| McCAFFREY’S WORLD By Bill McCaffrey |
Good news, bad news was running its course this week in Baltimore and D.C. Let’s check the good first, Adam Jones sac fly wins the All-Star game for the
American League, Terrell Suggs signs a long term contract with the Ravens, The DC Divas are going to the “Super Bowl” of women’s football, MMA is coming to
Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena, the Washington Caps pick up a couple of good NHL players, have several of the top players from their Calder Cup winning Hershey
Bears coming up, their schedule is out, for an NHL insight look go to Ed Frankovic’s blog at www.WNST.NET, Ed keeps you up to date on Caps hockey and the
NHL, Derrick Mason bids goodbye to the Ravens, and Manny Acta gets the ax.
D.C. DIVAS ADVANCE TO THE SUPER BOWL OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
The D.C. Divas advanced to the IWFL National Championship in Round Rock, Texas on July 25th with a 27-21 come from behind win over the Boston Militia. The
Divas were down 14-0 entering the second quarter until RB Okiima Pickett blasted in from 7 yards out to bring the Divas to within 14-7. QB Allyson Hamlin
connected with WR Tara Stephenson on a 16 strike to make it 14-13. The two point conversion failed and the Militia took a one point lead in to the half. Boston
maintained that lead until the 4th quarter when Hamlin hit Stephenson on a 19 yard leaping catch to put the Divas up 19-14. Again Boston denied the Divas 2 pt
attempt. The lead held until QB Allison Cahill scrambled 38 yards down the home sideline to put the Militia up 21-14 with just under a minute to play in the game. On
the ensuing kickoff WR Tara Stephenson caught the line drive kickoff and took it 85 yards for a touchdown and then she added the 2pt conversion for a 27-17 lead.
The Militia had two attempts to score on their final possession but LB Trigger McNair registered a hard sack and the DB Kathryn Hemlock sealed the victory with an
interception. The Divas improve their record to 10-0 and advance to the IWFL Championship game on July 25th in Round Rock, Texas. The Divas will face the
Kansas City Tribe (9-1) who defeated the Chicago Force 40-14 in the Western Conference final.
ACTA AXED!
Well the ax finally fell on Nationals manager Manny Acta. It was about 2 ½ seasons too late. Acta is a nice person by all accounts but he couldn’t handle this team.
Now I don’t know if Jim Riggleman is the answer but he’s from Rockville so I’d like to see him succeed but his previous tours in the Biggies he didn’t set the world
on fire. I will say if Austin Kearns and Ronnie Belliard are still on this club August 1st then there’s no hope for the team.
Here are some comments I received on Acta’s axing…
Bill,
The firing of Acta was long overdue but I see no hope for this team if rumors are true that Strasburg won’t sign with the Nationals.
Boof Boone.
Bill, Sort of reminds me of what Leo Durocher said “nice guys finish last”.
Buck Trout
Bill, in San Diego where they’re going to try and beat the Nats for worst record, what can you do.
Dr. Coke
Bill, as we all know, it’s easier to fire one coach then to fire 25 players. If fans could vote, they would fire the owners. Where are the “Hunts” and “Cooke’s” when
we need them?
Denny
Denny, You are so right.
Bill, The Actless decision was more inevitable than the FDR speech after Pearl Harbor..just too bad it took so long that most of us non Koolade fans have disgustedly
tuned this season out. He had truly become the MLB poster boy for losing and incompetence and the NOTS poster boy for hopelessness. I sure hope he took that
“And I can Count to 100 Pitches” script with him. Will be very unhappy if Riggleman (definitely not my choice) has a copy and carries on with Actless Robotic and
predictable pitch count obsession). Now they need to get rid of Kearns, Belliard and most, if not all, of that laughable pigpen..constant reminders of hopelessness still
playing in NOTStown.
Danny Morrison
Bill, I don’t follow the baseball team in either city, they both are poorly run. Football and the Caps are ahead of both teams in fan interest. The manager change
probably won’t help.
Ed
Bill, Hope you’re well. I really do like Acta, and think he has a bright future in the business, but the truth is that he wasn’t the right fit for a young and inexperienced
team like the Nats. There were just too many fundamental lapses and mental mistakes toward the end of the first half and frankly, a few of the guys seemed as if they
were mailing it in. This team will need a stronger personality in the manager’s office, one with more of a disciplinarian approach, as it tries to rebound and finish the
year strong. I think the organization did the right thing and handled it the best way they could.
Len
Len, I am doing well, good comments on Acta.
BASEBALL NOTES
The Nats sent Ross Detwiler back to the farm (3-A at Syracuse) and called up Garrett Mock to replace him.
Pedro Martinez has signed with the Phillies.
Ryan Church was traded by the Mets to the Braves for Jeff Francoeur.
B.J. Ryan has been signed by the Chicago Cubs.
I believe Chick Payne could have been a major league manager and a good one. He did manage in the Washington Senators farm system and was a great catcher at
Eastern (DC) High School in the early 1950’s and he caught a lot of good pitchers during that time.
ABREU SHINES BRIGHTEST IN TRENTON
Second baseman Miguel Abreu went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases to help the South to a 5-3 victory over the North at the 2009 Eastern League
All-Star Game. The Baysox infielder took home the MiLB Top Star award for his efforts, adding to an already stellar first half resume which included a .300 and 31
multi-hit games. Four Baysox took part in the contest, combining with the best around the league to earn bragging rights over the North in front of 7,474 fans at
Waterfront Park in Trenton, N.J.
