The Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals are playing decent ball. Erik Bedard struck out 15 in a complete game 3-0 win over Texas this past Saturday. Jay Gibbons looks like he’s starting to hit. Say didn’t John Maine, Eric Byrnes and Jack Cust use to be Orioles?

Well, well I guess Tom Davis got the message, he was wearing a dark suit the other night on the Orioles TV cast, yes he didn’t look like a blimp more like a blob.

Got a nice email from Dan Morrison on former Anacostia High School, Virginia and Chicago Bear football star, his brother John went to Anacostia also.

It’s hard for me to believe Danny Droze isn’t in the Jocks Hall of Fame. He once scored 6 TD’s in one game against Eastern High School, come on Rugman, Warren and Highsmith do the right thing.

Having been a loser for 2007 I finally had a winner by picking the American League in the All-Star game. I can’t believe how a Baltimore Orioles once proud franchise has slipped so low in baseball folks eyes some even say they the St. Louis Brown’s of 2000. Hey wait a minute, weren’t they once the St. Louis Browns, they say what goes around comes around.

How many remember when the Senator’s Stan Spence drove in the winning run for the AL in the 1947 All Star game or Dean Stone’s AL win? How about the 1937 game when a line drive went off Dizzy Dean’s toe that effectively ended his career that game was played at DC’s Griffith Stadium. There was no All Star game in 1945.

The Herbie Plews Society inducted St. Louis Cardinal Aaron Miles into the Society. The Baltimore Sun had a nice article on the Orioles farm teams recently.

The 7-0 D.C. Divas have locked up the Mid Atlantic Division Championship and have qualified for the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) playoffs. The Divas will play the Atlanta Xplosion, the winner of the South Atlantic Division, on July 14th, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Xplosion remains undefeated in the regular season. If the Divas win their first round game of the playoffs, they will probably host the second round at home on July 28th. The last round is the IWFL 2007 Championship game on August 11 in Atlanta.

Nothing could stop the D.C. Divas quest for perfection — again. In the final game of the regular season the Divas defeated the Cape Fear Thunder, 38-3, to culminate a flawless, eight game schedule. The undefeated season is the first for D.C. as a member of the Independent Women’s Football League. All told the Divas have finished four consecutive regular seasons without a loss.

Diva Fans, show your colors by wearing official DC Divas team merchandise from The Diva Stop. We feature top quality apparel and accessories in the latest styles. Win prizes at home games in our "Team Spirit" contest. Our spotters will be on the lookout for fans wearing team gear from the diva stop.

Limited Tickets are Available for Evening of Boxing/Entertainment

World Boxing Council Continental Americas 154-pound Champion Jimmy Lange announced today that he will host a benefit event for the family of recently deceased former world champion boxer Diego Corrales on Thursday, July 26 at the DoubleTree Hotel Crystal City (300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA). The evening, a joint promotion between Jimmy Lange Enterprises and Ice Promotions, will feature professional boxing, live musical entertainment and a three-course meal.

Less than 500 tickets are available for this intimate evening that begins at 6pm with a cocktail hour and doors opening at 7:00 pm. Tickets for table seats (includes dinner) cost $350, $250 or $175, while a limited number of $75 tickets (admission only) are also available. To purchase tickets, call (703) 536-6060.

"Diego Corrales was a blood and guts warrior who I had a great deal of respect for," said Lange who met and sparred with "Chico" several years ago while both trained in Vero Beach, FL and ironically also served as a sparring partner to Joel Casamayor for one of the Corrales-Casamayor epic battles. "He was one of the few current boxers who, win or lose, always left everything out there at the end of the day. I look forward to honoring him as we help raise funds for his family."

New York-based entertainers, Emil Stucchio & The Classics, best known for popular hits such as "Till Then," "P.S. I Love You" and "You’ll Never Know," will perform prior to start of the fight card. The event will feature up to four pro bouts on the card, consisting of top boxers from the Maryland, D.C., and Virginia region.

Doron and Langhorne make repeat appearance

The Atlantic Coast Conference today announced its 2006-07 All-ACC Academic team, which included three Terrapins - seniors Shay Doron and Aurelie Noirez, and junior Crystal Langhorne. The 16-member team is recognized for their academic accomplishments.

To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must have earned a 3.0 grade point average for the previous semester and maintained a cumulative 3.0 average during her academic career. The three selections ties with Florida State for the most.

