July 17, 2006

Monday night was the Cal Ripken Sr. League’s All-Star Game at Shirley Povich Field, home of the Bethesda Big Train. The night featured the league’s best players in a game prefaced by a Home Run Derby. The Derby was an exhilarating display of majestic blasts, while the game itself ended in a tie, reminding baseball fans of the controversial 2002 Major League All-Star game. In our game, however, everyone was a winner, because the fans saw an exciting game played by future major leaguers.

Young fans from all over Maryland participated in the Home Run Derby by shagging baseballs that failed to clear the fences. There must have been 20 ShagKids of all ages running around the outfield chasing balls and making the occasional catch. Sam, a 14 year old Big Train fan from Kensington, had the best catch of the night while the Bombers’ Chris Nann hit in the final round. The youngster proudly explained to me that he read the ball off the bat, identified the best angle to the ball, sprinted to left-center and watched the ball into his glove, all the while surrounded by smaller children (most of whom were no taller than the height of his waist). His catch should be on ESPN’s top 10 plays of the week, it was that good.

The game, like many Cal Ripken Sr. League games, was broadcast over the internet by US Sports Radio. I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams in the top half of the 7th inning when I played the role of color commentator alongside play-by-play guy Nate Lewis. Recognizing my lack of experience, Nate helped me through an uneventful half inning. The broadcast is a great way for CRSCBL fans to catch up on their teams’ games when they cannot attend. Players’ parents love to listen in and check their kids' progress.

Fans showed their loyalty by wearing their team’s apparel and cheering for their favorite players. The night was filled with team pride, long home runs and Cal Ripken Sr. All-Star Funnel Cakes. A perfect evening.

Andy Ireland is the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League's resident ''blog-man.'' This summer he is touring the ballparks of the CRSCBL and recording the coolest parts of the game, both on and off the field. Be sure to check back for the latest Base-Blog! E-mail Andy Ireland.