgomery Cup sponsored by The Gazette: Bethesda (6-2), Rockville (2-3), Silver Spring-Takoma (2-5).

Log onto http://www.ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/ for up-to-date boxscores and standings.
Sign-up for CRSL email alerts: http://ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/maillist/program/action.cgi?actionfiltered=adduser

BIG TRAIN REPORT

ON DECK AT POVICH: 3 HOME GAMES NEXT WEEKEND
The Big Train is at home next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We play a doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. with the College Park Bombers on Friday July 9. On Saturday we face Youse's Orioles, and on Sunday we play the Redbirds.

BIG TRAIN FASTPITCH SOFTBALL CAMPS

Girls fastpitch softball has been under-served in lower Montgomery County. Because of the success we had with last year's camp, we are offering half-day camps this summer July 17-21 and August 7-11. Led by Paint Branch High School coach Maura Ryan, we will have two weeks of afternoon camps for girls interested in playing softball in high school, one week of morning sessions to introduce girls ages 8 to 13 to fastpitch softball (July 17-21), and one week of morning sessions to prepare girls 11-13 for Middle School Softball in the Fall (August 7-11).

Why pay more? Camp is more fun when you are with your friends. Take advantage of our group discount. Sign-up with four or more of your friends and take $10 off the $125 per session fee. Sign-up for the 2006 Big Train Summer Baseball & Softball Camps through our webpage at www.bigtrain.org. Or call 301/983-1006 to receive a Big Train camp brochure.

REGISTER NOW FOR TOM HOUSE PITCHING CLINIC
The nation's best pitching coach will be making a return visit to Povich Field August 8, 9, and 10. Reserve your place now as last year's clinic was sold out. House has developed a complete package of fitness, nutrition, mechanics, and mental and emotional conditioning to prepare young athletes to pitch. A Tom House clinic reinforces within young players the importance of focus, hard work, and conditioning. http://www.bigtrain.org/published/kids/camp.html#house $300 August 8 Tom House Lecture from 7 to 9 p.m. August 9 & 10: 9 a.m. to noon ages 13 & under; 1-4 p.m. ages 14 & over

MAMA SAID THERE'D BE DAYS LIKE THIS
The Big Train lost 3-2 to the Maryland Redbirds on Sunday night. It wasn't pretty. The game was lost in the top of the ninth with the score tied at two when Randy Boyle (UMBC), attempting to sacrifice bunt, reached base on a throwing error and later raced home on a wild pitch. The Big Train took the lead in the first when Matt Long (Santa Clara) singled with two outs, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a dropped fly ball. The Big Train extended its lead to two in the fourth inning when Luke Adkins (Southern Mississippi) walked and scored on a single by Brian Dozier (Southern Mississippi). The Redbirds tied the score with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings that resulted from a hit batsman and a throwing error.

Maryland Redbirds (5-13) 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 -- 3 4 2
Bethesda Big Train (11-7) 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 -- 2 4 2

WP: Howell (1-1)
LP: Hinkle (0-1)
Attendance: 506
Time: 3 hours and 9 minutes

Big Train Notes: A rain make-up game that started at 5 p.m. was halted by lightning after one inning and later postponed again when a thunderstorm drenched Povich Field. It was Mom Appreciation Night sponsored by the Choice Hotels Foundation and Backfence Bethesda. 200 moms each received a rose courtesy of Bethesda Florist. And best of all: the Big Train moms who have come to Bethesda from all over North America this weekend threw on ceremonial first pitches to their sons before the game. All at the same time! The DC United's Talon was in the house. It was a Cold Stone Ice Cream Sunday with free ice cream for 25 fans.

CRSL ACTION & STANDINGS -- SUNDAY JULY 2
Results of Sunday July 2
Maryland Redbirds defeated Bethesda Big Train 3-2 at Povich Field Rockville Express defeated Youse's Orioles 4-3 (7) at Bachman Park Youse's Orioles defeated Rockville Express 4-3 (7) at Bachman Park SS-T Thunderbolts defeated College Park Bombers 4-3 (7) at Blair Stadium No report on second game at Blair Stadium

Regular Season Standings
Bethesda Big Train 11-7 .611 --
Youse's Maryland Orioles 11-7 .611 --
Rockville Express 11-8 .579 .5
SS-T Thunderbolts 8-7 .533 1.5
College Park Bombers 7-11 .389 4
Maryland Redbirds 5-13 .278 6

The Montgomery Cup sponsored by The Gazette: Bethesda (6-3), Rockville (3-3), Silver Spring-Takoma (2-5).

