Another Player Takes the Field

It becomes official tomorrow, but early press reports have already tipped tout le monde of the newest entry into the "Festival of Speed" next Labor Day.

Tomorrow (September 1st) at the Inner Harbor at noon, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake will announce that the American Le Mans Series will add their event to the Baltimore Grand Prix.

The American Le Mans Series, which will consist of ten races in 2011, is a different kind of racing in different vehicles.  It has an entirely different constituency and fan base, so the presence of this event will enhance the experience for Indy Car aficionatos while drawing in additional spectators for another race.

This add-on doesn't mean additional construction or further delays -- it will be incorporated into the existing race course and schedule.  The only thing it brings more of is $$$$, via the traveling teams and their followers.

Here's the revised course.  It has been tightened up considerably with greater use of the Camden Yards complex.  Pit Row will abutt the length of the historic Warehouse, with the access turns directly in front of Camden Station.  Exit from the pit land and one stretch of the course will take the drivers down Lee Street, between the two stadiums.

The popular paddock area will be in the Convention Center (which will also feature a two block observation deck overlooking Conway,) and family activities will be staged outside Home Plate Plaza in Lot A.

This will look stunning on television, with all the aerial footage focused on the action taking place among those recognizable Baltimore landmarks.

We'll be hearing a lot about the Baltimore Grand Prix in the coming year.  Tune in to their website frequently for news about the schedule, activities, and participants.

Countdown to Crab Classic

Although a native Marylander (and lifelong Navy fan,) I had no idea the football game between our flagship university and the Naval Academy had a name -- The Crab Bowl Classic.

Of course, for most of my adult life there WAS no game between the two Division I schools only 30 miles apart.  The natural rivalry was iced more than forty years ago, and has been held only once since then -- to a near-capacity crowd in 2005, at M&T Bank Stadium.  On Labor Day, September 6th, at 4:00 PM, it will take place here again and televised nationally on ESPN. 

At Camden Yards, we couldn't be more excited!

This year, a trophy to be awarded the winner of this intrastate matchup was commissioned by the Touchdown Club of Annapolis .  I tried to find a picture, but it's under wraps until the presentation ceremony.  It is described as a pewter bowl with pewter crabs atop an ebony stand, with the winners of each Maryland-Navy contest (beginning in 1905) engraved on the front.  Since it stays with the victor, it will hopefully will inspire the teams to meet more regularly.

I would be remiss in celebrating this upcoming event without revisiting the reason for the hiatus.  In retrospect it may sound silly, but it was a deadly serious diss to decision makers.  Enough to last for forty years.

Navy and Maryland used to meet regularly, with games alternating between Annapolis (as the one depicted above) or College Park.  Because of their popularity, they occasionally played in larger venues in Baltimore or Washington.  In 1963, Roger Staubach's Heisman Trophy year, Navy clobbered Maryland 42-7 to a raucus celebration in Annapolis.

The following year, the game was played in College Park, and Maryland was ready for payback.  Some felt it was extreme, as the line took special vengence on Jolly Roger. 

After one late hit that had the Brigade of Midshipmen roaring disapproval, the Maryland defender turned to them and flashed an obscene gesture.  Later in the game, after another penalty and another outcry, he did it again. A fired up Maryland team came from behind and beat Navy in the final minutes.

In 1964, such an act of defiance was not within the code of sportsmanship.  Officials at the Naval Academy fulfilled their contractual obligation to play Maryland one more year, and vowed never to share the turf with those ruffians again.

Despite annual entrities by beloved State Comptroller (and Maryland alum) Louis Goldstein to renew the rivalry in a neutral site, Navy wouldn't budge. Until his dying day, Louis held hope that eventually a game would be held, but he wasn't around to see it.

It wasn't until the return of Ralph Friedgen as coach that the subject was raised again.  As a Maryland recruit, he was in the stands that day in 1964 and was impressed with the intensity of the rivalry.  He thought such a game would be good for the program and good for the state.  A serendipitous meeting with Navy's colorful Paul Johnson (coincidentally, at a Touchdown Club dinner) got the conversation going.  There were enough new faces around Ricketts Hall to see beyond the long memories of the 60's insult, and a game was scheduled for 2005 at M&T Bank Stadium.

As befitting the two teams, it was an epic struggle, won by Maryland again on a come from behind score.

