McCAFFREY’S WORLD
By
Bill McCaffrey
It’s too bad the Baltimore Orioles don’t play two game series because they would have won three series but alas they
have to play three game sets and they get slaughtered in those game threes. Its good they have started in a decent
manner but remember it’s not June yet and the swoon is at least a month away.
Injuries are starting to hit the pitching staff, again that’s really no surprise is it? The Orioles are in Boston for a four
game set this weekend. They ought to play it as two 2-game sets. Kris Benson (remember him and his wife when he
was with the Orioles) was the winning Texas pitcher in game three. You know his wiife reminded me of the deceased
Don Rudolph’s wife who was the striper Pattie Waggin.
I wonder why Manny Acta is still the manager of the Washington Nationals who are off to a horrible start. The Nats
offense is okay but the pitching has really been a letdown. Bring Ross Detwiler up; it’s time to give him his shot at the
Bigs he can’t be any worse than what Acta is throwing out on the hill.
Some things I remember about Griffith Stadium – ticket prices – bleachers were 60 cents, pavilion 90 cents, general
admission 1.25, reserved seats 1.50, box seats were 2.00 and 2.50. The blind Filipino selling peanuts behind the
bleachers, Briggs beef bar-b-queue sandwiches, Arch McDonald and Bob Wolff, getting autographs as the players left
the clubhouse, Sunday and Holiday doubleheaders, the signs on the right field wall and later the beer garden in front of
the left field bleachers. My early heroes – Mickey Vernon, Harlond Cliff, Early Wynn, Stan Spence, Jeff Heath, Ted
Williams, Cecil Travis, Eddie Yost, Roger Wolff, and Bob Porterfield to mention a few.
Also I saw the long home runs by Larry Doby and Mickey Mantle. Oh those were the days! How about the yo-yo man
that came around the DC neighborhoods and the man taking photos on a pony (for a price).
The Capitals lost their playoff game with the New York Rangers 4-3.
BLUE CRABS, BAYSOX OPEN
If you like baseball and want good atmosphere, fun and great event nights then the Bowie Baysox and Southern
Maryland Blue Crabs are for you. Good fun and good baseball!
This past Thursday with Lt. Governor Anthony Brown throwing out the first ball and American Idol star Ju’not Joyner
singing the National Anthem the Baysox opened their season.
OFFENSE ON DISPLAY IN ERIE
The Baysox pounded out 16 hits including Brandon Snyder’s second home run of the season to go with five strong
innings from Jason Berken, giving the Baysox the 7-2 win over the SeaWolves Tuesday night in Erie.
Every starter for the Baysox reached base at least once and hitters one through five all had multi-hit games as they
roughed up SeaWolves starter Jonah Nickerson, who allowed eleven hits and five earned runs, failing to get out of the
fourth inning as the Baysox jumped out to a five run lead.
The onslaught started in the second inning when Dave Krynzel led off the inning with a single. Krynzel stole second and
two batters later Melvin Dorta singled him home with the first of his three hits on the night, taking second on the throw
home. Paco Figueroa followed with a double of his own, chasing home Dorta and giving Figueroa his first RBI of 2009.
The Baysox got on the board again in the third inning as Brandon Snyder led off the inning with his second home run of
the season, extending his hitting streak to a season-long six games and giving him his 7th RBI of the season. Snyder
finished the night 2-5 which actually lowered his average to .461, despite posting his fourth multi-hit game of the season.
Baysox hitters kept their foot on the gas in the fourth inning, as Melvin Dorta singled to lead off the inning and Paco
Figueroa again chased him home with his second RBI double of the night. They would add another run in the fifth when
Ambiorix Concepcion tagged the Nickerson offering for a double, chasing Nickerson from the game and bringing on Josh
Kite. Kite walked Jeff Fiorentino before giving up an RBI single to Melvin Dorta to make the lead five before Erie was
able to score a hit off Baysox starter Jason Berken.
Berken rebounded nicely after taking the loss in his first start, striking out five while allowing two hits and two earned
runs over five innings. He carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning, but Erie got on the board when Berken walked back-to-
back walks to start the fifth and followed it up with back-to-back RBI singles making the score 5-2.
Fredy Deza came on in relief of Berken, and went 2.2 innings allowing just one hit and not walking a batter while setting
down five by way of the strikeout.
Bowie added two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning off SeaWolves reliever Ramon Garcia. Paco
Figueroa walked with one out, and Jonathan Tucker followed with a double which chased home Figueroa. After a
groundout by Brandon Snyder, Guillermo Rodriguez stepped to the plate and smashed a double of his own which
scored Tucker giving the Baysox catcher his first RBI of the season.