Log onto http://www.ripkensrcollegebaseball.org/ for up-to-date boxscores and standings.

BIG TRAIN FAMILY WEEKEND ENDS WITH AN RFK BLAST
The families of Big Train players starting coming in from Ontario, California, Mississippi, Alabama, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Washington State for Thursday's game in Rockville. On Sunday, a field full of Big Train moms tossed out ceremonial first pitches (all at once!) and then received roses from their sons. Tuesday afternoon, Ryan Zimmerman (just one year removed from playing college baseball) blasted a two-out, walk-off home run at RFK where the Big Train families filled a section in the upper deck. On Wednesday morning, the families will be returning home and the Big Train players will start the second half of play in the Cal Ripken, Sr, Collegiate Baseball League. Thanks to all the families for lending us their sons for the summer and for joining us in Bethesda this weekend!

BIG TRAIN NAMED ONE OF 101 FUN THINGS TO DO
Thanks to the Almanac for naming Big Train Baseball one of 101 fun things to do in Potomac. According to the Almanac, "Summer nights at Bethesda Big Train collegiate baseball games offer something for everybody... Povich Field has all the trappings of the best minor-league stadiums." Last week, Washingtonian magazine listed Big Train Baseball among its "Best" picks, the things that make the Washington region "a great place to live." We completed our July trifecta Tuesday morning with a wonderful article by columnist Marc Fisher in The Washington Post (reprinted below).

Please forward this article to your baseball fan friends and encourage them to come out to Povich Field this weekend. Here's link to the Fisher column, complete with a color photo: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/03/AR2006070301130.html?nav=rss_opinion/columns

ON DECK AT POVICH: 5 HOME GAMES THIS WEEKEND

Friday July 7: Big Train v. College Park Bombers Doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. with the second game starting at approximately 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 4:15 p.m. Maryland Nighthawks Night with professional basketball players and JP of the Sports Junkies. Each fan is asked to bring a can of food for the Manna Food Center. Our sponsor is Natelli Communities.

Saturday July 8: Big Train v. Youse's Orioles at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Orioles Bird Night. Chick-fil-A will be in the house. Our sponsor is Hopkins & Porter Construction and their charity is the Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity.

Sunday July 9: Big Train v. Maryland Redbirds Doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. with the second game starting at approximately 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 4:15 p.m. The always popular Capitals Caravan with moonbounces and Slapshot will return to Povich Field. Fans will get free Turkey Hill Lemonade courtesy of SportsTalk 980. Our guest announcer will be SportsTalk 980's Andy Pollin. It will be a Cold Stone Ice Cream Sunday with free ice cream for 25 fans. Fans who bring cleats, sneakers, or gloves for the children of Campo de Suenos in the Dominican will receive a coupon for a free drink. Our sponsor is The Bean Bag.

ON THE ROAD WEDNESDAY v. ROCKVILLE EXPRESS
On Wednesday July 5, the Big Train travels up I-270 to face the Rockville Express at Knights Field at Montgomery College-Rockville at 5 p.m. Keith Moreland (UNC-Charlotte) will pitch for the Big Train.

Knights Field at Montgomery College-Rockville, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD (7 miles from Povich Field). Take I-270 North towards Frederick. Exit on 6A, Route 28, W. Montgomery Ave./Rockville (1/4 mile north of Montrose Road exit). Follow Montgomery College sign through traffic light (road becomes Nelson Street). Go to first traffic light at Mannakee Street; turn left. The campus is 11/2 blocks on the left. BRUCE

