Bats 1 - Bikers 1

If there is one thing we’ve learned from this summer of soccer, it’s that even a tie can be considered a win. Such is the case with the decision handed down from DNR concerning the long disputed Indigo Tunnel and the efforts to incorporate it into a spectacular feature of the Western Maryland Rail Trail.

As readers of this blog already know, this extension of the popular trail running through the far western part of the state would take visitors through a number of 100 year old tunnels and across trestles spanning the Potomac. It had been in the planning stage for some time when biologists discovered the long-abandoned, 4,350-foot-long Indigo Tunnel just outside Pearre was the largest bat hibernaculum on the East Coast.

Not just any bats, mind you. Of the 1,400 bats who winter in Indigo, there are several species represented. When a few from the endangered list were found snoozing, the Feds immediately stepped in to protect them.

Mariners in Ship Shape

Baltimore is alive with football fever, but it isn't all about the Raven's joining up at training camp today. The Baltimore Mariners won the American Indoor Football Association's (AIFA) Championship yesterday, in front of a crowd of 6,075 fans.

The Mariners joined the AIFA only three years ago, and already hold the record as the only team in AIFA history to go undefeated.  As well as bringing home the city's 8th pro-football title.

It wasn't all smooth sailing though, the Mariners fell behind 16-0 in the first 6 minutes of the game. Their opponents the Wyoming Cavalry, have played in the last three championships, but have been unable to take the trophy home. Although the Mariner's boat was rocked a little in the first quarter, they were able to pull out a stunning 57-42 win!

As the AIFA gets some years under its belt, the fan base will follow.  Its a proud moment to see the Mariners representing our town so well!

Great Job Guys! Look for us in the crowd next season!

Flacco Pulls Through for. . . . Shorebirds?

That's right.  The word from the Shore is that first baseman Mike Flacco (younger brother of You Know Who) went three for three last night against the Lakewood Blue Claws and drove in the winning run.

Team Terry just visited the Shore and paid a visit to Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, and were very impressed by the attractive multi-use stadium in Salisbury.

Minor league ball is a big draw in Maryland.  Not only do we have nice community stadiums that offer families the opportunity to see the Orioles of Tomorrow in an affordable setting, but the teams themselves have interesting promotions that make them even more fun to attend.

This week, the Frederick Keys are continuing their  local celebrity bobblehead series as Bryan Voltaggio, chef of Volt in downtown Frederick, will be featured with the first 1,000 fans receiving the bobblehead giveaway tomorrow.  Voltaggio gained national recognition as a finalist on the Top Chef reality series, a competition which his brother eventually won.

Volt will also run a concession stand that will raise money for the charity Share Our Strength that night.

So whether it's in Frederick, Hagerstown, Waldorf, Bowie, or Aberdeen, the minors of Maryland have major impact on quality of life and tourism.  And they are great facilities for a multitude of events that bring economic dollars to Maryland.

That time of year again . . .

It's still awfully hot here at the Warehouse, so I was surprised to see someone decked out in full Todd Heap regalia wandering outside M&T stadium.  Until I got closer and noticed . . .

 .. . . it really IS Todd Heap!!

Seems he was shooting some kind of promo, with the stadium in the background.  Naturally, the producers had no time for groupies or paparazzi, so they shooed me away.  But not before I got this shot of Todd rehydrating.

Yes, even MSA employees get giddy and star struck at the sight of our heroes.  Particularly when we're all counting the days until we welcome them back to the Yards.

Training camp begins today in Westminster, but only the rookies have to report.  So I guess Todd can afford a few retakes before he heads for the hills.

Shore 'Nuff

The Merry Marketeers are mustering and shortly Team Terry will be storming the bridge for the Tour de Shore. 

Stay tuned . . . .

From Whom All Blessings Flow

We received some good news this week about a groundbreaking on the C&O Canal.   Big Slackwater (don’t you love those colorful names?) lock and dam, closed for several years due to serious erosion from the Potomac, will be restored – thanks mostly to a federal stimulus grant, funding from the state, and hard work from the local representatives and visitors bureau who made getting this segment repaired a priority project.

As has been noted before, the C&O Canal is more than a historic landmark, it is a popular tourist attraction – particularly in the sports and recreation community.  Hundreds of thousand of visitors trek various segments every year.

Unfortunately, there is a bend in the Potomac in Washington County where periodic flooding took out the path. The detour to the next lock a mile upstream was particularly treacherous, but the environmental challenges for restoring the path had a hefty price tag of $17 million. Not something the Friends, County or even State could finance by themselves.