Chad Thall came on to close the door for the Baysox, striking out three and walking two in 1.1 innings of work. The big
lefty has been a steady force out of the bullpen, striking out six and not allowing a hit thus in his four appearances (4.0
IP).
Party Like It's 1929!
Bowie Baysox Turn Back The Clock
The Bowie Baysox is turning back the clock at Prince George's Stadium to an era of gangsters, prohibition and the
largest economic collapse in U.S. history. The Baysox present Party Like It's 1929 Night on Monday, May 4, featuring a
special ticket offer, music from the era and Baysox staff in costume. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the game will begin at
7:05 p.m. Leave the "wet blankets" and "flat tires" at home, the night is sure to be the bee's knees!
Each fan will feel like a "made man" through a special, one-night-only ticket offer. Fans purchasing a regularly priced
lower reserved seat ticket for $14 can purchase a second lower reserved seat ticket for a quarter! The ticket offer is
only available via walk-up orders the day of the game. The offer will not apply to tickets purchased at www.baysox.com
or over the phone.
Although Prince George's Stadium might not be a speakeasy, that doesn't mean the joint won't be hopping. Fans can
take a gander at vintage cars from 1929 on display in the parking lot, courtesy of Wheels From The Past. "Hoofers" can
show off their "gams" dancing the Charleston as music from the era pumps through the stadium speakers. Baysox staff
members will dress up as flappers and gangsters to help commemorate the occasion.
Fans are encouraged to immerse themselves in the night by dressing up! Whether "dolled up" as ritzy flappers, spiffy
gangsters or 1929 World Series Champion Philadelphia Athletics, everyone can join in on the fun.
The Baysox know that not all of 1929 was "the cat's meow". Times got tough after the stock market crashed on Oct. 28-
29 and a lot of innocent people were "left holding the bag." The Baysox will recognize the tough times that signaled the
beginning of the Great Depression with a soup giveaway. Get in line early!
Baseball Events in 1929:
The Philadelphia Athletics defeated the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, 4-1.
Babe Ruth led the Major Leagues with 46 home runs.
Hack Wilson led the league with 156 RBI (He would go on to set the all-time record for RBI in a season in 1930)
George Earnshaw of the Philadelphia Athletics led the league with 24 wins; teammate Lefty Grove finished fourth with 20
wins and led the league with 170 strikeouts.
Red Lucas of the Cincinnati Reds led the league with 28 complete games, seven other pitchers threw 20 or more
complete games.
World Events in 1929
Jan. 2, the United States and Canada agree to preserve Niagara Falls
Jan. 15, Martin Luther King, Jr. born.
Jan. 17, the comic strip "Popeye" debuts.
Feb. 18, first ever Academy Awards are announced
March 4, Herbert Hoover is inaugurated as 31st president of the United States, succeeding Calvin Coolidge.
May 17, Al Capone and his bodyguard arrested for concealing deadly weapons.
Oct. 28-29, stock market crashes on Wall Street.
The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway! 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. Individual game tickets and ticket packages are available now at
www.baysox.com or by calling the Baysox box office at (301) 464-4865.
MEET THE TEAM EVENT PLANNED RIGHT BEFORE OPENING DAY
Any Blue Crabs Fan Can Meet The Players & Coaching Staff At Boston’s On April 22
As the exciting second season of Blue Crabs Baseball is about to begin, the team has planned a special event on the
eve of Opening Day. All Blue Crabs fans are invited to Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, for a “Meet The Team” event
on Wednesday, April 22.
The Blue Crabs players and coaching staff will arrive at Boston’s at 6 p.m. for dinner. This event is open to the public,
and fans will pay for their own dinners. Any of the players or coaches in attendance would be happy to sign autographs
and talk with fans following their meals. The event will end around 7:30 p.m.
The Blue Crabs will return their entire coaching staff from a season ago. Pitching Coach Andre Rabouin, Hitting Coach
and former Oriole Andy Etchebarren and Manager Butch Hobson are all back in the fold for 2009. A slew of quality Blue
Crabs players are also returning from the inaugural season, and the entire team is scheduled to attend. Pitchers Ryan
Bicandoa, Jason Blanton, Joe Gannon, John Halama, and Matt Schweitzer are all back in blue for 2009. Catcher
Anthony Perry, infielders Eric Crozier, Travis Garcia and Pat Osborn, and outfielders Mike Conroy, Jeremy Owens and
James Shanks are also returning to Crustacean Nation after donning a Blue Crabs uniform last season.