Currently a member of the WNBA’s N.Y. Liberty, Shay Doron makes her second appearance on the team after earning a spot last year. A two-time ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American, she earned a 4.0 in her final semester and graduated with a degree in criminology and criminal justice in May, posting a career GPA of 3.69. Seven times, she was named to the University of Maryland’s Dean’s List. Doron was a three-time All-ACC pick in her career at Maryland and was an Honorable Mention Kodak/WBCA All-American as a sophomore. She left College Park as the program’s second-leading scorer, tallying 1,878 points.

Crystal Langhorne is currently traveling with the US U21 National Team and begins competition in the FIBA U21 World Championships on Friday, June. 29. Langhorne is a two-time Associated Press and United States Basketball Writer’s Association (USBWA) All-American and, this year, was selected to the Kodak/WBCA All-America team, as well. A communications major with a 3.395 grade point average, she is a three-time All-ACC performer, twice earning a spot on the first team. An ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American this year, Langhorne achieved a 3.5 GPA last semester.

Aurelie Noirez also wrapped up her career this spring with the Terrapins. A double major in economics and Spanish, she has maintained a 3.75 GPA over her four years, while earning a 3.625 in the spring semester. She was a member of the ACC Honor Roll three times and, last year, became the first French woman to win an NCAA Championship.

Harper and Langhorne win second gold of their careers

Maryland’s Crystal Langhorne, Laura Harper and the USA U21 Women’s Basketball team capture the gold medal at the FIBA U21 World Championship in Russia on Sunday, defeating Australia, 96-73. Langhorne posted her third double-double of the tournament in the championship game, leading all scorers with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

The match was a rematch of the opening game of the championship, where the Americans overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the Aussies, 90-88, on June 29. The Americans dominated the boards in the title tilt, outrebounding the Australians, 52-31.

Crystal Langhorne and Laura Harper have both been integral members of the U21 team. They helped the U.S. to a 5-0 record in group play, before helping the team win three straight to reach the gold medal match.

The U.S. cruised to victory over Belgium, 104-53, in the quarterfinals on the strength of Langhorne’s 11 points and six rebounds. Harper contributed three points and 10 rebounds, helping the team advance to the semifinals where it topped Russia, 86-81, despite trailing by 13 points. Langhorne had her second double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Harper added eight points and five boards.

A two-time All-American at Maryland, Langhorne led the U.S. in scoring three times in the tournament and was the team’s high-rebounder in four games. Harper, who was the NCAA Final Four MVP in 2006, had nine boards in the rout of Japan in group play on July 4, which tied for the team lead.

A starter in all eight games, Langhorne’s 15.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game were the best on the USA U21 World Championship team, which also includes All-American’s Courtney Paris of Oklahoma and Candice Wiggins of Stanford. She also shot a team-best 69.9 percent from the field. Harper also saw playing time in every game, posting 7.1 ppg and 5.8 rpg. She was the team’s top shot blocker with six and was third with 10 steals.

It is the second-career gold medal for Langhorne and Harper at an international event. Langhorne won gold at the FIBA U19 World Championships in 2005, where she was also named Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament. Harper won gold as a member of the 2004 USA Basketball Junior World Championship Qualifying Team.

Langhorne and Harper, who enter their senior year at Maryland in the fall, are two of four starters returning from last year’s 28-6 squad. The Terps tip off the 2007-08 campaign against Princeton in the WNIT, which opens on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in Comcast Center. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Ticket Office at 1-800-IM-A-TERP.

Coleman and Pan Am team travel to Brazil for games

One day after her Maryland teammates Crystal Langhorne and Laura Harper won a gold medal with the USA U21 World Championship team, Marissa Coleman will get her opportunity to compete for a gold medal, clinching a roster spot on the USA Pan American Team, USA Basketball announced today.

Three more cuts where made after a few days of training in Washington, D.C. The Pan Am team, under the direction of three-time Olympian Dawn Staley, will compete July 20-24. The Americans will depart for Rio de Janiero, Brazil, after they complete another week of practices and scrimmages in several venues around Washington, D.C.

Marissa Coleman who is entering her junior year at Maryland in the fall, was named one of 15 finalists in late May after a three day team trial in Colorado Springs, Colo. Coleman has extensive experience playing for the USA. In the summer of 2005, she collected gold medals with the U19 team at the FIBA U19 World Championship and the International Sports Festival. She won another gold in 2004 at the Junior World Championship Qualifying Tournament.