WE GET LETTERS

Bill, You echo my sentiments exactly. I not only respect the office of the president but highly respect George W. Bush and thank God that we have a person like him as President in these threatening times to our country. Tom Tom, Thank you, you are one of RHSâ¤s finest grads and so is Joan. Bill Bill, Hear, hear! And, by the way, when did the republicans ever show any respect for President Clinton, huh? The truth is that the honorable, conservative Republican Party of Ike Eisenhower and Gerry Ford is dead. It has been replaced by a party run by the likes of Lee Atwater and Karl Rove, guys who thought nothing of accusing honorable war veterans like Senator Max Cleland of treason. Please donâ¤t talk to me about Bush again. Best to your family, however! Kumar P. Barve Majority Leader Kumar, Always glad to hear from you. Bill Bill, Happy 4th. I share in your sentiments except for the Gov deserving another term. Great guy but a disaster as Governor. There goes that Oâ¤Malley appointment. I hope you and your family are well. See you at the fights! William William, Thanks for your comments. Bill Bill McCaffrey, I've never met you but have enjoyed receiving your newsletters. Perhaps it's my special feelings for Baltimore gained from working with the Yankees and producing TV sports for CBS, NBC and ABC. My friends have included Brooks and Frank, Gus Triandos, Bob Nieman and Willie Miranda. Also, Artie Donovan, Alan Ameche, Bill Curry, Alex Hawkins and Johnny U., the greatest, plus Bill O'Donnell and Chuck Thompson and John Steadman. But I must agree with Kumar P. Barve. I'm one of six Gallaghers who served their nation in WWII. We know about patriotism and respect for high office. However, the occupants of those offices need to earn respect just as a commanding officer must earn the respect of his troops. It pains me to say that I have no respect for the President of the United States and for most of his administration. I do love my country, marched in the parade in Greenback, Tennessee today and swelled with pride at the sight of Old glory. I have had the privilege of meeting Max Cleland. There is a man I respect. Respectfully Yours, Joe Gallagher, Louisville, TN Joe, Always glad to hear your comments. Bill Bill, Thanks so very much Bill for those inspiring, and true, words. Your gift of writing is such a blessing to so many. I will also watch the Boston Pops, and the DC concert of course, and New York. My daughter Dr. Rhonda is spending her first Fourth in Connecticut and she so loves everything about New England. Will watch fireworks here from my balcony and thank God for the gift of the freedoms we so uniquely enjoy as I remember that "freedom is never, ever free." Love in Him, Dale P.S. Thanks for the reminder of respect for the Office of President of the United States tho I do support President Bush and truly in my spirit believe he is God's Man we have always respected the Office for itself even when Bill Clinton was trashing the White House, the Office of the Presidency and himself and his family we just continued to pray for him and I believe folks still do. Dale, Thank you. Bill Bill, Wow, what a night! Dale, Jr. led for awhile, raced well, but ended up in 13th to the disappointment of 99.9% of the fans who are his fans from all over the country. Really thought Tony Stewart would end up in Victory Lane last night tho, and he did, a very happy driver. He just wanted it really bad and moved up in the Nextel Cup race points. The car owner, Joe Gibbs, was interviewed on tv from Victory Lane and was obviously thrilled about the win and was kidded by the commentators about the Skins/Dallas thing. This year we will scalp those renegade Cowboys tho. GO REDSKINS!!!!! Vice President Dick Cheney who bopped up from Cape Canaveral and the scrapped launch spoke memorably and reminded the jam packed Speedway, second biggest race of the year after the Daytona 500 in February, how blessed we are to live in the "land of the free". Superman was scheduled to appear but Clark Kent must have gotten lost on the way, was a no show. We were treated with a rock concert before the race and parachuters dropping out of a plane overhead with flares and landing in the grassy area between the lined up cars waiting to go racing "Boogedy, boogedy" and the seats. Really fun and of course the fly over was breathtaking, as always, right Donnie? Our favorite Busch driver Donnie Neuenberger, local Maryland boy, has been a passenger in one of those things incredibly enough. I mean they twist and turn and do all that going how fast Donnie? Quite an experience and, of course, incredible fireworks after the race to the fans delight. God bless and love to all, Dale Dale, Good report. Bill Bill, Have you noticed that you no longer hear many boos when a foreign player is picked in the first round? Jim Jim, Yes I have and the people here are realizing how much more complete players they are. Bill Hey Bill, Don't forget about Silver Spring Heavyweight Tony Thompson, who scored a dominating win over Dominick Guinn on ESPN2 on June 28 in San Diego. Thompson won the WBC Continental Americas and NABO Heavyweight titles with the win. He is now 28-1, 17 KO's and has won his last 24 straight bouts. Also, Lamont "Bay" Pearson takes on former WBA Super Featherweight champ Joel Casamayor on July 7 in Phoenix. Local boxers have won one world title (IBF Featherweight champ Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken) and four regional titles (Thompson has two and both Lamont and Anthony Pearson have one) so far this year. The locals are 2-1 on ESPN2 during the summer. Thompson and A. Pearson won, Michael Warrick lost. The area goes for number five in the regional titles tomorrow when Baltimore's Emmanuel Nwodo goes after the vacant USBA Cruiserweight championship against Chris Thomas of Chicago at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA. Gary "Digital" Williams Feature Writer, Fightnews.com For the latest in DC-area boxing news,visit Boxing Along The Beltway at http://boxingalongthebeltway.blogspot.com. Digital, Good report and several folks comment on how much they enjoy your site. Keep up the good work. Bill Bill,