“It’s just that great time of the year, baseball season is such a rush,” said Blue Crabs General Manager Chris Allen. “We
have a great partnership with Boston’s so this will be a great event for all involved. I love it when the fans that support
us are able to get to know our team. It will be a fun night, and a fun season.”
Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar is located at 10440 O’Donnell Place in Waldorf. Boston’s is a proud sponsorship
partner with Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Baseball. For more information on Boston’s call 301-396-4988.
REUNIONS ARE FOR THE BIRDS: WEAVER AND ROBINSON COMING TO SOMD
Legendary Orioles Manager & Third Baseman To Appear Together At SOMD Blue Crabs Opening Day
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced a truly special event for Opening Day. Oriole’s legends and Hall of
Famers Earl Weaver and Brooks Robinson will appear at Regency Furniture Stadium as the Blue Crabs take on the
Long Island Ducks on Thursday, April 23, 2009. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m., but Weaver and Robinson will be honored on
the field in a pre-game ceremony. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and a capacity crowd is expected. Fans are
encouraged to arrive early in time to see these two Baltimore baseball legends re-united as the 2009 season at
Regency Furniture Stadium kicks-off.
Weaver has been tabbed as an honorary manager for the Blue Crabs on Opening Day. Robinson, who is a partner in
Opening Day Partners, the owners of the Blue Crabs, had this to say about being on the same field again with the
manager he won the 1970 World Series with:
“I was very lucky to play for a manager like Earl. He always used all of his 24 guys; everyone got to play and everyone
knew their job. I especially admired him because he never wanted to do anything else but be a big league ballplayer,
but didn’t have the talent. So he went into managing, first at Class D, B, A, Double-A, Triple-A, then to the Major
Leagues and then the Hall Of Fame. Now that’s what I call determination.”
Earl Weaver debuted as a manager in the Major Leagues on July 7, 1968. In his first full year as skipper of the club he
led the team to 109 wins – the third most in the history of the American League at the time - along with the 1969
American League Pennant. At the conclusion of his managerial carrier he totaled four American League Pennants and
a World Series title in 1970. Known for his aggressive managing style in regards to power hitters, Weaver detested one
run strategies saying, “if you play for one run, that's all you're likely to get.” Weaver is renowned for his extensive use of
game statistics and expert usage of the bench. He preferred to create advantages within his lineup and go for the three
run home run. He ranks eighth in all time in MLB managerial winning percentage with 1,480 career wins. In 1982 his
number 4 was retired by the Baltimore Orioles, and Weaver was inducted to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in
1996.
Brooks Robinson entered the major league arena for the first time on September 17 1955 with the Baltimore Orioles. In
1960 his Major League Career took off with his first American League All-Star selection and Gold Glove award.
Robinson rightfully earned his nickname “The Human Vacuum Cleaner” with his 15 consecutive All-Star Game
Selections and 16 total Gold Gloves. In 1964 he took home the American League MVP, in 1966 the MLB All-Star Game
MVP, and in 1970 the World Series MVP. Robinson played in four World Series and is once quoted as saying “all I can
say is that I played in four World Series and the two we were suppose to win, we lost, and the two we were suppose to
lose, we won.” In his professional baseball career he amassed 2,848 hits and 268 home runs. Brooks Robinson holds
10 major league fielding records, including highest lifetime fielding percentage of .971. His 23 consecutive seasons with
one team also stood alone as a Major League record until it was tied by Carl Yastrzemski of the Red Sox. Robinson’s
number 5 was retired by the Baltimore Orioles in 1977 and he was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame
in 1983.
1960 American League Rookie of The Year Ronnie Hansen will also be in attendance, as a guest of Robinson. Hansen,
who played in 15 MLB seasons with the Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, New York Yankees and
Kansas City Royals, is a long time friend of Robinson stemming from when they were teammates in Baltimore. Hansen
copped the Rookie of The Year award in ’60 with the O’s.
In addition to Weaver and Robinson, there will be three Hall of Famers total at Regency Furniture Stadium on Opening
Day. Long Island Ducks Manager Gary Carter was inducted in 2003 as the first Montreal Expos player in Cooperstown.
The former catcher played in 19 MLB seasons with the Expos, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles
Dodgers.
In addition to our legendary baseball guests, another special Maryland resident will join us for Opening Day. Pierre
Thout is a resident of Leonardtown and a former NASA astronaut. He’s a veteran of three space flights, in 1990, 1992
and 1994. Thout has logged over 650 hours in space. (27 days, 6 hours and 51 minutes total.) Thout has flown
aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (’94), and the Endeavor (’92), where he set the record for longest space walk at 8
hours and 29 minutes. That broke a record of 20 years previously set by Apollo 17 astronauts.