Altoona designated hitter Jason Delaney broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning, lacing an RBI single which plated Akron’s Nicholas Weglarz to put the South on top.
Abreu helped add an insurance run in the ninth, stealing second after being hit by a pitch and scoring on an RBI single by Reading’s Michael Taylor.
Baysox left-hander Chad Thall came on in the bottom of the fourth inning for the South squad, allowing two earned runs on one hit while walking two. The southpaw
allowed free passes to Rene Tosoni and Eddy Martinez-Esteve to start the inning before allowing an RBI double by Binghamton’s D.J. Wabick. After striking out Brian
Jeroloman, Thall allowed an RBI groundout to Connecticut’s Brock Bond to tie the score at three apiece.
Baysox utility man Jonathan Tucker entered the game in the sixth inning as a pinch hitter, drawing a walk in his first at-bat against Trenton left-hander Michael Dunn.
After collecting 24 stolen bases during the first half of the season, Tucker wasted little time showing off his wheels by stealing second base to put himself in scoring
position. After a walk to Delaney put men on first and second, Dunn got Akron’s Beau Mills to pop out to end the threat.
After going ahead 5-3 heading into the ninth, Baysox right-hander Ryan Ouellette came on for the South. He induced Jorge Jimenez and Eastern League home run
leader Brian Dopirak to ground out for the first two outs of the inning, before giving way to Akron’s Carlton Smith who closed out the victory.
Earlier in the day, Dopirak was edged out in the home run derby by New Egypt High School’s Mike Fassl. The high school senior was allowed to use an aluminum bat
in the contest, defeating six other Eastern League All-Stars and another high school star for the crown. He was presented with an authentic autographed Hank Aaron
Bat thanks to Yankees-Steiner Collectibles and a $350 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.
The Baysox jump right back into their playoff race tomorrow night, as they begin a four-game set with first place Akron to kick off the second half. Game time is set
for 7:05 p.m. at Canal Park in Akron.
The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is going strong! Check out www.baysox.com to see all that's going on at the stadium this
year, and 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.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND 11 YORK 1
The York Revolution took one on the chin Wednesday night, losing 11-1 to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The Revs are still 4-2 in the second half, tied for first
place in the Freedom Division. They’ll look to close the homestand with a win on Thursday night against the Crabs.
Southern Maryland used an eight-run fifth inning, the largest against the Revs this season. An error got things started, and only one of the runs was earned. The runs
scored on an RBI double by John Ramistella, an RBI single from Pat Osborn, another RBI single by Jermy Acey, a two-run bloop hit from Lance Burkhart, a two-run
double by Octavio Martinez, and another RBI double by Chuck Jeroloman, as 12 batters came to the plate. Osborn’s two-run homer to left in the sixth then extended
the lead to 10-0.
The big inning ruined a strong four innings by Tim Harikkala (5-2), who still has only allowed three earned runs over 15.2 innings his last three starts. He missed a
chance to set a Revs record with a sixth straight win on his 38th birthday.
Kenny Rayborn (7-5) retired the first 16 he faced in the game until Jason Aspito clubbed a long homerun to right field in the sixth. It was the 41st in a Revs uniform
for York’s all-time homerun leader, but it was the only hit all night for the Revs, who were one-hit for the first time in franchise history. Rayborn went eight innings,
and has now allowed one earned run or less eight times this season in 16 starts.
Southern Maryland added one more in the ninth on a sac fly from Lance Burkhart, but outfielder Ryan Goleski managed to strike out two batters, and reached 91 mph
on the stadium radar gun in his inning of mop-up duty.
MLB VETERAN MICHAEL TUCKER SIGNS WITH BLUE CRABS
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced the signing of 12-year Major League veteran Michael Tucker. The Blue Crabs will look to the power-hitting
Tucker to help replace some of the offensive firepower they have lost recently with the departures of star first baseman Eric Crozier and shortstop Travis Garcia to
the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners’ organizations, respectively.
In addition to his big bat, Tucker will also provide defensive depth to the Blue Crabs. In his 1,417 game Major League career, Tucker spent at least 25 games at first
base, second base, left field, center field, right field and designated hitter. His versatility will be crucial down the stretch for manager Butch Hobson and Southern
Maryland as the Blue Crabs try to capture their first-ever Atlantic League Championship crown.
Selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 1992 amateur draft, Tucker reached the Major Leagues during the 1995 season. He spent the following 11
consecutive seasons in the Majors, spending time with the Royals, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and New
York Mets.
For his Major League career, Tucker amassed 4,083 at-bats, 208 doubles, 49 triples, 125 home runs, 528 RBI, and 114 stolen bases. Tucker also reached the playoffs
three times, twice advancing to the National League Championship Series -- with the Atlanta Braves (1998) and the New York Mets (2006).
SPORTS NOTES
The major soccer game at M&T Bank Stadium between AC Milan and Chelsea is a sellout now July 24th is the date.
Former GWU men’s head basketball coach John Kuester is the new head coach of the NBA Detroit Pistons.
Trivia question…Who was the first head coach of the Denver Broncos? He was a QB who played for the Steelers, Redskins, Giants and the Colts and played college
football at Indiana U.? Answer at the end of sports notes.
Brock Lesnar stopped Frank Mir to retain his UFC-MMA World Heavyweight championship before a sellout crowd at Las Vegas Mandalay Bay.
WJFK-FM in DC is gong all sports and I hear they have received tapes on “The Sunday Blitz” featuring the “King of Local NASCAR and Country hoedown music”
Rex Snider and Jason Jubb.
Greyhound racing in the Northeast is slipping, the Massachusetts citizens voted to ban it and Rhode Island is trying to keep it alive through the legislature (do I smell
government bailout help?). I understand that Florida still has it.
In golf at South River in the Red, White, and Blue Tournament the winners were Low Gross-Gary Fitzgerald, Chris O’Kiefe, Linda Smith and Jon Stairs. Low Net –
Chip Doordan, Tina Doordan, Chuck and Sandy Goodman.
Cathy Reese Maryland’s women’s Lacrosse coach was selected as IWLCA Southern Region Coach of the Year.
SABR’s new president is Andy McCue.
I wonder where they are today….Anne Taylor, Zelda Ikaye, Doug Hale, Parker Blackwell, Patrica Blackwell, Joan Allison, Marvin Powell, Eleanor Bayne, Herbie
Plews, Francis Stringfellow, Dixie Lee, George Malloy, Margie Jones, Barbara Balaguer, Steve Kuzma, Jim Runyan, and Jack Lynch.
Drew Barrymore is starring in the new Roller Derby film “Whip It”, she also is the film director, her name in the film is Smashly Simpson. The DC Rollergirls are at
the DC Armory with their Poster Boy Dave Prinkert, the Charm City Roller Girls go at it at the DuBurns Arena (call 443-573-2450) another hot, tough and rough team
is the New York Gotham Girls. I understand Ironhead, PP, TT and David J. are trying out to become the “Poster Boy” for the Charm City Rollergirls.
Roller Derby was big in the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and 1970’s. My favorite player was Gladys Sneath of the Washington team.
Trivia Answer --- Frank Filihock.
Deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following:
Evelyn Gertie Lee Clingman Brooks (Anacostia (DC) HS grad).
ANACOSTIA HS - WITH REGRET - Captain Leonard M. Rausch 7/8/09
Joseph Anthony Genovese (graduate Gonzaga (DC) College HS).
James Bernard Sullivan, Jr. (St. Johns College (DC) HS grad).
Cesar Brion (Argeninan heavyweight of the 40’s and 50’s) who fought Joe Louis twice and Ezzard Charles all were decisions and losses.
Wiles Hallock (ex-Pax-10 commissioner).
Nadine Gearin (started women’s basketball at Tennessee-Martin where she coached Tennessee University’s great coach Pat Summitt).
John Caldwell (great Irish boxer from Belfast was World Bantamweight champion 1961-62 he was the first Irish World Champion since Rinty Monaghan in 1948).
Bootsie Peltz Weiss (sister of Boxing Hall of Fame boxing promoter J. Russell Peltz).
Arturo Gatti (former World Junior Welterweight champion).
Sean Rooney (outstanding amateur boxer, brother of WBF All-American light heavyweight champion Bobby Rooney).
Archie DeVino (1944 New Jersey amateur champion and pro contender for the bantamweight and featherweight titles, was 44-11-3 as a pro).
Received from Fred Plummer
From: Anne Macon
Subject: Captain Leonard M. Rausch 7/8/09, class of 1947
I know you all will keep Leonard's family in your prayers.
David told me that he is arranging interment for Leonard's ashes at Arlington National Cemetery, and that he will let me know when that is to occur. I will forward
that to youall also.
Each of us has memories of Leonard - mine are joined with memories of Pappy (his Dad), Ruthie (his step-mother) and his sister, Bev, and many happy times together.
They all now know the Peace of God.
As ever,
Anne Ferguson Macon
Anne,
As we discussed today over the telephone, I am forwarding my Father's obituary as well as two photographs of my Dad that will be prominently displayed during is
memorial service. Feel free to distribute to those who you believe would want to know of my Dad's passing. I remain
Sincerely,
Dave
Home: 858-350-4515
Cell: 619-865-6246
Captain Leonard M. Rausch, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
January 26, 1929 to July 8, 2009
Leonard,Len Rausch, loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather passed away after valiantly battling Pulmonary Fibrosis and Cancer. Leonard was born in Honolulu,
Hawaii on January 26, 1929. The product of a career Naval Officer, Leonard enlisted in the Navy in August 1947 and advanced to Guided Missileman First Class
before being selected to Aviation Officers Candidate School. After receiving his commission as an Ensign in September 1955, he went on to Flight Training where he
earned his "Wings of Gold" in December 1956.
Leonard served with distinction in a number of Air Anti-Submarine Squadrons in various capacities deploying in USS Bennington, USS Princeton, USS Yorktown and
USS Kitty Hawk making a number of deployments to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. Later, he was assigned to VA-126 as an instructor with the Nuclear
Weapons Training Center Pacific and then to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OP-30) where he was the Plans and Programs Division Head. It was from
there that Leonard was chosen to command Light Attack Squadron 4 (VAL-4) which was the only Navy Light Attack Squadron to be stationed in country South
Vietnam. It was during that tour flying the venerable OV-10 Bronco, that Len flew hundreds of combat missions with the Black Ponies in support of Riverine Forces
in the Mekong Delta.
Subsequent to his tour in Vietnam, Leonard assumed positions of greater responsibility and authority as the Staff Director, J-3 Headquarters United States European
Command, Navy Chief for the Iranian Navy Expansion Program, Executive Officer, Naval Air Station North Island, Navy Chief, Joint United States Military
Assistance Group, Manila, Commander, Naval Air Logistics Control Office - Eastern Pacific and finally Director, Carrier Service Life Extension Program,
COMNAVAIRPAC where he retired after 38 years in the United States Navy. During his career he was cited for heroism and earned a number of personal and
combat awards to include the Distinguished Flying Cross (Combat V), the Legion of Merit (Combat V), 18 Air Medal Strike/Flight Awards, Four Air Medals (Combat
V), the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (Combat V) and various unit and campaign awards.
After retirement in 1985, Len then devoted his life to a number of worthwhile and philanthropic organizations. He was a life long member of the Association of Naval
Aviators and Gideon's International. He served on the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and the Coronado Optimist Club where he was President from 1994-1995.
In 2001 he was recognized with the Club's Life Member Award for his ongoing dedication and commitment to club activities. He selflessly supported the First Baptist
Church of Coronado as Treasurer and later became a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Leonard is survived by his wife Martinette of 59 years, two children David and Lyn, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. A memorial service to celebrate
Leonard’s life will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 700 D Avenue Coronado, CA on Saturday July 18, 2009 at 2 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu
of flowers it was Leonard's wish that donations be made to the Gideon's International or to the Coronado Optimist Club.
WE GET LETTERS……
Bill,
This goes as a token of my affection to one of the really good guys in this world. Over the years you’ve brought a huge amount of enjoyment to a lot of people who
grew up in the Washington DC area and no matter how long ago since they called it home, or how far they roamed and settled, still maintain a fondness and nostalgia
for the “old sod.” Your ability and willingness to publish your columns and web site have kept so many of us in touch with each other and with our roots. It’s helped
fill a void for those of us who have roamed far and wide. So, thanks for all you do. Enjoy the book from one of your admirers,
Len Knott
Len,
Thank you so much it’s a great book from a great guy. You are too kind.
Bill
Bill,
Jimmy B's right about that game as Billy Wright walked me to load the bases for Gino's gram slam which is probably still in the air.
J
Bill,
Since I live in Florida I’m more or less stuck in seeing, hearing and sometimes watching the Tampa Bay Rays who have the best hitters especially home run hitters.
So, why is there no automatically walk given to those hitters by the opposing team? Why do the opponents allow them to hit homers or doubles and win nearly every
time? I’m for Baltimore but they seem to be born natural loser.
Bob
Bob,
I don’t have the answers, that’s why I questioned the late Nationals manager Acta when he chose not to walk the Braves 3B Chipper Jones with first base open, no
outs and runners at second and third, Jones then hit a two RBI single.
Bill
“Barbaro proved to be the ultimate hero – he died trying. This book of poems provides a fitting and lyrical tribute to the hero.” – Sean Clancy, author of
Barbaro: The Horse who Captured American's Heart
A horse can never tell you his dreams
Lyn Lifshin’s “Barbaro: Beyond Brokenness” remembers colt To hold on
Greatness walks hand in hand with grief.
It’s the way beauty, greatness, dissolve,
are ephemeral, part of the price,
this essence that makes it so hard to lose.
Barbaro was the next. He won the Kentucky Derby effortlessly. Racing fans basked in the possibility of a Triple Crown champion as the 3-year-old colt entered the
Preakness Stakes starting gate.
And then it was quickly over. Barbaro barely began when his body betrayed him. Jockey Edgar Prado pulled Barbaro up quickly, but not before the colt fractured three
bones in his right hind ankle.
The nation prayed for a miracle. That somehow Barbaro would be the one to survive an often fatal injury. And for months, the colt was proving himself a champion in
recovery. But, it wasn’t a fairy tale ending. Barbaro succumbed eight months later to laminitis.
Another beloved runner was lost.
Barbaro: Beyond Brokenness (Texas Review Press, 2009) is acclaimed American poet Lyn Lifshin’s tribute to the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner. From the
moment Barbaro wobbled to his feet to the final days before his fourth birthday, Lifshin recreates the beauty of his journey.
“Beyond Brokenness – I wanted to say his memory or legacy will be much more than his injury, his brokenness. Yes, he was broken, but he was much, much more,”
Ms. Lifshin said.
“I never planned to write this book. I had decided after the breakdown to do one poem and that would be it. Definitely didn’t think I would do another consuming
book. Then I started reading Alex Brown’s blog – I checked it a few times and then couldn’t seem to stop. The poems began then and I guess I knew I was hooked.”
The early reviews rave over Ms. Lifshin capturing Barbaro’s essence to the end.
“No one has written about race horses are beautifully and evocatively as Lyn Lifshin has done in this book,” says Joe LaRosa.
“Lifshin has managed to capture the grandeur and heartbreak of this horse, the equine soul in flight,” said poet Laura Chester.
“I feel a connection between Ruffian and Barbaro – probably because of the passion of the ones who loved them,” Ms. Lifshin said. “Maybe that they were both
destroyed at what should have been a high moment of each of their lives?
“I am not sure why the death of a horse seems to touch people more personally – maybe it’s the sudden way it often happens in a flash – all that grace suddenly
destroyed. Someone said it feels like seeing a masterpiece blown apart.”
Called a “modern Emily Dickinson” by poet Ed Sanders, Ms. Lifshin’s work has been lauded by no less than Robert Frost, Ken Kasey, Richard Eberhart and Alan
Dugan. The author of more than 125 books of poetry has inspired a documentary and biography on her life. Ms. Lifshin has given more than 700 readings nationwide
while serving as Poet-in-Residence at the University of Rochester, Antioch and Colorado Mountain College. Her many honors include the Paterson Poetry Award for
her books Cold Comfort and Before It’s Light.
“For men, she’s sexy. For women, she’s an archtype of gutsy independence. As a poet, she’s nobody but herself – one of a kind,” said the San Francisco Review of
Books.