The US has been placed in Group B and opens preliminary play against Columbia on July 20. On July 21, the team faces Argentina, followed by Cuba, who won gold at the previous Pan Am Games, on July 22. The semifinals are slated for July 23 and the gold medal contest takes place July 24. Competing in Group A are teams Brazil, Canada, Jamaica and Mexico.

The tournament can be followed at www.rio2007.org.br. Information on the US team, visit www.usabasketball.com.

Clash of the powerhouses will be the first-ever between the teams

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, ESPN and State Farm have teamed up to host the annual State Farm Tip-Off Classic on November 11, 2007 at the Dean E. Smith Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. The evening will feature two highly-competitive matchups, including Maryland vs. Oklahoma at 5 p.m., which will air on ESPN2. UNC and Arizona State start off the event at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.

"We’re honored to be a part of this prestigious event," said Terrapin head coach Brenda Frese. "This will be an excellent and early gauge for our team. Oklahoma will be very well prepared and I know our team will be up for the challenge."

The 2007 Tip-Off Classic will showcase some of the top women’s basketball teams in the nation. The Terps and the Sooners ended the season ranked in the top 15 last year. The teams also feature two of the top post players in the country in Crystal Langhorne and OU’s Courtney Paris, who were teammates on the USA U21 Basketball squad which recently won gold at the FIBA U21 World Championship in Moscow, Russia.

The Tar Heels have reached the NCAA Final Four the last two seasons, while the Sun Devils were ranked eighth at season’s end.

This year marks the 15th-consecutive year of the State Farm Tip-Off Classic and will help usher in another collegiate season for women’s basketball. During the past 14 years, the event has included some of the nation’s best players, coaches and teams.

At halftime of both games, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2008 will be introduced. The 2008 induction marks the 10th anniversary of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which held its grand opening and inaugural induction in 1999. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to "honor the past, celebrate the present and promote the future" of women’s basketball.

Maryland returns four starters from last year and eight letter winners overall. The Terps also reached the NCAA Tournament for the fourth year in a row last season, going 28-6 overall.

The team has already announced its participation in the Preseason WNIT, where it will face Princeton on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in Comcast Center. The Terps also host Ohio State on Friday, Nov. 30 in the first Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Season tickets for home events are currently on sale by calling the Comcast Center Ticket Office at 1-800-IM-A-TERP or by visiting www.umterps.com.

Rumor has it that David J. is the person playing the king in those Burger King commercials.

Look for Nasty Nestor Aparico to have major success in his latest venture.

Ricky Scaggs has another major hit in "40 years", it’s super.

Man do I miss those soul fries, mac and cheese and sweet potatoe pie from Bernard Brooks Henry Soul Café in Ft. Washington.

Tony Muse is doing a great job as a State Senator.

In the coming issues we’ll look at the new political bosses in the various areas.

Vladimir Klitschko TKO’ed Lamon Brewster to retain his IBF and IBO heavyweight titles.

Are we going to have an all woman Democratic presidential ticket? Heard it might be a Hillary-Nancy Polosi ticket.

I wonder where Jack Dade and Charlie Folk are today, also Shirley Laurdedale and Geraldine Cox (she was a good looking honey).

Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Faye Richardson Howell who passed recently. She graduated from Maryland Park and American U.

How many of you remember those great roller rinks – Alexandria, Bladensburg and National on Kalorama Road?

The Mystics? Who are they?

Patrick Panella is doing a great job as Executive Director of the State Athletic Commission.

I understand Keifer Mitchell is going well in his run for Mayor of Baltimore.

A rising star in the House of Delegates is Jimmy Malone.

Before I dose off I must say I have no grudges on what’s happen to me and I believe GOD wants me to go in a different direction. I have another chapter for my book (it will be a doozy).

I wish you all a belated Fourth of July and a great week.

Donnie Neuenberger was forced out at last weeks Daytona Busch with car trouble. He will be running at Bristol, Richmond and Dover in upcoming races.

SUPPORT LOCAL SPORTS!!

Bill,

Your column was special today – not for the words but because it means you’re BACK and sharp as ever. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Take it easy.

Edie Segree

Bill,

Welcome back with a great column. I have another nickname for Simon Taylor, but I don’t think it can be printed in a family newspaper. You have been missed as has your column. I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.