For the full game and promotional schedule, please visit www.SOMDBlueCrabs.com. It’s so much more than just
baseball, and there is something for everyone at Regency Furniture Stadium this season!
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will open their second season of Atlantic League baseball at HOME on Thursday,
April 23 at 7:05 p.m., against the Liberty Division rival Long Island Ducks. The Blue Crabs will play 70 home games this
season at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf.
Season tickets and mini-plans are also currently on sale for the 2009 season. The Blue Crabs can also help your group
fundraise at no risk or up-front cost, by helping you sell hundreds of tickets to exciting Atlantic League baseball. Please
call 301-638-9788 for more details and to save your seat at the ballpark today!
Bowie State Athletic Director Resigns
Today Bowie State University athletic director Derek Carter announced he is leaving to accept a position with Delaware
State in early May.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving Bowie State and leading an athletic program that is founded on excellence, integrity
and honesty,” stated Carter. “Our focus has been to develop successful teams that support the intellectual and athletic
endeavors of our student athletes.”
Carter has served as Bowie State’s athletic director since July 2003. Recent Bowie State athletic achievements include:
· Two Time CIAA Bowling Champions, 2005 and 2006
· Two Time CIAA Softball Champions, 2007 and 2008
· Eastern Division Bowling Champions, 2006
· Eastern Division Football Champions, 2005
· Eastern Division Women’s Basketball, 2008 and 2009
· Women’s Outdoor Track CIAA Champions, 2006
· Women’s Basketball Conference Runner-up, 2009
· Bowling Conference Runner-up, 2009
· Softball attended NCAA Regional, 2007 and 2008
“I hate to lose him but I understand that he has been interested in athletic administration on the Division I level for some
time and this is an opportunity for him to use his experience and knowledge on a more intensive level,” stated Bowie
State University President Mickey L. Burnim. “We will miss him and wish him well.”
Amir Mohammadi, Delaware State University vice president of Finance and Administration and the chair of the University’
s AD Search Committee, said Carter was the top choice among 65 candidates that DSU considered. “He has a wealth of
experience at Division I and Division II, and DSU is very fortunate to attract and hire an athletic director with such a
wealth of experience,” Mr. Mohammadi said.
Carter will be replaced by Arlene Creek on an interim basis. Creek, currently senior woman administrator, has a long
relationship with the university. She received her B.S. in health and physical education from Bowie State and her M.S.
from Virginia Tech. She has served in the athletic department for more than thirty years, including 18 years as Women’
s Basketball head coach.
LADY BULLDOGS SOFTBALL RANK HIGH IN NCAA DIVISION II
The NCAA released its latest Division II Softball Statistics through games of April 12 and Bowie State University remains
among one of the nation’s best. Bowie State’s Lady Bulldogs’ rank in the Top 10 in five team categories and six players
are ranked in the Top 10.
Bowie State leads the nation in Batting Average (.426), Scoring (11.62 runs per game), Doubles per Game (2.23),
Slugging Percentage (.668) and rank 9th in Home Runs per Game (1.23).
On an individual basis, junior Kelley Alexander leads the way. Alexander ranks second in Batting Average (.527), third
in On Base Percentage (.613), fourth in Runs Batted In per Game (1.54) and Runs per Game (1.58), sixth in Slugging
Percentage (1.014) and ninth in Doubles per Game (0.46). Senior Tricia Corbin leads Division II in Runs per Game
(1.92), ranks second in Stolen Bases (1.27) and is tied for fourth in Batting Average (.500). Senior Heather Enders
ranks ninth in Toughest to Strike Out (0.026). Freshman Shanae Smoot is tied for fourth in Batting Average (.500),
ranks fifth in Division II Runs per Game (1.5) and sixth in On Base Percentage (0.588). Senior Tiffany Toney is ranked
second in Runs per Game (1.65) and eighth in Stolen Bases (1.33). Senior Ashley Cook is ranked fifth in Sacrifice Flies
(5.0) and seventh in Runs Batted In per Game (1.46).
TONEY AND SMOOT LEAD ALL-CIAA AND ROOKIE TEAMS
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announced the 2009 All-CIAA and All-Rookie Softball Teams
today and Bowie State had five overall selections.
Seniors Tiffany Toney, Heather Enders and Tricia Corbin along with sophomore Danielle McClay were named to the All-
CIAA First Team. Toney was also recognized as the CIAA Player of the Year for the third consecutive season.
Of the 13 CIAA All-Rookie Team members, Bowie State's lone freshman Shanae Smoot was tabbed for the team. Smoot
was also voted as the CIAA Rookie of the Year.
BOXING NEWS…
Jake Smith’s Baltimore Pro Boxing held a Pro-Am show at the Clarence “Du” Burns Arena last Friday and after three
amateur fights the pro results were:
Shelly Seivert (4-1-0) of Severna Park won a four round bout from Raschel Clark on a majority decision.
Southern MD favorite Seth Mitchell (11-0-1) took a six round unanimous decision from Andrew Greeley (14-26-2).
Tim Coleman scored a third round TKO over Carlos Cisneros (9-17-1) Coleman ups his record to 15-1-1.
Robert McConnell (4-2-0) registered a four round TKO over Fred McClinton.
In the main event for the Maryland State Light Heaveyweight Title Henry Mayes (8-6-3) TKO’ed Willie Williams (12-4-2)
at 0:20 of the tenth round.
On April 24th boxing returns to Carroll County with Mark Tucker, Jr. headlining the show.
NFL DRAFT
I understand the Redskins are trying to put a package to trade to move up in the draft. Was that Michael Vick at
Redskins Park this past week?
Who’s going to get QB Matthew Stafford of Georgia or QB Mark Sanchez of USC?
Oh Darrius Hayward-Bey could drop to the 20’s in the first round the Ravens could get him at #26 but I hear the Giants
or Titans will take him if he’s around when they pick.
Another WR who has moved up the food chain is Kenny Britt of Rutgers and could figure in the Ravens plans if they can
pull off a deal to move up.
A couple of sleepers are WR Austin Collie, WR Derrick Williams, WR Jarrett Dillard, and CB Kevin Barnes of Maryland.
I think the Ravens will do well on draft day. There will be some last minute deals.
SPORTS NOTES
Flip Saunders is the new Wiz coach and look for the team to sign a big name player and to make a few trades. Owner
Abe has finally realized he can’t stop crime or murder in DC and can’t contend for an NBA without top NBA players.
I wonder where they are now: Greg Musso, Von Summers, Marian “Ginger” Baines, Ray Bietzell, Shirley Dahl, Shirley
Lauderdale, Bob Roberts, Don Posey, Sue Posey, Pat Kessler, Patti Penrod, Carl Rees, Dave Dagenhardt, Jerry
Webster, Bill Free, Bob Coyner and Carole Daniels.
Colin Cowherd was right for blasting Orioles fans for continuing to bad mouth Mark Teixeira and Harpo Marx flubbed up
her view also. Colin Cowherd should be on 105.7 instead of Marx she’s terrible! The only ones that I know who like her
are Ironhead and Jason Jubb.
Lauren Carrier scored six goals to lead the St. Mary’s College Women’s lacrosse team to a 16-4 win over Stevenson U.
The Maryland Women’s lacrosse team beat North Carolina 13-9.
Brenda Frese and the Maryland Women’s basketball team are losing besides Toliver and Coleman, Drey Mingo and
Marsh Strickland who are transferring to other schools.
June Coates Summer reports that Dystonia has gotten some great media coverage lately on the “Oprah Show”,
“Dateline” and on “AOL”. Good report.
Jerry Todd reports the “Baltimore Sun” is publishing his letter to the Editor on “Wipe Out Somali Pirates”. Good job
Jerry!
Don’t forget you can sign up for the Baysoxs Louie’s Kids Club. It’s a great club for kids 12 and under. Contact www.
baysox.com or call 301-464-4865.
The Nationals sent the once promising Lastings Millege to triple-A Syracus.
Deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following:
Mary Maculla Muzzy (Central (DC) HS grad).
Violet Marie Miller (Central (DC) HS grad).
Thomas Sevell Nutwell, Jr. (Eastern (DC) HS grad).
Mark Gerard Desautels (graduate St. John’s (DC) HS college).
Merle Harmon (great sportscaster).
Mike Casey (outstanding Kentucky U. basketball player in the 1960’s).
Mark “the Bird” Fidrych (1976 American League Rookie of the Year with the Detroit Tigers when he was 19-6 with a 2.34
ERA and 24 complete games).
Gene Marino (outstanding amateur boxer (37-3) and NJ Boxing Hall of Famer member).
Nick Adenhart (Los Angeles pitcher from Hagerstown, MD).
Harry Kalas (Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster and Baseball Hall of Fame member).
Marilyn Chambers (porn queen star)
Patricia “Patty” Harding Richmond Lundquist (graduate Washington-Lee HS).
Bruce Snyder (former head football coach at Arizona, California and Utah State with a 20 year record 12-106-5 and two
time Pac-ten Coach of the Year.
SUPPORT MD SPORTS!!