McCaffrey’s World
By Bill McCaffrey
ST. MARY'S TODAY
Skins and Ravens Fans Can Cry in their Beer

Hey its almost Super Bowl time but its crying in your beer time in the B/W area.
Also how about the NFL admitting their officials blew one last week in the Colts-Steelers game, hey are you telling me the NFL is now seeing the light? I don’t think so the cheap league is now admitting their officials are handing out cheap shots.
Next week I will run down the Super Bowl teams for you. Who do I think they’ll be? Try Denver and Carolina (if it stops raining). Whether Joe Gibbs believes it or not the Redskins need a quarterback, Mark Brunell needs to pack it in. Even Kyle Boller would be a step up for the Redskins QB.
I hear Maryland University is about to fire their recreation director. Seems he’s having a time differating between night and day and Chuck-e-cheese and a sprite one beer/pizza joint.
I didn’t think it would happen but I am back working as an observer for Donnee Gray’s Mac Boa officiating group.
Tiffanie Lake, a player on the Dundalk Community College Women’s basketball team reminds me of Veronica Lake the 1940’s movie star and she can play basketball.
Allegany men’s basketball player Ian Grady looks like a Baily Howell type of player.
Rich Keller continues to do a fantastic job as a Public Address announcer.
Our report on radio, TV and media is almost complete. Early results show Nasty Nestor Aparacio the definite fan favorite, Rick “Doc” Walker is right there and coming on strong. Phil Wood, Johnny Holiday, Steve Stofburg, and John Thompson are all on the plus side. Right now on the bottom of the ladder are Tom Davis and Al Koken.
On the print side Bill Free and Kent Baker are the only Sun paper sports media onthe plus side the rest in Baltimore are not highly thought of by the folks. In the DC area Rick Snider, Dave Ziren, Dave Fay, and Michael Wilbon are on the plus side while Toni Cornheiser leads the minus side. I like George Michael but some folks don’t.
My favorites Rick Snider, Doc Walker, Nasty Nestor Aparico, Johnny Holiday, Tony Roberts, John Thompson, Collin Cowherd, Steve Stofberg, Phil Wood, and John Feinstein.
Several comments that the folks sent in are:
Where’s Boo Brou? –In Cinn. Wearing a chicken costume.
Where’s Dave Collins? - I have no idea.
Where’s the Sports Babe? - Don’t know.
Where is Chris Cole? — Not sure but I sure wish she were still around.
Where is Len Hathaway? —I think he is somewhere in the Carolinas.
Remember to send your in at (P.O. Box 130, Pasadena, MD 21123-0130).
Terps Cruise Past Seminoles, 75-57
Crystal Langhorne records her 26th career double-double, most of any active player in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Crystal Langhorne waited eight days for the opportunity to redeem herself for an uncharacteristic performance underneath the basket.
When Maryland’s sophomore forward finally got back on the court Monday against Florida State, she rarely let a missed shot elude her grasp.
Langhorne had 19 rebounds and 12 points, Kristi Toliver scored 16, and the sixth-ranked Terrapins breezed to a 75-57 victory over the Seminoles.
Held without a rebound on Jan. 8 in a loss to No. 2 Duke, Langhorne recorded her 26th career double-double, most of any active player in the Atlantic Coast Conference. She fell three rebounds short of her career high, set last season at Miami, but had no complaints.
“I was really trying to rebound a lot more,” Langhorne. “I really thought about it because I never had zero rebounds in my life. That was kind of a low for me.”
Langhorne had nine rebounds in the first half, a big reason why Maryland was able to build a 16-point cushion at the break.
“Whew, Maryland rebounded today. I know Crystal didn’t have a rebound against Duke, and I thought she came out and tried to prove she’s a rebounder,” Florida State coach Sue Semrau said. “I thought we did a great job defensively, holding her to four shots, but she just helped the team in other ways. I’m very impressed with that.”
Jade Perry and Laura Harper each scored 11 for the Terrapins (15-2, 2-1), who have won 11 of 12. Led by Langhorne, Maryland finished with a 47-26 rebounding advantage.
“I was really happy about our play today,” Terrapins coach Brenda Frese said. “I thought we really took some ownership on the boards. In our last game, that was an area where we let slip away.”
Britany Miller led Florida State (10-6, 1-2) with 16 points. The Seminoles, who have lost three of four, shot 38 percent from the floor and were 1-for-11 from 3-point range.
“The best thing about them is they didn’t let us go to the offensive boards,” Semrau said. “We’ve been first or second in the conference the whole year. We don’t pride ourselves on being a great shooting. We pride ourselves in getting extra possessions, and I thought Maryland kept us from those extra possessions.”
FSU closed to 50-36 early in the second half before baskets by Ashleigh Newman, Harper and Shay Doron upped the margin to 20. After the Seminoles cut the gap to 14, Toliver made a 3-pointer and Langhorne sank three foul shots in a 7-0 spurt that made it 63-42 with just over eight minutes left.
Toliver, who has been bothered by a leg injury for much of the season, played 27 minutes in a reserve role.
“Every time I get out on the court, I’m 100 percent,” he said. “When I need to come out, I do. I just need to give it some more time and continue to rehab and I’ll be fine.”
Miller had 12 points before halftime on 6-for-8 shooting, but the Terrapins outrebounded the Seminoles 26-11 and shot 50 percent in taking a 44-28 lead.