SPORTS NOTES

Ebbets Field:Brooklyn's Baseball Shrine
Joseph McCauley

Ebbets Field- Brooklyn's Baseball Shrine offers a nostalgic and timely treasure for cultural and baseball fans.

Ebbets Field was home to the National Leagueâ¤s Brooklyn Dodgers for over 40 years and during that time baseball saw many historic changes that originated there. From the first televised major league baseball game, to Jackie Robinson crashing the color barrier, Ebbets Field hosted a mind boggling variety of events in its 47 years of existence. Celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Danny Kaye and Marilyn Monroe (among others) also made appearances there.

The park was a community meeting place in Brooklyn. Church services, political rallies and even movie showings were held there. Boxing, Olympic trials, professional, college and high school football, soccer, and the circus were a few of the many other events that took place at Ebbets Field.

Brooklyn Dodger fans, players and Ebbets Field employees share their stories and feelings about the park through the years in different chapters. There are 54 photos, many in color, throughout the book. At least ten photos have never been published before.

The book is currently available through Authorhouse.com for $19.50 or from Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. The author has had guest appearances at the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Gerald Ford Presidential Library this year. He can be reached at 734 420-2898.

This is a MUST read for all you baseball fans.

Eastern High School Get Together

A group of us from the Class of ' 53 thought it would be fun to get together at Ocean City, Maryland for a few days or more in September, 2006. The get together will be at the Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel, 13th Broadwalk, Ocean City, Md. September 17 thru September 19th. We have reserved twenty rooms and can book more if needed. Also, you can stay longer then two nights. The price is $ 55. per night. Call 1-800-492-6834 after July 15th to make your own reservation. Ask for " Amy" and mention Eastern High School Reunion to get the discount. I have set up dinner reservations for Monday, September 18th at 6:00 p.m. Cocktails at 5:00 p.m. We will be able to order from the menu and have separate checks. Please let me know ASAP if you will be joining us for dinner, as I need to give the information to the banquet manager. Contact: Mrs. Carroll Devine 1-540-347-6278. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September.

From SABR DAVIDS
a. "Talkin' Baseball" on Saturday July 8, 2006 at 9AM We will hold the regular meeting of "Talkin' Baseball" on Saturday July 8, 2006 at 9AM at Barnes & Noble, 4300 Montgomery Rd (Longate Shopping Center) in Ellicott City, MD. Steve Goldman, author of "Forging Genius: The Making of Casey Stengel", will speak. Everyone come!!

b. Minor League Happenings - Bowie Baysoxs, Frederick Keys, and Delmarva Shorbirds for Sale

Young to buy three teams from Comcast?

Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Business Journal reports on something that's been buzzing around the minor-league world for a few weeks. Ken Young, the owner of the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League) and the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), is purchasing three teams from Comcast-Spectator: the Bowie Baysox (Class AA; Eastern League), the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) and the Delmarva Shorebirds (Low Class A; Sally League). The Journal is reporting a purchase price of $29 million (about what Comcast originally paid for the three franchises), but we've heard the actual price is closer to $25 million. Comcast had a deal to sell the three teams to a group headed by media consultant David Pearlman, but that deal fell through in January 2005 reportedly after lease agreements were fully disclosed and the cost of running the teams was higher than Comcast originally portrayed. The purchase isn't a surprise: Young has other business arrangements with Comcast, so the two sides know one another. The deal has been submitted to minor-league officials for their approval; look for an official announcement in the next few weeks.

Whatever happened to Norman â¤¦Mungâ¤? Young, Freddie Dye, Jean Smith, Marian Diehl, Tommy â¤¦Skaterâ¤? Black, â¤¦Earsâ¤? Monahan, â¤¦Sharkâ¤? Shannon, Bette Powell, Marvin Powell, Dede Powell, Patricia Shinn and Leon McCaulley?