Enter the Feds to do the heavy lifting. With the largest portion of the project funded by Economic Recovery dollars, the ambitious reconstruction will be underway soon and this dramatic scenic byway will again be accessible to trail travelers.

It is partnerships involving multiple entities that make many of our quality of life and competitive facilities possible.   In Maryland, Project Open Space $$$$ are frequently leveraged with Transportation Enhancement Funds (that’s another federal piggy bank) to develop trails, since they are both linear parks and an alternative transportation option.

There was more good news on that front last week, when Governor O’Malley announced the final $4 million necessary to extend the Jones Falls Trail from the Cylburn Arboretum to Mt. Washington had been secured.   It is likely to be at least 18 months before the walking and bicycle route is underway, but community support and financial commitments were two big hurdles to be addressed and both were met.

The trail currently extends 4.25 miles from Penn Station to the Woodbury light rail at Clipper Mill, where it passes a number of historic mills, the Round Falls overlook and Baltimore Street Car Museum. Another segment winds through Druid Hill Park by the Maryland Zoo and around the reservoir, where it is a popular access for the many sports activities that occur there.

When complete, the Jones Falls Trail will extend 12 miles, from the Inner Harbor to Lake Roland at the Robert E. Lee Park.

Which brings another piece of good news, and more largess.

Robert E. Lee Park, a 453 acre gem surrounding Lake Roland, was a favorite of the four-footed set for years. Before falling into disrepair which necessitated its closing, Lee was considered the largest and most popular dog recreational facility in the area.

Lee Park has the curious distinction of being City property (and site of the first municipal water source) but being physically located in the County. It was actually a local community association that suggested the County take over management and restoration of the park.

After working out a lease agreement with the City, Baltimore County needed $6 million to make repairs and improvements to the neglected facility. These include reconstructing the pedestrian bridge, (once a railroad trestle,) restoring existing trails, adding parking, and developing up a secure dog park. (Fido activities will be confined to a specific, fenced area in the future.)

Baltimore County ponied up half the funds; the State of Maryland came through with the other half via the bond bill route. Work has already begun on the pedestrian bridge and addressing some environmental challenges due to erosion.

So when travelers on the Jones Falls Trail reach the Lake Roland terminus, Robert E. Lee Park offers a natural extension and more activities to enjoy.

Let’s give thanks to those On High who help leverage community resources and bring good ideas to fruition for everyone’s benefit.  We couldn't do it without them.

An Unexpected Windfall

The latest issue of Press Box is out, so I snagged one while walking to work. I love Press Box because I always learn something new, or look at something differently, by reading it. Today I gained appreciation for the big bucks associated with an aspect of the sports industry I’d never thought about – collecting sports memorabilia.

The article is about the upcoming Sports Collectors Convention being held in Baltimore August 4-8. Since we have all sorts of conventions (including the always-entertaining Otakon,  which should make interesting light rail conversation for the soccer fans,) I didn’t give much thought about the kind of impact it might have on the hospitality industry or how it related to real-time sports.

When I saw the kind of eye-popping stats produced by the visitors and participants at this hoedown, I was amazed.   Because it’s one more reason why sports in Maryland is big business, it’s appropriate to share them with you here.

Consider this: 35-40,000 people will attend over the five days. Between exhibitors, fans, and celebrity guests that adds up to about 4,500 hotel rooms per day.   Spin offs include restaurant meals, services, car rentals, and retail purchases.  Birds are at home during that stretch, so you can bet there will be an influx at the box office from those out of towners eager to visit our iconic ballpark, which is directly across from the convention hotel.

Another ancillary event taking place in a uniquely Baltimore (and on-site) venue is the Heritage Auction Gallery’s live event at Sports Legends Museum, August 5th. This will feature a number of Baltimore-centric memorabilia, including some Babe Ruth relics and a 1958 Baltimore Colt team-signed football.

At least 75 former athletes, including Oriole and Colt Hall of Famers, will be in attendance. The 50's era Topps baseball card of Cal is a commemorative, recognizing his 50th birthday this year. This is part of a special set that will be included in a VIP package at the convention.

Once again, Baltimore was a good choice for this first convention held on the East Coast in seven years because it is a recognized sports town, in a central location, with a downtown Convention Center close to the interstate, airport, light rail and Amtrak. 

Check out the article for more information and be sure to stay tuned for more details. This will be a great celebration of professional sports in a family friendly atmosphere.