SUPPORT MD SPORTS!!
American League, Terrell Suggs signs a long term contract with the Ravens, The DC Divas are going to the “Super Bowl” of women’s football, MMA is coming to
Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena, the Washington Caps pick up a couple of good NHL players, have several of the top players from their Calder Cup winning Hershey
Bears coming up, their schedule is out, for an NHL insight look go to Ed Frankovic’s blog at www.WNST.NET, Ed keeps you up to date on Caps hockey and the
NHL, Derrick Mason bids goodbye to the Ravens, and Manny Acta gets the ax.
D.C. DIVAS ADVANCE TO THE SUPER BOWL OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
The D.C. Divas advanced to the IWFL National Championship in Round Rock, Texas on July 25th with a 27-21 come from behind win over the Boston Militia. The
Divas were down 14-0 entering the second quarter until RB Okiima Pickett blasted in from 7 yards out to bring the Divas to within 14-7. QB Allyson Hamlin
connected with WR Tara Stephenson on a 16 strike to make it 14-13. The two point conversion failed and the Militia took a one point lead in to the half. Boston
maintained that lead until the 4th quarter when Hamlin hit Stephenson on a 19 yard leaping catch to put the Divas up 19-14. Again Boston denied the Divas 2 pt
attempt. The lead held until QB Allison Cahill scrambled 38 yards down the home sideline to put the Militia up 21-14 with just under a minute to play in the game. On
the ensuing kickoff WR Tara Stephenson caught the line drive kickoff and took it 85 yards for a touchdown and then she added the 2pt conversion for a 27-17 lead.
The Militia had two attempts to score on their final possession but LB Trigger McNair registered a hard sack and the DB Kathryn Hemlock sealed the victory with an
interception. The Divas improve their record to 10-0 and advance to the IWFL Championship game on July 25th in Round Rock, Texas. The Divas will face the
Kansas City Tribe (9-1) who defeated the Chicago Force 40-14 in the Western Conference final.
ACTA AXED!
Well the ax finally fell on Nationals manager Manny Acta. It was about 2 ½ seasons too late. Acta is a nice person by all accounts but he couldn’t handle this team.
Now I don’t know if Jim Riggleman is the answer but he’s from Rockville so I’d like to see him succeed but his previous tours in the Biggies he didn’t set the world
on fire. I will say if Austin Kearns and Ronnie Belliard are still on this club August 1st then there’s no hope for the team.
Here are some comments I received on Acta’s axing…
Bill,
The firing of Acta was long overdue but I see no hope for this team if rumors are true that Strasburg won’t sign with the Nationals.
Boof Boone.
Bill, Sort of reminds me of what Leo Durocher said “nice guys finish last”.
Buck Trout
Bill, in San Diego where they’re going to try and beat the Nats for worst record, what can you do.
Dr. Coke
Bill, as we all know, it’s easier to fire one coach then to fire 25 players. If fans could vote, they would fire the owners. Where are the “Hunts” and “Cooke’s” when
we need them?
Denny
Denny, You are so right.
Bill, The Actless decision was more inevitable than the FDR speech after Pearl Harbor..just too bad it took so long that most of us non Koolade fans have disgustedly
tuned this season out. He had truly become the MLB poster boy for losing and incompetence and the NOTS poster boy for hopelessness. I sure hope he took that
“And I can Count to 100 Pitches” script with him. Will be very unhappy if Riggleman (definitely not my choice) has a copy and carries on with Actless Robotic and
predictable pitch count obsession). Now they need to get rid of Kearns, Belliard and most, if not all, of that laughable pigpen..constant reminders of hopelessness still
playing in NOTStown.
Danny Morrison
Bill, I don’t follow the baseball team in either city, they both are poorly run. Football and the Caps are ahead of both teams in fan interest. The manager change
probably won’t help.
Ed
Bill, Hope you’re well. I really do like Acta, and think he has a bright future in the business, but the truth is that he wasn’t the right fit for a young and inexperienced
team like the Nats. There were just too many fundamental lapses and mental mistakes toward the end of the first half and frankly, a few of the guys seemed as if they
were mailing it in. This team will need a stronger personality in the manager’s office, one with more of a disciplinarian approach, as it tries to rebound and finish the
year strong. I think the organization did the right thing and handled it the best way they could.
Len
Len, I am doing well, good comments on Acta.
BASEBALL NOTES
The Nats sent Ross Detwiler back to the farm (3-A at Syracuse) and called up Garrett Mock to replace him.
Pedro Martinez has signed with the Phillies.
Ryan Church was traded by the Mets to the Braves for Jeff Francoeur.
B.J. Ryan has been signed by the Chicago Cubs.
I believe Chick Payne could have been a major league manager and a good one. He did manage in the Washington Senators farm system and was a great catcher at
Eastern (DC) High School in the early 1950’s and he caught a lot of good pitchers during that time.
ABREU SHINES BRIGHTEST IN TRENTON
Second baseman Miguel Abreu went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases to help the South to a 5-3 victory over the North at the 2009 Eastern League
All-Star Game. The Baysox infielder took home the MiLB Top Star award for his efforts, adding to an already stellar first half resume which included a .300 and 31
multi-hit games. Four Baysox took part in the contest, combining with the best around the league to earn bragging rights over the North in front of 7,474 fans at
Waterfront Park in Trenton, N.J.
Altoona designated hitter Jason Delaney broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning, lacing an RBI single which plated Akron’s Nicholas Weglarz to put the South on top.
Abreu helped add an insurance run in the ninth, stealing second after being hit by a pitch and scoring on an RBI single by Reading’s Michael Taylor.
Baysox left-hander Chad Thall came on in the bottom of the fourth inning for the South squad, allowing two earned runs on one hit while walking two. The southpaw
allowed free passes to Rene Tosoni and Eddy Martinez-Esteve to start the inning before allowing an RBI double by Binghamton’s D.J. Wabick. After striking out Brian
Jeroloman, Thall allowed an RBI groundout to Connecticut’s Brock Bond to tie the score at three apiece.
Baysox utility man Jonathan Tucker entered the game in the sixth inning as a pinch hitter, drawing a walk in his first at-bat against Trenton left-hander Michael Dunn.
After collecting 24 stolen bases during the first half of the season, Tucker wasted little time showing off his wheels by stealing second base to put himself in scoring
position. After a walk to Delaney put men on first and second, Dunn got Akron’s Beau Mills to pop out to end the threat.
After going ahead 5-3 heading into the ninth, Baysox right-hander Ryan Ouellette came on for the South. He induced Jorge Jimenez and Eastern League home run
leader Brian Dopirak to ground out for the first two outs of the inning, before giving way to Akron’s Carlton Smith who closed out the victory.
Earlier in the day, Dopirak was edged out in the home run derby by New Egypt High School’s Mike Fassl. The high school senior was allowed to use an aluminum bat
in the contest, defeating six other Eastern League All-Stars and another high school star for the crown. He was presented with an authentic autographed Hank Aaron
Bat thanks to Yankees-Steiner Collectibles and a $350 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.
The Baysox jump right back into their playoff race tomorrow night, as they begin a four-game set with first place Akron to kick off the second half. Game time is set
for 7:05 p.m. at Canal Park in Akron.
The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is going strong! Check out www.baysox.com to see all that's going on at the stadium this
year, and 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.
SOUTHERN MARYLAND 11 YORK 1
The York Revolution took one on the chin Wednesday night, losing 11-1 to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The Revs are still 4-2 in the second half, tied for first
place in the Freedom Division. They’ll look to close the homestand with a win on Thursday night against the Crabs.
Southern Maryland used an eight-run fifth inning, the largest against the Revs this season. An error got things started, and only one of the runs was earned. The runs
scored on an RBI double by John Ramistella, an RBI single from Pat Osborn, another RBI single by Jermy Acey, a two-run bloop hit from Lance Burkhart, a two-run
double by Octavio Martinez, and another RBI double by Chuck Jeroloman, as 12 batters came to the plate. Osborn’s two-run homer to left in the sixth then extended
the lead to 10-0.
The big inning ruined a strong four innings by Tim Harikkala (5-2), who still has only allowed three earned runs over 15.2 innings his last three starts. He missed a
chance to set a Revs record with a sixth straight win on his 38th birthday.
Kenny Rayborn (7-5) retired the first 16 he faced in the game until Jason Aspito clubbed a long homerun to right field in the sixth. It was the 41st in a Revs uniform
for York’s all-time homerun leader, but it was the only hit all night for the Revs, who were one-hit for the first time in franchise history. Rayborn went eight innings,
and has now allowed one earned run or less eight times this season in 16 starts.
Southern Maryland added one more in the ninth on a sac fly from Lance Burkhart, but outfielder Ryan Goleski managed to strike out two batters, and reached 91 mph
on the stadium radar gun in his inning of mop-up duty.
MLB VETERAN MICHAEL TUCKER SIGNS WITH BLUE CRABS
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have announced the signing of 12-year Major League veteran Michael Tucker. The Blue Crabs will look to the power-hitting
Tucker to help replace some of the offensive firepower they have lost recently with the departures of star first baseman Eric Crozier and shortstop Travis Garcia to
the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners’ organizations, respectively.
In addition to his big bat, Tucker will also provide defensive depth to the Blue Crabs. In his 1,417 game Major League career, Tucker spent at least 25 games at first
base, second base, left field, center field, right field and designated hitter. His versatility will be crucial down the stretch for manager Butch Hobson and Southern
Maryland as the Blue Crabs try to capture their first-ever Atlantic League Championship crown.
Selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 1992 amateur draft, Tucker reached the Major Leagues during the 1995 season. He spent the following 11
consecutive seasons in the Majors, spending time with the Royals, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and New
York Mets.
For his Major League career, Tucker amassed 4,083 at-bats, 208 doubles, 49 triples, 125 home runs, 528 RBI, and 114 stolen bases. Tucker also reached the playoffs
three times, twice advancing to the National League Championship Series -- with the Atlanta Braves (1998) and the New York Mets (2006).
SPORTS NOTES
The major soccer game at M&T Bank Stadium between AC Milan and Chelsea is a sellout now July 24th is the date.
Former GWU men’s head basketball coach John Kuester is the new head coach of the NBA Detroit Pistons.
Trivia question…Who was the first head coach of the Denver Broncos? He was a QB who played for the Steelers, Redskins, Giants and the Colts and played college
football at Indiana U.? Answer at the end of sports notes.
Brock Lesnar stopped Frank Mir to retain his UFC-MMA World Heavyweight championship before a sellout crowd at Las Vegas Mandalay Bay.
WJFK-FM in DC is gong all sports and I hear they have received tapes on “The Sunday Blitz” featuring the “King of Local NASCAR and Country hoedown music”
Rex Snider and Jason Jubb.