Maryland never trailed after a layup by Perry made it 12-11 with just under seven minutes elapsed. It was 26-23 before Newman scored from beyond the arc and Toliver added a jumper and a 3-pointer to put the Terrapins up by 11.
After Florida State closed to 35-28, Toliver made a 10-foot jumper and a 3-pointer to ignite a 9-0 run that covered the final three minutes of the half.
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS & JUNIORS APPLY NOW:
BIG TRAIN STUDENT LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Big Train Student Leadership Training Program was designed to encourage and develop leadership and teamwork skills in students interested in sports management as a possible career choice. Through the Big Train Student Leadership Committee (BTSLC), students will have the opportunity to experience and explore several different areas of sports management and baseball operations, including team administration, event planning and event direction, volunteer coordination and sports information and communications.
The Big Train Student Leadership Training Program runs through the Big Train baseball season (from the end of May to the beginning of August), with additional projects during the off-season. Committee members will attend three seminars or workshops presented by influential members involved in the sports industry. Upon completion of the program, students will be presented with a Certificate of Achievement. They will also earn student service learning credit for the total number of hours worked during the summer and the off season.
How do I become a member of the BTSLC?
We are looking for rising juniors and seniors in high school with a passion for sports. Applications for membership in the program will be accepted no later than February 15, 2006. Applications must consist of a personal resume highlighting academic achievement, community service experience and work experience, and a typed paragraph of no more than 500 words explaining the applicant’s reasons for applying to the Big Train Student Leadership Training Program. Applications should be mailed to Big Train General Manager David Ireland, 3807 Thornapple Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
As a member of the BTSLC, what would be my responsibilities?
The Bethesda Big Train is a summer collegiate baseball team that plays in the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. Run like a minor league operation, we provide reasonably priced family entertainment while putting a competitive product on the field. The primary responsibility of the BTSLC is to manage ballpark operations at Shirley Povich Field for Big Train home games. Some of these duties may include:
Assisting with volunteer coordination and direction of game-night volunteers.
Helping to prepare the game night program insert.
Helping to prepare Povich Field for game-nights (setting up tables for ticket sales, souvenir sales and picnics, reserving grandstand seats for picnickers, welcoming and accommodating game-night entertainment, handling emergencies).
Reacting to and solving problems with volunteers.
Assisting game-night volunteers in their assigned tasks, including younger volunteers at the scoreboard.
Locating and preparing birthday kids and game-night sponsors for the first-pitch ceremony.
Assisting in pre-game ceremonies and mid-game promotions such as the Water Balloon Bash, the Mascot Race, the Home Run Derby, and the Seventh Inning T-Shirt Toss.
Cleaning and closing up the ballpark after games.
Writing game summaries for use in the Big Train nightly e-mail and the Big Train web site.
For additional information, please call David Ireland at 301/983-1006.
ALEX RODRIGUEZ IN BALTIMORE FOR FEB 9
RIPKEN SENIOR FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
Alex Rodriguez, the New York Yankee’s third baseman, will join Cal Ripken, Jr. and Bill Ripken for the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s fundraiser Aspire: A Tribute to Life’s Coaches, scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2006 at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore.
Your ticket includes:
A cocktail reception with delicious hors d’oeuvres and open bar
An impressive silent auction featuring autographed memorabilia, great trips and more!
Mingling with celebrities including former Orioles Brady Anderson, Mike Bordick, Jim Palmer, Sam Perlozzo, Jeff Reboulet, and BJ Surhoff; Orioles Radio Broadcasters Jim Hunter & Fred Manfra, and former Colts Art Donovan, Joe Ehrman, Bruce Laird, and Stan White.
An entertaining on-stage program hosted by Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption, and featuring Alex Rodriguez as he honors his “life coach.” Cal and Bill Ripken will also present the Cal Sr. Award, named for their father, to outstanding youth basketball coach Morgan Wootten, retired from DeMatha High School. Cleveland Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry will introduce his former coach.
Free parking in the attached parking garage
Single tickets are on sale now for $150 each. Each ticket includes the cocktail hour, the program, parking, and service fees.
Groups of 6 or more can purchase tickets at a group discounted rate of $125 a ticket. Please call 1-877-RIPKEN1 for group tickets.
Aspire gives stand-outs from the fields of sports, business, and entertainment/journalism the opportunity to pay tribute to the person in their lives who inspired them to greatness.
Please Note: Cal Ripken, Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Michael Wilbon, & Tony Kornheiser will be backstage preparing for the program and will not be available during the cocktail hour.

