Sweep of Youse's Orioles has other birds chirping

By Tom Worgo
explorebaltimorecounty.com

June 15, 2009

There's a word the 22-and-under Maryland Redbirds’ players probably didn't say much in the first four years of the team's existence — playoffs.

That's especially true last year when the team stumbled to a 16-26 record and last-place finish in the eight-team Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League in 2008.

Things are different this summer, though, with the Redbirds fielding a much-improved team.

The Redbirds, featuring outfielder Nick Wojnowski (Calvert Hall), third baseman Jack Carey (St. Paul’s), catcher Dustin Douglas (Loyola Blakefield), outfielder Reid Chenworth (Calvert Hall) pitcher/first baseman Ryan Rivers (Eastern Tech) and pitchers Jeff Guthridge (Calvert Hall) and Mike Dillon (Calvert Hall) should be talking about the playoffs.

Four teams from the league advance to the postseason.

''The expectations are clear,'' Redbirds general manager Mark Russo said. ''I am saying right now that we are definitely a playoff-contending ball club. We have had an infiltration of talent coming from a higher level than (college) programs we have experienced in the past.''

The Redbirds are off to a 3-1 start, having swept defending league champion Youse's Orioles, 7-6 and 6-3. They also topped Herndon, 6-3. Wojnowski and Carey hit home runs against Herndon and pitcher Mike Thomas picked up the win.

Guthridge earned the win in the 7-6 win over the Youse’s Orioles by pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings. And the other win against the Orioles, Wojnowski recorded four hits and Rivers had two RBIs.

A better attitude among the players is helping the Redbirds win games.

''We have a fire to win,'' said Douglas, who will suit up for the University of South Carolina Aiken next season after playing for the Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville last spring. ''No one will accept failure. Last year, the team accepted failure.''

One of the Redbirds’ main strengths is its balanced lineup.

''Offensively, we have legitimate talent,'' Russo said.

Rivers hit .313 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs for UNC-Charlotte this past spring. Carey, who will play at Wake Forest University in 2010, has also caught Russo’s attention.

''He adds much needed power and defensive skills as a third baseman,'' Russo said.

Chenworth (Phoenix College) and infielder Tony Jusino (Temple) also highlight the lineup. Chenworth had eight homers and 41 RBIs this season.

In addition to Guthridge and Dillon, the Redbirds boast a pitching staff that features Brandon Kline, Josh Conway and Ben White.

Kline, a University of Virginia recruit and Thomas Johnson High grad, is expected to join the team next week after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round last week. Conway was selected in the 41st round by the Atlanta Braves.

Pitching is at a premium in the league because of a slew of weekend doubleheaders.

''It’s a very high level collegiate wood bat league,'' said Russo, a Loyola High grad whose team plays most of its home games — Calvert Hall is their home field for six games as well — on an auxiliary field next to Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen.