MCCAFFREY’S WORLD
By
Bill McCaffrey
04-01-09
The Maryland Women were headed for the final four in the Women’s NCAA basketball championship but were derailed
by a Louisville team coached by former Terps assistant and paced by a former Baltimore high school star – Jeff Walz
who was Brenda Frese’s assistant when they won in 2006 and Angel McCoughtry is from St. Francis Prep in Baltimore.
The loss was tough but coach Frese will be back and despite losing Coleman and Toliver she has a great recruiting
class coming in with some good holdovers.
My dark horse in the Women’s Final Four is Stanford led by Jayne Appel who scored an NCAA women’s championship
record for a single game with 46 points in Stanford’s victory over Iowa State. Appel also had 15 rebounds in the game.
the men’s final four my dark horse is Michigan State.
John Calipari leaves Memphis to take over as head coach of men’s basketball at Kentucky. Nolan Richardson is
interested in the Memphis job.
Is Karl Hobbs leaving GWU? Brett Edwards, Stevenson AD and men’s basketball coach would be a good replacement if
Hobbs leaves GWU.
BASEBALL PICKS
Monday the Baltimore Orioles host New York Yankees in their home opener and its C. C. Sabathia vs. Jeremy Guthrie in
what could ne a good pitcher’s duel.
AL PICKS: EAST
NY Yankees – with all that talent they had better take it or you can wave bye-bye to Cashman and Girardi.
Tampa Bay – the new contender for the top spot in the East.
Red Sox - will be in the thick of the fight John Smoltz will help the pitching corps.
Toronto – this is a tough pick but I think their starting pitching is stronger than the Orioles.
Orioles – vastly improved but their pitching is below average with Guthrie and George Sherill their strength.
CENTRAL
Indians – Gary Wood helps this team especially if he stays healthy, Travis Haefner and Grady Sizemore provide the bats
and RBI’s.
Twins – should contend if they stay well. Glen Perkins is the real deal on the mound.
Tigers – Gary Sheffield is gone and probably gone from baseball after hitting .225 last season.
Kansas City – could be on the way to a Tampa Bay year, should be Alex Gordon’s year.
White Sox – a solid team who could move up a couple of notches.
WEST
Los Angeles – this team is still loaded for bear, should easily take the West.
Oakland – Matt Holliday brings a lot to the table, will it be enough, only time will tell.
Texas – Josh Hamilton brings it and if the pitching comes through look for them to move up.
Seattle – a decent team but some of their players have to step up for them to move up.
Baysox Ready To Face The Futures
Team Will Play at Fenway Park Aug. 8
The Bowie Baysox, Class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, will take on the Portland Sea Dogs at Fenway Park in
Boston, Sunday, Aug. 8, at 12:05 p.m. The game will be the first game in the Red Sox popular "Futures at Fenway"
minor league doubleheader. The Norfolk Tides, Class AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, will take on the Pawtucket
Red Sox in the second game of the doubleheader.
Baysox General Manager Brian Shallcross looks forward to the opportunity. "Our organization is excited for the
opportunity afforded us to play at Fenway. The “Futures Game” at Fenway has quickly become a special tradition for
the city of Boston and the Red Sox minor league affiliates. The annual games in Boston highlight the special
relationship our major league teams have with their Minor League affiliates."
The Baysox have not played a game in a major league stadium since their inaugural season of 1993, when the team
played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore.
"All the guys will be looking forward to it," added Baysox Field Manager Brad Komminsk. "I think it's a great idea. It
gives the guys their first opportunity to play in a big league park. It will be a great experience."
The "Futures at Fenway" games feature family-friendly ticket and concession prices and have sold out the last four
years. Tickets are available to the general public at www.redsox.com or by calling the Red Sox ticket office at 1-877-
REDSOX-9.
The Baysox will open their 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, April 8, in
Akron. The team will play its first game back home at Prince George's Stadium on Thursday, April 16. Don't miss a
moment of the action as the Baysox attempt to bring home their first Eastern League championship! Ticket packages
are available now at www.baysox.com or by calling the Baysox ticket sales department at (301) 464-4880.
An Embarrassment of Riches
1.) These indicators are up, way up. The response to a call for volunteers at SABR 39 has been tremendous!
It doesn't necessarily mean it's enough. It means we really don't know how much is enough. If you haven't signed up
yet to help out the with execution of the international SABR conference coming up in July in Washington, DC, it's not to
late: Click here: Society for American Baseball Research - Convention 39 .
2.) A related area where we have had early success is in registration for the Convention. We are on a pace to break all
previous attendance records. If you haven't registered yet, you may do so here:
Click here: Registration.