A Sampling of Auction Items:
Kentucky Derby experience package
2005 Master’s Flag autographed by Tiger Woods
Oprah Winfrey’s autographed athletic shoes
Mohammed Ali autographed boxing gloves
Alex Rodriguez memorabilia package
Jim Kelly autographed helmet and jersey
Lance Armstrong autographed jersey
Alonzo Mourning autographed basketball
Michael Phelps shadowbox
Ray Lewis autographed football
Doug Flutie football
Sports Legends Museum rental
Ken Griffey, Jr. jersey
Curt Shilling autographed photo and baseball
Michael Jordan autographed flooring
Duke basketball tickets
Chicago Cubs tickets with airfare and hotel accommodations
Harry Potter autographed poster
Lord of the Rings autographed poster
Kentucky Derby autographed Triple Crown ticket & Triple Crown display
Thomas Edison collage with signed check
The Wright Brothers collage with Orville’s original signature
1980 Olympic Hockey team autographed USA flag
Golf for four at Bulle Rock
2006 Hall of Fame Induction Package
much more!
The Bob Davids Chapter The first chapter of the Society
George Michael, sports director of NEWS 4 and host and creator of the nationally syndicated show, “The George Michael Sports Machine,” will be the guest speaker at the Bob Davids Chapter meeting, Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA.

Mr. Michael is well known for his dynamic style, high energy and visually stimulating sports highlights. He is a long-time favorite with Washington sports fans. “The George Michael Sports Machine,” the longest running sports show in syndication, has won more than 30 Emmys in 20 years. Mr. Michael’s work in identifying mystery photos of players sliding was featured in the 2004 Baseball Research Journal. He also has presented at the national SABR convention and is a longtime SABR member. A native of St. Louis, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy, Political Theory and Speech from St. Louis University.

George Michael and other speakers, currently being confirmed, will be part of an always-popular and interesting program which features favorite attractions such as:

- Our fund-raising raffle, where you could go home with some outstanding treasures of considerable value.

- Research presentations from our members, including a look back on 2005 by Dave Smith as only he can do it.

- Baseball trivia.

- Local vendors of baseball books and regional authors.

The location of this year’s get-together is the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge in Rosslyn, Virginia on the Potomac River just across from the nation’s capital.

Act quickly to secure your attendance at the meeting. Last year’s meeting featured record-setting attendance. No guarantee of seating, meals, name tags for registrations after January 22.

Questions? Please contact Barry Sparks, Meeting Chair, at bsparks243@aol.com 717. 848.8925

When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006

Where: Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge
1900 North Fort Myer Drive
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 703-807-2000
www.holiday-inn.com/rosslynbridge

Please send check or money order payable to: # of Tickets ____ X $25 = ________
SABR- Bob Davids Chapter
c/o John Munns
PO Box 1187
Frederick MD 21702-0187
Postmarked Before midnight 22-Jan-2005. Admittance thereafter, including at the door, $30.
No guarantee of seating, meals, name tags for registrations after January 22.