Greyhound racing in the Northeast is slipping, the Massachusetts citizens voted to ban it and Rhode Island is trying to keep it alive through the legislature (do I smell
government bailout help?). I understand that Florida still has it.
In golf at South River in the Red, White, and Blue Tournament the winners were Low Gross-Gary Fitzgerald, Chris O’Kiefe, Linda Smith and Jon Stairs. Low Net –
Chip Doordan, Tina Doordan, Chuck and Sandy Goodman.
Cathy Reese Maryland’s women’s Lacrosse coach was selected as IWLCA Southern Region Coach of the Year.
SABR’s new president is Andy McCue.
I wonder where they are today….Anne Taylor, Zelda Ikaye, Doug Hale, Parker Blackwell, Patrica Blackwell, Joan Allison, Marvin Powell, Eleanor Bayne, Herbie
Plews, Francis Stringfellow, Dixie Lee, George Malloy, Margie Jones, Barbara Balaguer, Steve Kuzma, Jim Runyan, and Jack Lynch.
Drew Barrymore is starring in the new Roller Derby film “Whip It”, she also is the film director, her name in the film is Smashly Simpson. The DC Rollergirls are at
the DC Armory with their Poster Boy Dave Prinkert, the Charm City Roller Girls go at it at the DuBurns Arena (call 443-573-2450) another hot, tough and rough team
is the New York Gotham Girls. I understand Ironhead, PP, TT and David J. are trying out to become the “Poster Boy” for the Charm City Rollergirls.
Roller Derby was big in the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and 1970’s. My favorite player was Gladys Sneath of the Washington team.
Trivia Answer --- Frank Filihock.
Deepest sympathy goes to the families of the following:
Evelyn Gertie Lee Clingman Brooks (Anacostia (DC) HS grad).
ANACOSTIA HS - WITH REGRET - Captain Leonard M. Rausch 7/8/09
Joseph Anthony Genovese (graduate Gonzaga (DC) College HS).
James Bernard Sullivan, Jr. (St. Johns College (DC) HS grad).
Cesar Brion (Argeninan heavyweight of the 40’s and 50’s) who fought Joe Louis twice and Ezzard Charles all were decisions and losses.
Wiles Hallock (ex-Pax-10 commissioner).
Nadine Gearin (started women’s basketball at Tennessee-Martin where she coached Tennessee University’s great coach Pat Summitt).
John Caldwell (great Irish boxer from Belfast was World Bantamweight champion 1961-62 he was the first Irish World Champion since Rinty Monaghan in 1948).
Bootsie Peltz Weiss (sister of Boxing Hall of Fame boxing promoter J. Russell Peltz).
Arturo Gatti (former World Junior Welterweight champion).
Sean Rooney (outstanding amateur boxer, brother of WBF All-American light heavyweight champion Bobby Rooney).
Archie DeVino (1944 New Jersey amateur champion and pro contender for the bantamweight and featherweight titles, was 44-11-3 as a pro).
Received from Fred Plummer
From: Anne Macon
Subject: Captain Leonard M. Rausch 7/8/09, class of 1947
I know you all will keep Leonard's family in your prayers.
David told me that he is arranging interment for Leonard's ashes at Arlington National Cemetery, and that he will let me know when that is to occur. I will forward
that to youall also.
Each of us has memories of Leonard - mine are joined with memories of Pappy (his Dad), Ruthie (his step-mother) and his sister, Bev, and many happy times together.
They all now know the Peace of God.
As ever,
Anne Ferguson Macon
Anne,
As we discussed today over the telephone, I am forwarding my Father's obituary as well as two photographs of my Dad that will be prominently displayed during is
memorial service. Feel free to distribute to those who you believe would want to know of my Dad's passing. I remain
Sincerely,
Dave
Home: 858-350-4515
Cell: 619-865-6246
Captain Leonard M. Rausch, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
January 26, 1929 to July 8, 2009
Leonard,Len Rausch, loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather passed away after valiantly battling Pulmonary Fibrosis and Cancer. Leonard was born in Honolulu,
Hawaii on January 26, 1929. The product of a career Naval Officer, Leonard enlisted in the Navy in August 1947 and advanced to Guided Missileman First Class
before being selected to Aviation Officers Candidate School. After receiving his commission as an Ensign in September 1955, he went on to Flight Training where he
earned his "Wings of Gold" in December 1956.
Leonard served with distinction in a number of Air Anti-Submarine Squadrons in various capacities deploying in USS Bennington, USS Princeton, USS Yorktown and
USS Kitty Hawk making a number of deployments to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. Later, he was assigned to VA-126 as an instructor with the Nuclear
Weapons Training Center Pacific and then to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OP-30) where he was the Plans and Programs Division Head. It was from
there that Leonard was chosen to command Light Attack Squadron 4 (VAL-4) which was the only Navy Light Attack Squadron to be stationed in country South
Vietnam. It was during that tour flying the venerable OV-10 Bronco, that Len flew hundreds of combat missions with the Black Ponies in support of Riverine Forces
in the Mekong Delta.
Subsequent to his tour in Vietnam, Leonard assumed positions of greater responsibility and authority as the Staff Director, J-3 Headquarters United States European
Command, Navy Chief for the Iranian Navy Expansion Program, Executive Officer, Naval Air Station North Island, Navy Chief, Joint United States Military
Assistance Group, Manila, Commander, Naval Air Logistics Control Office - Eastern Pacific and finally Director, Carrier Service Life Extension Program,
COMNAVAIRPAC where he retired after 38 years in the United States Navy. During his career he was cited for heroism and earned a number of personal and
combat awards to include the Distinguished Flying Cross (Combat V), the Legion of Merit (Combat V), 18 Air Medal Strike/Flight Awards, Four Air Medals (Combat
V), the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (Combat V) and various unit and campaign awards.