3.) Paralleling these early successes is the accumulation of materials for distribution to attendees. This is traditionally
done through "goody bags" handed to attendees at the time of registration. So far, so good. The issue has become
that through the untiring efforts of chapter member Bill Hickman, who is leading this effort, we have received more
quality donations that Bill can handle. Please, if you have room and can store some things in your garage, basement,
attic, shower or pantry until two days before conference begins, please let Bill know. He (we) needs your help right
away. Reach him at bdhickmn@aol.com.
4.) Another abundance we are enjoying in our chapter is book recently released by member authors. The most recent
to come to our attention is the book Ted Williams and the 1969 Senators, by local SABR member Ted Leavengood,
examines how these plot lines played out, how Ted Williams as a manager fit into the context of the changing game and
the changes he wrought in the team. Utlimately it is an examination of what was wrong in DC and how owner Bob Short
undercut manager Williams as he prepared to scuttle the team. Bill Nowlin, SABR Vice President and noted Ted
Williams expert says the book, "Does not hit a false note on Ted Williams...It is good work."
Baseball and the Washington Senators found themselves at a crossroads at the end of the 1968 season. Jerome
Holtzman said the game had become "dull and lacking in excitement," and attendance in Washington fell to their lowest
levels after race riots and another last place finish. There was growing concern that DC was just a "sleepy southern
town," that could not support baseball. The mound was lowered, the strike zone reduced to pump new excitement into
the game. Ted Williams came to Washington and woke the sleeping giant.
The book was the top selling McFarland baseball book in February where it is available as well as via Amazon.com and
Barnes and Noble. The author is a regular columnist for the seamheads web site, http://www.seamheads.com/blog
Extensive excerts from the book can be found on this site that supports the good work of numerous SABR members
from around the country, and is home to the Simulated Historical League where Bill James currently holds a
commanding lead.
Additional information can be found at the chapter web site: Click here: Bob Davids Chapter News
Bowie State University Athletic Director Derek Carter officially released the 2009 Bulldogs 10-game football schedule
today which includes a five-game slate to take place at Bulldogs Stadium. The Bulldogs will play a full complement of
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) games and two out-of-conference opponents.
BSU will play seven CIAA contests highlighted by CIAA home games against Fayetteville State University (September
12), Livingstone College (September 19), Shaw University (September 26) and St. Paul’s College for Homecoming 2009
(October 17). The Fayetteville State University Broncos game is a designated non-conference game.
Bowie State’s Bulldogs will take to the road for the season opener against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
(PSAC) member Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa. (August 29). The Bulldogs will play road contests
against Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (October 3), Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University (October 10), Virginia
Union University in Richmond, Va. (October 24th and close out the regular season at Virginia State University in
Petersburg, Va. (October 31).
Saturday, August 29 at Slippery Rock 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 5 SHEPHERD (W.Va.) 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 FAYETTEVILLE STATE 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 19 LIVINGSTONE * 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 26 SHAW * 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 3 at Lincoln (Pa.) * 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 at Elizabeth City State * 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17 ST. PAUL’S * 1:00 p.m.
(Homecoming)
Saturday, October 24 at Virginia Union * 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 at Virginia State * 1:30 p.m.
Home Games Listed in BOLDFACE CAPS
* CIAA Conference Game
ATHENS HEADS TOWSON FOOTBALL RECRUITS
Peter Athens the All-SMAC quarterback for Jerry Frank’s Huntingtown football team has signed on for Rob Ambrose and
the Towson U. Tigers. Athens played his first two years in high school for St. Mary’s of Annapolis.
Other locals headed to Towson football team are:
Alex Blake, Friendly
Dwayne Price, Friendly
Nygee Carmichael, Gwynn Park
William Speight, Gwynn Park
Tom Chroninger, DeMatha
B.J. Greening, Calvert
Randall Harris, DuVal
Eric Pike, DuVal
Locals at Stevenson University
Randy Bond, Riverdale Baptist, Baseball
Ryan Balone, Westlake, Baseball
O.J. Milliken, Northern, Baseball
Matt Leddy, Great Mills, Men’s Basketball
Irvin Jones, Riverdale Baptist, Men’s Basketball
Daryl Fleming, Oxon Hill, Men’s Basketball
Chase Lancaster, Northwestern, Men’s Basketball
Sean Ussery, LaPlata, Men’s Basketball
Broderick Hill, McNamara, Men’s Basketball
Lauren Davis, Chopticon, Women’s Basketball
Korey Garner, Leonardtown, Men’s Tennis
Kevin Stamn, Leonardtown, Men’s Tennis
Matt Leddy, Great Mills, Men’s Tennis
Kyle Baker, Bowie, Men’s Soccer
Ayinda Okimbinse, Bowie, Men’s Soccer
WE GET LETTERS…..
Bill,
Amen on Brenda. I was at the Utah game. The Utes looked good early, but Maryland adjusted and showed whose boss.