Congratulations to the Frankovic family on the birth of Isabella Grace on July 1st.

Chesapeake Cup - Vintage Baseball Tournament
Saturday July 15, 2006
At Historic Elk Landing, Elkton, Maryland

Come and see the premier vintage baseball tournament in the state of Maryland.

The three top clubs in the state along with one of finest baseball clubs in America, the Brooklyn Atlantics, compete for the Chesapeake Cup. Come and see what a sporting event was like in Cecil County in the 19th Century.

Plenty of activities for the entire family. Bring a picnic, or enjoy food and beverages from our concession stand. Mingle with citizens from the 19th Century, and how baseball grew in Baltimore and the Eastern Shore.

$ 5 donation request for admission for the entire day for adults.

$1 donation request for students for the entire day.

Located at the end of Landing Lane in Elkton, Maryland.
11:00 am. Elkton vs Chesapeake & Potomac
1:00 pm. Easton vs Brooklyn
3:15 pm Consolation match
5:30 pm Championship match

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BAYSOX REPORT

THREE BAYSOX NAMED TO 2006 EASTERN LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME

RHP James Johnson, RHP Marino Salas, OF Cory Keylor to Join Southern Division Squad in Altoona - July 11th - 12th

Three members of the Bowie Baysox have been selected to participate in the 2006 UPMC Health Plan Eastern League All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 12th at Blair County Ballpark in Altoona, PA. RHP James Johnson, RHP Marino Salas, and OF Cory Keylor will represent the Baysox on the Southern Division's roster.

Johnson, 23, has been Bowie's most successful hurler this season. Johnson, who was voted to the game as a Rite Aid Fan Selection, leads the Baysox starting pitchers with 75 strikeouts. Johnson, who has made 16 starts for the Baysox, has had six quality starts so far this season. The Johnson City, New York native has allowed four or more runs just four times in his sixteen starts. He was named the Carolina League Pitcher of the year in 2005 and also earned the Jim Palmer Award as the Baltimore Orioles' top minor league pitcher.

Salas, 25, has been extremely successful in closing games out for the Baysox this season. The Dominican right-hander has filled 2005 closer Chris Ray's shoes nicely, converting 13 of 16 save opportunities with 31 strikeouts in 32.0 IP. Salas, was voted into the All-Star Game by the coaches and media representatives from throughout the Eastern League.

Keylor, 26 will be the Baysox second Rite Aid Fan Selection this season. The Ohio native started the season as the fourth outfielder but became a mainstay in right field after Jeff Fiorentino injured his ankle on April 28. Keylor is currently tied for third on the team with 23 RBI and has one of the team's best batting averages at .292. The right fielder hit .337 during the month of May with three home runs and 11 RBI.

The Eastern League All-Star Game will pit the best players from the Northern Division against those from the Southern Division. The teams were selected through a combination of fan balloting and selections from managers, media and team personnel. A maximum of six players may represent each Eastern League team. Every team in the Eastern League with the exception of Bowie and Altoona had four players chosen. Altoona led the league with four players chosen.

The Baysox also had three players named to the Southern Division squad in 2004, when Prince George's Stadium played host to the All-Star Game.

The Baysox open a 7-game homestand on Tuesday, July 4th vs. Binghamton at 6:05 pm. Tickets for all Baysox home games are available online at www.baysox.com or by calling the Baysox ticket office at (301) 464-4865.

BAYSOX CONTINUE HOT HITTING, DOWN CURVE 6-3 ON THURSDAY

A big 3rd inning, highlighted with Ryan Hubele's second home run of the season, helped lift the Bowie Baysox over the Altoona Curve for the second straight game with a 6-3 victory on Thursday evening in the Keystone State.

After the Curve scored in the bottom of the 1st inning, Hubele came to the plate in the 2nd with two men on and two outs and delivered a shot to left field, scoring Noah Hall and Leo Daigle. It was the first home run for the Baysox catcher in over two months.

In the 5th frame it was more Hubele, as the 25-year-old catcher punched a single to left field and later scored from third while Altoona was in the midst of Pete Shier being picked off at first and caught stealing second base. It would prove to be all the Baysox would need to get past the Curve for just the second time this season.