The game was such a success the teams agreed to meet again and eventually found 2010 to work for both of them.  As in 2005, it is the first game for each school.  Maryland is considered the "home" team this year, but in Baltimore, they are both embraced as our own.  In fact, we'd like to have them here every year if we could.

Also in the stands that day in 1964 was Midshipman John Morton, Class of '67.   He's now the chairman of Maryland Stadium Authority, and he couldn't be happier to be at the helm when our facilities host this classic on Monday.

Mr. Morton is among those who believe a regular series benefits both schools and the State of Maryland.  He relished the 2005 game and observed that this meeting illustrated that good sportsmanship exists within each institution and the past should not longer serve to be an anchor to the resumption of this natural rivalry.

He'll be there Monday with classmates, shipmates, families and friends.  Navy games are always occasions for reunion and reminiscence.  While that finger-flipper from Maryland may be a conversation starter, it will be lost in all the camaraderie, excitement, and other positives of this event.

Yes, It Matters. Big Time!

I used to be one of those who poo-pooed pre-season games.  They don't count in the standings, reasoned I.  Statistics don't apply.  So who really cares other than the depth chart junkies?

Now that I work here (and assist with sports marketing) I have a far keener appreciation for pre-season games and those to whom they matter.  Because in the game of economic impact, pre-season games are valuable performers.

I've been here a few hours now, and I've watched how our corner of the city -- not just the stadium complex -- has come to life.  There were a few Giant-clad fans wandering around Washington Boulevard at noon, so I'm guessing they probably came to town for the game and will stay in a local hotel.  The outdoor seating at my favorite watering hole beyond center field is already filling up on what would otherwise be a relatively quiet Saturday.

A Nostalgic Refrain

A funny thing happened last October when the Barry Levinson ESPN documentary "The Band That Wouldn't Die" was screened at the stadium for old timers and long time football fans.

At the conclusion of the inspiring story of how the Baltimore Colts Band stayed together through the dark days after the Mayflower flight, the Marching Ravens played the old Colts fight song (one of the few things that didn't leave town with the team.)  To the surprise of many, the crowd sang the still-remembered words along with them.   Like the band, it seems the iconic anthem so associated with the glory days on 33rd didn't die, either.

Ready, Set.... Jam!

While the past was grand, the future looks even brighter: formerly the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals, the newly revamped IHRA Maryland Nitro Jam still promises to be a fan favorite, now with a bigger emphasis on the entertainment and format of the event.  And the new face of the Nitro Jam makes its series debut one of the premier racing venues on the east coast- Maryland International Raceway!

Weekend Wrap-Up

A little rain wasn't going to slow these athletes down. Maryland was booming with sporting events this past weekend.  Two notable events were the Cal Ripken World Series and the Aflac Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon.

In Aberdeen, the Ocala Highlands team from Florida played Mexico in the World Championship Sunday afternoon.  Ocala Highlands beat the Ohio Valley Regional Champs from Lexington, KY on Saturday in the Semi Finals with a 3-2 win to earn them the U.S. Championship Crown, and a spot in the big game.  Mexico defeated the Dominican Republic with a stunning 18-0 win, clinching the International Division Crown for the eighth consecutive year.

Game On, All Across the State!!

The Ravens and Redskins won’t be the only athletes waging war on the field this weekend, as Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Championship Weekend, AFLAC Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon and the finale of the Cal Ripken World Series are in town and making noise.

MLL Championship Weekend officially kicks off Friday at 2:30 pm at the Severn School fields for two practice sessions for semifinalists Chesapeake Bayhawks, Boston Cannons, Long Island Lizards and Denver Outlaws.Then meet all your favorite MLL stars down at the City Dock at 6pm for the MLL Championship Kick Off Party!! For up to the minute news & info, visit MLL Championship Weekend and to read the full low-down, check out What’s Up? magazines story.

Baseball is Alive in Aberdeen

Its almost time for the Iron Man himself to pass out the trophy to the winners of the Cal Ripken World Series, which is the culmination of the Babe Ruth Youth Baseball league. Thousands of spectators have converged on Ripken Academy in Aberdeen to watch the 16 final teams compete to become World Champions.  There are 10 U.S. teams, and 6 International teams participating.

And the best part is that all games are free, including the championship, which will be played August 22, as long as mother nature cooperates (you do however have to request tickets for the big game).


The tournament kicked off on Friday afternoon with a skills competition.  Cal Ripken Jr. took the first couple of pitches to show the kids a few tricks! The State Farm Home Run Derby was played in Cal Sr.'s yard (our own Camden Yards replica).  Although tickets were free the event still raised an astonishing $22,300 for the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.

Third Tree From the Corner

It was at least five hours before kickoff when these stalwarts set up their first tailgate of the season.  It was all there -- lounge chairs, cooler, boom box, cornhole boards.  Even a canopy in case of rain.

I asked the cami clad duo how many years they'd been tailgating, and they couldn't remember.  But this is always their spot.  Third tree from the corner, Lot A.  Their friends can always find them here.

They were expecting a few buddies later on.  The full complement of their tailgate crew wouldn't arrive until shortly before game time because (imagine this) they had to work.

These two longtime Ravens fans (that's a Jim Harbough #4 jersey on the left) were savoring the beautiful weather as they sipped the suds, caught up on news, and speculated on what they know will be a great season.

Counting down . . .

It's almost showtime.  I've been watching the preparations from afar all week, but did a quick run through at M&T to see the finishing touches being put on the stadium before tomorrow night's debut.

The production trucks, which arrived Monday, have now been positioned into their game day slots.  Some are in the stadium and ones with satellites are in the lots closest to the field.

Our new turf  (feeling a tad more comfortable since its workout Saturday) is getting its warpaint.  That's the grounds crew (yes, a synthetic surface requires grooming, too) spray painting the team emblem on the 50 yard line.

On a day like today, the special formula (water-soluable, but rain resistant) paint will dry in about 10 minutes, but that didn't excuse our unauthorized incursion on the field.  After royally reprimanding us for the faux pas, the head groundskeeper showed how the design is sketched with a template (note the black lines) and then filled with a hand held airbrush.  By tomorrow night, the artwork will be ready to withstand the trampling.  By the time Navy and Maryland roll in on Labor Day, the emblem will have been treated with a solvent and the paint easily washed away.

Rave On!

At 8:00 AM on a Saturday morning, I thought I'd have the place pretty much to myself while planting some Russian sage on the hill above the light rail at M&T. 

Wrong.  Even though the Ravens open practice wouldn't begin until noon, there was a steady stream of jersey-clad fans making their way to the gates at that hour.  (I later learned our operations staff found them camped on the steps at 6:30 AM.)

By 10:00 AM the lots were nearly full, the light rail was packed and folks were --- yes --- tailgating in the shade of the overpasses.

By 11:00 AM, the band was playing in Unitas Plaza, cheerleaders were flying through the air, traffic was crawling on Russell Street and vendors were hawking their wares.   I rolled up the garden hose and fell in with the parade.  This was clearly a happening I couldn't miss.

It's hard to explain the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd.  It's August, 85 degrees and there isn't an opponent in sight (unless you count the White Sox, and they stashed away in the Hilton.)  But these folks acted like they were on their way to the Super Bowl.   In a way, maybe they are.  For those fans, today was the first step in the journey.

Questionable Passes Thrown on the Pitch

International soccer had its second go-round at M&T Bank Stadium this past weekend. But before the players even stepped on the pitch, they took a little bus ride up the road to Carroll County.

The day before the match, City players and coaches made their way up to Ravens Training Camp in Westminster where they got to mingle with the likes of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and avid soccer fan/player Trevor Pryce. And after a few pointers from the kicking team, a players attempted field goals...with soccer balls…from the 50-yard line…in street shoes!! To see for yourself, go to City’s website: US Tour: When City met the Ravens

Also, that night the City boys visited the soccer-crazed pub Slainte’s- make sure to check out that story while on City’s site!! Slainte is latest ‘Heart of the City’

Back to Match Day: Baltimore was Manchester City’s last leg on a whirl-wind 4 game US tour as part of their preseason; Inter Milan arrived right off of the jet from Italy to begin their pre-season US tour in Baltimore. The match may have been dubbed a ‘friendly’, however as we all saw it was anything but: a couple scuffles in the first half resulted in three yellow cards and one unfortunate (and suspect) red card against City’s Patrick Vieira- about 25 minutes into the game!! This changed the pace of the whole match, as City had to play a man down the rest of the match. Side note: Red cards are not usually given in friendlies and produced quite an uproar with the crowd, as Inter Milan took full advantage of the situation.