Comcast Center drew more the 20,000 fans in the first round, the most in the nation. Brenda has earned whatever she
gets (Her players also graduate!)
Andy
Andy,
She is the greatest.
Bill
Bill,
In case anyone is interested, there will be some great sounds from Cleve Francis and Friends band at the Birchmere in
Alexandria on 11 April 09...evening before Easter Sunday. Birchmere has some great entertainment and food. My son,
John, plays in the Friends Band.
Marlene Georgiou
Marlene,
I understand they are great and I urge my readers to make that Birchmere scene on the 11th of April.
Bill
Hi all:
I heard from Margie yesterday morning and she told me that George had a setback. He had been doing well since
being moved to a set-down unit. Was scheduled to go to the rehab. ctr. on Monday, but he started complaining of
another severe headache. Another bleeding was discovered, but they felt it could be stopped by surgery, but he
wouldn't be able to be moved to the rehab. for a few days. The surgery was today -- good news was it was old blood
that had suddenly liquefied, they were able to insert a tube for drainage, and it will now be a waiting game. Margie and
Mary were there at the hospital and would be staying until they can talk with the doctor. We just have to keep
praying!!!! Marge is really amazing but this has been very taxing on her. I'll be glad when they finally get him some
place closer for her to travel. But, traveling around DC isn't easier than Baltimore or safer either for that matter. Keep
her in your prayers too! Hope all are well.
Love, Barb
Bill,
Charlotte Farmer (Colwell) RHS class of '52 died of a stroke on Friday. Funeral is Wednesday. She lives in
Minneapolis, MN. She attended the 50th last reunion. Please notify all who would like to know.
Regards,
Carole West Cullinane
Carole,
Charlotte was a very nice person she also went to MacFarland junior HS when I went there. Thanks for the information
though sad, my deepest sympathy goes to the family.
Bill
Bill,
Here is a very serious prayer request for our dear friend Ed Knott, Coolidge class of 53. Ed's brother Len writes that Ed
is in intensive care at a hospital in Los Angeles with a host of very serious complications including pneumonia and
prayer is requested at this time. Len and Ed Knott were at Eliot Jr. High before they moved to the Coolidge area so lots
of Eastern friends know them as well as their Coolidge classmates and some Roosevelt folks. Blessings,
Dale
Dale,
We will be praying for him.
Bill
Bill,
Thanks for the note on our Eastern luncheon April 25th. Hope you can make it. I'll be at the check in table. Regarding
your comments about The Capital ignoring the AACC team, I recently wrote to Tim Brant at WJLA about the lack of air
time for the Lady Terps. Skip and I are season ticket holders and Terry joins us for many games. As well as they have
been playing, he never mentions them - only the men who are certainly not on a par with the women. Whether he
actually saw my letter or not, the ladies get on the air now. So I wrote again to thank WJLA and him for letting everyone
know about the terrific talent of the Lady Terps. And boy did they pull one off today in the final minutes against Wake
Forest 72-70. It was a real nail biter.
Pat
SPORTS NOTES
I wonder how the Annapolis Pin Ball League is coming along.
I hear Ironhead and Herson are going to re-up for Fantasy Baseball.
Look for Redskins news soon.
Is “Downtown” Brown replacing the Geico?
I still say the Orioles made a big mistake sending Matt Wirters to the minors and the Orioles and their cheerleading
media can defend them all they want but the Orioles are being panned by the National media for it.
I wonder where they are now….Jack Sargent, Cathy Appel, Fred Sherman, Lee Brooks, Buzzy Reynolds, Tremain Finch,
Carl Rees, Jim McCartney, Mike Cotrell, George “Leon” McCauley, Shirley Brown, Susan Cowell, Thurston Harris.
To all who have called and e-mailed me I have no more information on the May 2nd Memories/Spaniels event at the
Chesapeake American Legion.
Who remembers “Snake Hill” “Cherry Lane” or Shulers Restaurant?
Deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following:
Mary Lou Simmons Fanning (Blair HS grad and former employee of the Griffith Washington Senators).
Andrew Stanford Adams (former pitcher in the Cleveland Indians organization).
Doris Elaine Farrell Hardy (Roosevelt (DC) HS graduate).
Mike “Primetime” Post (super-weight lightweight boxer with 17-1-1 record when he died recently).
Naomi Z. Ulmer (taught biology at Anacostia HS).
Bernard A. Davis (taught math, printing and science at Anacostia HS, Coolidge HS and Roosevelt HS all in DC.
Mickey Goodwin (trained by Emanuel Steward was a Golden Glove champion and as a pro he compiled a 40-1-1 record
fighting out of the famous Kronk gym in Detroit).
Arthur Richman (former NY Yankee executive).
Johnny Blanchard (former NY Yankee catcher).
SUPPORT MD SPORTS!!