For receipt of application confirmation, please either include a SASE, or email jmunns@fred1.org

Name:______________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

City:_________________________ State______________________ Zip __________

E-mail address: ___________________________________ Telephone # _____________

Guest’s names ______________________________ City ___________ State ______
Guest’s names ______________________________ City ___________ State ______
Guest’s names ______________________________ City ___________ State ______
Event is opened to non-members and guests.
Questions? Please contact Barry Sparks, Meeting Chair, at <bsparks243@aol.com> or 717. 848.8925

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BIG TRAIN
For more information, please log onto www.bigtrain.org or call 301/983-1006. Or email us at faninfo@bigtrain.org.
CAL RIPKEN, SR. COLLEGIATE BASEBALL LEAGUE
2005 was the inaugural season of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. The Maryland-based collegiate wooden bat league is comprised of six teams: Bethesda Big Train, College Park Maryland Bombers, Maryland Redbirds, Rockville Express, Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts, and Youse’s Maryland Orioles. The teams played a 40-game regular season that started on Friday, June 10 with the Maryland Orioles visiting the Big Train at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League has a license agreement with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for the use of the name Cal Ripken, Sr. and is not affiliated with nor sponsored by the Foundation or Ripken Baseball. For information, please log onto www.ripkensrcollegebaseball.org.
BIG TRAIN 2005 SEASON SPONSORS
Thanks to these organizations for their generous support of Big Train baseball for the 2005 season: FAB Electric, Inc., Jendell Construction, Inc., Ledo Pizza, Miller & Long Co., Inc., Ourisman Automotive, and Sandy Spring Builders, LLC.
WE GET LETTERS…..
Bill,
I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again, the biggest problem in the NFL is the officiating. All one has to do is look at some of the BIG missed calls in the Colts-Steelers game this weekend:
The first HUGE officiating blunder: Randle El is severely pass interfered with by the rookie Colts DB in the first half that would have given the Steelers a first down on the Colts 20. I believe the Steelers were up 14-0 at the time.
The second HUGE officiating blunder: On a 4th and Inches Steelers guard Alan Faneca clearly moves early but the referees end up making a no call. Pittsburgh ends up getting the first down and takes 5 more minutes off the clock after that missed call.
The third HUGE officiating blunder: The reversal on Polamalu’s interception. This one just doesn’t add up to me and the referees had 3 minutes to get it right. I still can’t figure out how that one was overturned, it reminded me of the Mike Carey call in the Ravens-Lions game earlier this year where something was so clear cut on replay yet called completely the opposite.
So the Steelers really got hurt worse by the officiating and fortunately for them they won the game (no thanks to Jerome Bettis, he owes Big Ben lots of dinners for making a game saving tackle after he fumbled). What I really want to hear is the NFL officiating spin on this one because the referees looked VERY bad in a critical football game.
Ed
Dear Ed,
Right on! Full time accountable officials are needed NOW!
Bill
Bill,
Mine was Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, and Only You.
Da King
Dear Da King,
Good ones, hold them close.
Bill
Bill,
In reply to Ed’s remark about the U.S. Congress.......I have been saying for the past 3 years that both parties stink and that the best answer to reduce the odor is Term Limits. Why not, the Prez and most Governors and county Executive’s have term limits. Whoever said that an election was for life? Term Limits is overdue.
Fred
Dear Fred,
Go get them Tiger.
Bill
Bill,
I am glad that Burnitz did not sign with the Orioles. If he had, I was going to suggest that they should resign another old ball player from last year by the name of Surhoff. Then if they were going to keep in this signing mode they might as well bring back the Steroid man. They sure are pitiful and the team is in dire need of a new owner. Believe destined for last place in their division. See you on the 19th.
Fred
Dear Fred,
I liked Burnitz, felt he was better than Surhoff and any the Birds had.
Bill
Bill,
I remember the last song always as, “Goodnight, Ladies” or something like that. Always knew it was the last dance.
Guitar Mama
Dear GM,
Not bad.
Bill
Bill,
Dear Sir,
Your good name has veen introduced to us as wholesalers and potential importers for Weight-Lifting Gloves, Weight-Lifting Belts Boxing Shorts and Boxing Gloves and Boxing Accessories and Martial Arts etc.
We would appreciate your valued enquiries for the following range of Goods pertaining to your 2005-Seasonal buying. Catalogues, Pictures and Export Prices may be sent against your firm enquiries.
Boxing Gloves and Martial Arts
Weight-Lifting Gloves, Weight-Lifting Belts
Boxing Shorts Boxing Gloves and Boxing
Accessories Martial Arts etc.
Looking forward to the pleasure of receiving your valued business comments and enquiries. With best regards and Seasonal Greetings,
We remain,
Ilyas Ahmed Bhatti - Chief Executive
Zil-e Huma Corp Pvt Ltd
OK
Hopefully someone may be interested in this.
Bill
QUESTIONS
1. Where was the Crystal Restaurant located?
2. In DC where did folks go to watch the submarine races?
3. In Baltimore where was Skateland located?
4. Who was the last manager of the minor league (International League) Baltimore Orioles?
SPORTS NOTES
Bob Davids Regional Meeting Update - January 28
Justin Klemm, a field evaluator and instructor for the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation (PBUC), will speak at the January 28th meeting about the process of becoming a professional umpire. Klemm reached AAA level as an umpire and worked 185 games in the major leagues as a vacation substitute from 2000 through 2003. PBUC is the unit of Minor League Baseball that hires, teaches, and evaluates umpires for all affiliated minor leagues.
Bob Davids Chapter Regional Meeting Raffle - January 28
Re-run for those who have AOL. We had a link to Amazon that caused the message of January 10th to bounce at the AOL domain addresses.
SABR members are reminded to bring any books they would like to donate to the book raffle, which will be conducted during the Jan. 28 chapter meeting. This is an excellent way to find a home for baseball books you no longer want or can’t find a place for. If you have something particularly valuable like an autographed book, baseball card, or photo, a silent auction will be conducted. Contributing to the book raffle helps the chapter raise money. Please contact Dave Raglin for more information at dar6884@earthlink.net, or if you cannot make the meeting and still wish to donate. Thank you.
Request for Information
Did the 1980 and 1981 Orioles orange (alternate) jerseys have names on the back, or only the players’ number? Thanks much. Please send a message to Howard Goldstein if you have the answer goldstein@goldlaw.com.

Boxing
Also coming up on January 26th boxing returns to Michael’s 8th Avenue with Tony “the Tiger” Thompson fighting Brandon “The Beast” Cabell for the Maryland Heavyweight Championship.
In February Jabba Bryant returns to the DC area fighting Henry “Super Po” Buchanan at the Lincoln Theater.
Robert Charuhas graduated from AHS with me in ’59. He later changed his name to “Winston”.
Bobby passed away recently in Naples, Florida. Our deepest sympathy go out to his family and friends.
Look-A-Likes: Bennett Bozeman and Mark Chaput., Yao Wenyuan and Blimp Brother-Giggles.
Southern Maryland’s surprise basketball teams
– Ryken and Great Mills.
Our deepest sympathy goes to the following families: Virginia Motley (Eastern graduate) and Robert Allen Gouker (St. Johns college, high school in DC, graduate of 48). Both passed in January. Another St. Johns grad Michael Qurik also passed and our deepest sympathy goes to his family.
Hey All – Don’t forget us!
Friday, Jan. 20, 9-1:30, The Still in Timonium, 410-560-7900 or www.thestill.net.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 10-1:30, The new Rockfish Restaurant, Annapolis/Eastport.
www.rockfishmd.com/restaurant.php. This is a new place for us (use to be Eastport Clipper). Should be fun.
Saturday, Jan.28 9-1, Dock of the Bay, Miller’s Island.
Mywebpages.comcast.net/lthanner/dock/index.html. We had a great time in May. WE don’t get much closer to Baltimore than this.
Saturday, Feb.4, 9-1:30, The Still in Timonium, 410-560-7900, www.thestill.net.
Hope to see you soon.
Steve, David & Don
Dear Guys,
You are my favorite group.
Bill
Some of my favorite eating places are: Henry’s Soul Café (Eastover & Central Ave), The Sunset, Outback, and Gary’s Grill.
SUPPORT LOCAL SPORTS!