Windup . . . and the pitch!!!

Not all pitches in New York are taking place at the World Series.  Team Terry has a big one coming up next week, and fortunately they have a lot in their repertoire when they take the mound.

Calling the shots on the other end is the consortium putting together the US bid to host a future World Cup championship.  The World Cup series includes preliminary rounds, involving multiple countries and even more tourists ($$$$$) over many weeks.  It´s a big deal.  Stakes are very high and competition is very tough.

Baltimore (using multiple facilities throughout the area) made it past the first two cuts.  The city and its stadium have already been evaluated for accommodations, convenience, attractions and many of the primary considerations for staging major high profile events.  The bid book assembled by Team Terry was very impressive, with contributions from the City, Visit Baltimore, Ravens, and several of the same soccer advocates responsible for bringing the Chelsea FC-AC Milan match here.

The next round will take place in New York, where we wind up, take aim at the stike zone, and hurl our best stuff at the organizing body responsible for assembling the best possible bid package for FIFA.   Fortunately, while many of the other hot prospects can only talk about plans to meet important criteria, we already have a few in the win column.

One of the elements considered most important by the decision makers is sustainability.  That´s right -- the most overused word of 2009  (successor to "green," voted most overused word of 2008.)  It surprised me, too, but Terry explained that environmental consciousness is very big in the international community.

While many poo-poo the word, (or haven´t a clue what it means,) sustainability is where we shine, thanks to the commitment of Governor O´Malley and Mayor Dixon.  Baltimore and Maryland not only have plans in place, they´ve achieved many of their early goals.

One example is the recent Baltimore Marathon, the first "green" (that word again) event of its kind.  Everything from race gear made from recycled plastic bottles (the thought makes me itch, but UnderArmour pulled it off) to grinding waste into mulch, donating old sneakers, and using hundreds of volunteers to pick up every scrap of trash for recycling, reduced the event´s carbon footprint to virtually nil.  It was a remarkable achievement, and something the organizers, sponsors and city are rightly proud.

Transportation is another major focus of the upcoming pitch. Not just our international airport, interstate highways and Amtrak access.  Those were vetted the first time around.  Now they are interested in public and alternative transportation.  Which is why those trails and bike paths are so important.  Our European friends put a major premium on cycling and walking as sustainable transportation modes, with mass transit close behind.  All those trails and designated routes play an important part in connecting our facilities with light rail, bus, and the airport.

The pitch will include the initiatives of Governon O´Malley to reduce energy consumption and increase watershed protection, which you can already see taking place at Camden Yards.

So while it may not seem like the most compelling argument for coming to Maryland, be assured that the decision makers for this event (and many others) put sustainability near the top of the list when evaluating potential sites.  As annoying as the word maý be, it is a concept the world of sports is embracing as a good example they hope their fans will follow.

We won´t know how well our pitch goes over until late this year, but we have no doubt Team Terry has the stuff to smoke the opposition when they take the field in New York next week.