Just to be safe, the Baysox added two more insurance runs in the 6th inning on a Noah Hall RBI single followed by a sac fly off the bat of Daigle.

Baysox starter Garrett Olson notched his first Double-A win, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out four over 6.0 IP. The Baysox bullpen of Richard Stahl, Carlos Jan and Brian Forystek combined to throw 3.0 innings of shutout relief and Forystek pitched a perfect ninth inning for his second save on the year.

The only real offense for Altoona came on a Ray Sadler solo home run in the 6th, and a triple by Nyjer Morgan.

With both wins in the two game series, the Baysox swept the Curve for the first time this season.

BAYSOX TAKE TWO FROM SENATORS, 6-5, 8-2 EXTEND WIN STREAK TO FIVE GAMES

The Baysox pushed their winning streak to five games, with a double-header sweep of Harrisburg, 6-5, 8-2. The Baysox inherited Friday and Saturday's games from the Senators because the Senators home field (Commerce Bank Park) was under water from the Susquehanna River flooding. The Baysox were the visiting team for both games of the twin bill .

The Senators got on the board early in the first inning, Alex Escobar singled into center, scoring Melvin Dorta from third, putting the Senators on top 1-0. The Senators tagged Baysox starter Brian Finch for another run in the second, when Josh Whitesell led off the inning with a homerun to left, putting the Senators ahead, 2-0.

The Baysox would even things up in the top of the third thanks to a Jeff Fiorentino 2 RBI single, that scored Raul Chavez and Pete Shier, knotting the game up, 2-2. The Senators would answer that with another run in the bottom of the frame, Alex Escobar collected his second hit on the night with a double to right, scoring Kory Casto for a 3-2 lead. Leo Daigle extended his hit streak to 10 games with a single in the top of the fourth and later scored in the inning off of a Pete Shier 2 RBI single, which also scored Dustin Yount from second, giving the Baysox a 4-3 lead. Jeff Fiorentino, struck again in the fifth with a solo shot to right, giving the Baysox a two-run advantage, 5-3.

Former Baysox Tim Raines, Jr. got the Senators within one run in the 5th with a leadoff homerun off of Finch, cutting the Baysox lead to, 5-4. Nick McCurdy replaced Finch in the sixth inning, but would have to work himself out of a jam. With runners on the corners and no outs, McCurdy got Dan Dement to ground into a double play, but Jesus Feliciano would score from third base, knotting the game up at 5-5.

Game one headed into extra innings, but the stalemate was broken in the top of the ninth when Leo Daigle RBI single into center scoring Cory Keylor from second base, putting the Baysox ahead for good, 6-5. Jason Pearson, who pitched a hitless 8th for the Baysox, was replaced by Marino Salas, who collected his 14th save of the season getting Melvin Dorta to fly out to right for the final out of the game.

The Baysox picked up right where they left off in game one and it didn't take long for some timely hitting to put some runs on the board. The Baysox got on the board first in the third, when Gera Alvarez grounded out to first, which scored Ryan Hubele from third, putting the Baysox on the board 1-0. Beau Hale pitched a gem for the Baysox in game two, compiling a season high seven strikeouts, with one walk, while only giving up two hits. The Baysox got to Senators starter Oscar Alvarez early and often in the fifth inning, beginning with a leadoff homerun from Leo Daigle, who extended his hit streak to 11 games, tying him with Mario Delgado for a team season high. The solo jack, gave Daigle his 5th homerun in 7 games and team high 12th for the season. The Baysox would then pour it on compiling 7 hits total in the inning, including a Noah Hall three run homer to center, which capped off the hit parade, giving the Baysox an 8-0 lead. Jason Norderum replaced Senators starter Oscar Alvarez after the Hall homerun. But the damage was done and the Baysox batted around the order in the 5th and ended with Leo Daigle grounding out to end the inning.

Baysox starter Beau Hale was on his way to his first complete game of the season in the 7th, but after getting Prentice Redman to strike out, Josh Whitesell reached first on a fielding error by Rayner Bautista. Dan Dement then homered off of Hale to right, nixing the shutout. Hale left the game to a standing ovation and was replaced by Carlos Jan. Jan got Rich Lane to fly out to center and then recorded the final out of the game, getting Jesus Feliciano to ground out.

Baysox Notes:
A total of $765.00 was raised from ticket sales from today's games and will be donated to the Red Cross in Harrisburg for disaster relief victims.