After retirement in 1985, Len then devoted his life to a number of worthwhile and philanthropic organizations. He was a life long member of the Association of Naval
Aviators and Gideon's International. He served on the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and the Coronado Optimist Club where he was President from 1994-1995.
In 2001 he was recognized with the Club's Life Member Award for his ongoing dedication and commitment to club activities. He selflessly supported the First Baptist
Church of Coronado as Treasurer and later became a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Leonard is survived by his wife Martinette of 59 years, two children David and Lyn, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. A memorial service to celebrate
Leonard’s life will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 700 D Avenue Coronado, CA on Saturday July 18, 2009 at 2 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu
of flowers it was Leonard's wish that donations be made to the Gideon's International or to the Coronado Optimist Club.
WE GET LETTERS……
Bill,
This goes as a token of my affection to one of the really good guys in this world. Over the years you’ve brought a huge amount of enjoyment to a lot of people who
grew up in the Washington DC area and no matter how long ago since they called it home, or how far they roamed and settled, still maintain a fondness and nostalgia
for the “old sod.” Your ability and willingness to publish your columns and web site have kept so many of us in touch with each other and with our roots. It’s helped
fill a void for those of us who have roamed far and wide. So, thanks for all you do. Enjoy the book from one of your admirers,
Len Knott
Len,
Thank you so much it’s a great book from a great guy. You are too kind.
Bill
Bill,
Jimmy B's right about that game as Billy Wright walked me to load the bases for Gino's gram slam which is probably still in the air.
J
Bill,
Since I live in Florida I’m more or less stuck in seeing, hearing and sometimes watching the Tampa Bay Rays who have the best hitters especially home run hitters.
So, why is there no automatically walk given to those hitters by the opposing team? Why do the opponents allow them to hit homers or doubles and win nearly every
time? I’m for Baltimore but they seem to be born natural loser.
Bob
Bob,
I don’t have the answers, that’s why I questioned the late Nationals manager Acta when he chose not to walk the Braves 3B Chipper Jones with first base open, no
outs and runners at second and third, Jones then hit a two RBI single.
Bill
“Barbaro proved to be the ultimate hero – he died trying. This book of poems provides a fitting and lyrical tribute to the hero.” – Sean Clancy, author of
Barbaro: The Horse who Captured American's Heart
A horse can never tell you his dreams
Lyn Lifshin’s “Barbaro: Beyond Brokenness” remembers colt To hold on
Greatness walks hand in hand with grief.
It’s the way beauty, greatness, dissolve,
are ephemeral, part of the price,
this essence that makes it so hard to lose.
Barbaro was the next. He won the Kentucky Derby effortlessly. Racing fans basked in the possibility of a Triple Crown champion as the 3-year-old colt entered the
Preakness Stakes starting gate.
And then it was quickly over. Barbaro barely began when his body betrayed him. Jockey Edgar Prado pulled Barbaro up quickly, but not before the colt fractured three
bones in his right hind ankle.
The nation prayed for a miracle. That somehow Barbaro would be the one to survive an often fatal injury. And for months, the colt was proving himself a champion in
recovery. But, it wasn’t a fairy tale ending. Barbaro succumbed eight months later to laminitis.
Another beloved runner was lost.
Barbaro: Beyond Brokenness (Texas Review Press, 2009) is acclaimed American poet Lyn Lifshin’s tribute to the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner. From the
moment Barbaro wobbled to his feet to the final days before his fourth birthday, Lifshin recreates the beauty of his journey.
“Beyond Brokenness – I wanted to say his memory or legacy will be much more than his injury, his brokenness. Yes, he was broken, but he was much, much more,”
Ms. Lifshin said.
“I never planned to write this book. I had decided after the breakdown to do one poem and that would be it. Definitely didn’t think I would do another consuming
book. Then I started reading Alex Brown’s blog – I checked it a few times and then couldn’t seem to stop. The poems began then and I guess I knew I was hooked.”
The early reviews rave over Ms. Lifshin capturing Barbaro’s essence to the end.
“No one has written about race horses are beautifully and evocatively as Lyn Lifshin has done in this book,” says Joe LaRosa.
“Lifshin has managed to capture the grandeur and heartbreak of this horse, the equine soul in flight,” said poet Laura Chester.
“I feel a connection between Ruffian and Barbaro – probably because of the passion of the ones who loved them,” Ms. Lifshin said. “Maybe that they were both
destroyed at what should have been a high moment of each of their lives?
“I am not sure why the death of a horse seems to touch people more personally – maybe it’s the sudden way it often happens in a flash – all that grace suddenly
destroyed. Someone said it feels like seeing a masterpiece blown apart.”
Called a “modern Emily Dickinson” by poet Ed Sanders, Ms. Lifshin’s work has been lauded by no less than Robert Frost, Ken Kasey, Richard Eberhart and Alan
Dugan. The author of more than 125 books of poetry has inspired a documentary and biography on her life. Ms. Lifshin has given more than 700 readings nationwide
while serving as Poet-in-Residence at the University of Rochester, Antioch and Colorado Mountain College. Her many honors include the Paterson Poetry Award for
her books Cold Comfort and Before It’s Light.
“For men, she’s sexy. For women, she’s an archtype of gutsy independence. As a poet, she’s nobody but herself – one of a kind,” said the San Francisco Review of
Books.
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