David J. from Washington, DC

Dear D.J.,

Be careful or the Great Poobah will put the "Light Brigade" on you.

Bill

Bill,

How are you dong? I sent an earlier get well email but did not hear back and have been concerned. Let me know how I can help.

Steve

Bill,

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Don Sutton is a primo announcer. I’d like to hear a broadcast with him and Palmer together.

Ira Silverman

Dear Ira,

Sutton is great! I am sorry to see you are no longer at MARC, they absolutely have no one left with railroad experience except Ricker, Anderson and Walker.

Bill

Bill,

Wow!! Bill is back and better than ever, right friends? Way to go Bill, you de man.

Blessings and love to all,

Dale

PS Take care of that muscle tear, rest it, ice packs and some Aleve is prescribed by my Yalie daughter Dr. Rhonda.

Bill,

Have been waiting for the column a long time, great to see it back. A Big thank you for the last line, Judy’s death was a tough one. When are you ready for dinner? We can ask George to come and pick you up, stay cool my friend.

Barbai

Bill,

Welcome back!

Charlie

Bill,

I didn’t know you had a stroke until I read your article, you okay? You are almost there my friend, what are you going to do with all that time on your hands? Take care and we still have to go to Starbucks sometime.

Allen

Bill,

Good to see your article again.

Norris

Bill,

Great to see you in the swing of things again. I have had you in my prayers as have many who love you. On my way to Chicago this AM for business this weekend. See you soon.

Dave

Bill,

It’s hard to believe that 36 years ago Jim Morrison passed away in Paris, France. If you were a fan, keep him alive in your thoughts. There may still be one last round of "Lizard King was Here’ presentations in the Washington, DC area, though I’m holding off on scheduling until after Labor Day. Stay tuned.

Mark O.

Bill,

Excellent job on your column! I’m glad you’re doing well and welcome back.

June

Bill,

Whoopee, your back! I have missed your emails. Are you allowed visitors? I just got back from my vacation and was so happy to see your column. Hope you are improving daily. Call me, call me,.

Deb

Bill,

Well, you are finally on the mend. Need to have you connected to the newspaper. Thanks for sharing your column with us. Get ALL better soon, don’t overdo. Greetings to all.

Barbara

Hi Bill,

So glad you are back and doing better. Dale sent me your column and I notice my address is no longer on it. I always enjoyed hearing from you. Regards,

Carole West Cullinane

Carole,

It’s back on now.

Bill

I thank all of you for the encouraging comments both above and ones I couldn’t put into the column.

Dear Bill,

Would you be so kind to add the EHS Reunion Announcement to your column & mailing list. Thank you so much for your support and help to Eastern High School through the years.

God Bless,

Jo Ann & Clarence Nordan

1947-57

WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2006 AT THE ANNAPOLIS ELKS CLUB IN EDGEWATER, MD.

5:45 Prescheduled Class Pictures will be taken by photographer. $15.00 per 8 X 10 picture. Picture will be ready for pickup after the reunion.

6:00-7:00 PM - Hor D’oeuvres of Fresh Vegetables

& Dip as well as Assorted Cheese & Cracker Tray

**CASH BAR**

Price $40.00 per person/$80.00 Couple

Deadline is September 23, 2006 - No Walk-ins

7:15 PM - DINNER BUFFET MENU: Chef carved Top

Round Beef/Ajus, Chicken Cordon Bleu, House or Caesar Salad, Parsley Potatoes, Green Beans,

Warm Rolls & Butter, Coffee, Tea & Cake

PROGRAM - Patriotic Music Medley - Ron Nordan,

Navy Chaplain. Join in singing "Eastern HS Song"

EHS MEMORABILIA Two Prize’s will be awarded to

alumni for: 1. Best EHS Outfit worn or displayed 2.Most EHS Memorabilia you bring

DOOR PRIZES Your ticket could win a Door Prize

WE WILL HAVE A DJ - Michael Marcey Media DJ

Services will play "Music of the Fifty’s"

We will also have a slow & fast dance contest

PLAY GOLF - Join Ron Winters in "Golf Fellowship Time" for all EHS Alumni who sign’s up

PLEASE CALL JO ANN & CLARENCE NORDAN, REUNION CHAIRMEN. IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - HOME PHONE: (706) 840-3724 OR

E-MAIL US AT Clandjo@aol.com