BAYSOX ON A ROLL, BEAT SENATORS 7-5

The Baysox only needed two out of nine innings to extend their winning streak to six games with a 7-6 victory at Commerce Bank Park Sunday evening.

Starter Eric DuBose only lasted four innings and after surrendering four runs, two of which were earned, gave way to the bullpen.

The offense continued to play excellent baseball and give the Baysox starters necessary run support. In the 2nd inning the Baysox got on the scoreboard first with a three run 2nd inning off Senators starter David Maust.

Maust hit Noah Hall with a pitch and then walked Leo Daigle with one out. Dustin Yount (pictured) then picked up his first RBI with the Baysox on a single to left field, scoring Hall from second base. With Daigle on third and Yount on first, Rayner Bautista singled up the middle plating Daigle. Jeff Fiorentino, back from his hamstring injury, then singled to right field Tim Raines, Jr. allowing Yount to score from second base with the third run of the frame. However, Bautista was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first base.

DuBose gave up four runs in the bottom of the 4th inning, including a solo shot to Josh Whitesell but got former Major Leaguer Prentice Redman to swing at strike three with two men on base to end the damage.

Harrisburg scored one more in the bottom of the 6th to take a 5-3 lead but the Baysox came back in the top of the 8th inning with four of their own for what would be the final score of 7-5.

After drawing a lead-off walk, advancing on a wild pitch and then a Pete Shier ground out, Fiorentino found himself at third with only one out. Cory Keylor then picked up his 25th RBI of the season with a line drive single to right field scoring Fiorentino. After a pitching change, Hall drove in Keylor with a single to left and Yount picked up his second and third RBI on a single into center field, scoring RaÃºl Chavez, who had walked, and Hall.

Harrisburg threatened in the bottom half of the 8th but Marino Salas took over for Brian Forystek and picked up his 15th save of the season. Forystek was awarded the win to improve his record to 3-1.

BAYSOX HIT TWO HOMERS BUT FAIL TO SWEEP SENATORS

Harrisburg, PA - After winning six straight games it seemed that the Baysox would be able to find yet another way to beat the Senators. However, even home runs from Ryan Hubele and Cory Keylor could not help the Baysox overcome the Senators Monday night in Harrisburg.

After leading 2-0 in the 6th, the Senators put up five runs off James Johnson to take a 5-2 lead and knock the Baysox starter out of the game.

Although the Baysox were able to score three times in the 7th, Harrisburg came back with two in both the 7th and the 8th to take just the second game from the Baysox with a 9-5 score.

Hubele hit this third home run of the season in the 3rd inning and Keylor hit his fifth home run in the 4th inning for the first two runs of the game.

Harrisburg then sent all nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the 6th while facing Johnson and then reliever Jason Pearson, scoring five runs in the process.

Playing catch up, Bowie kept the scoring run alive in the top of the 7th with three runs on four hits. Both Hubele and Rayner Bautista singled with one out and scampered home on a Pete Shier double to deep center field. Jeff Fiorentino then followed Shier with an RBI single into right field to tie the game 5-5.

Unfortunately, Harrisburg wasn't done scoring on their end either, scoring off Pearson and Nick McCurdy in the 7th and collecting a two run shot off Carlos Jan to take the game 9-5.

BAYSOX AND B-METS POSTPONED AGAIN, DOUBLE HEADER SCEDULED FOR THURSDAY

Continuous rain storms have once again washed out the Baysox and Binghamton Mets at Prince George's Stadium. It was the 11th time this season the Baysox have been the victim of Mother Nature and the fourth home game in a row that has been washed out.

Wednesday's game will now be played as part of a doubleheader tomorrow (Thursday) begining at 11:05 am. The Baysox are scheduled to host post game Fireworks shows Friday through Sunday following the games this weekend with the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular being shown this Friday evening following the Baysox matchup with the Harrisburg Senators.

Garrett Olson will make his second home start Thursday in the first game of a doubleheader. RHP Brian Finch will get the start in the second game.

TICKET INFORMATION:
Postponed Game:
Fans holding tickets for the game scheduled for Wednesday, July 5th may exchange your tickets for an equal value ticket to any remaining 2006 regular season home game, subject to availability.

Fans with further questions can contact the Baysox ticket office from 10 am to 4 pm at (301) 464-4865.

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