Baseball Passion

Passion!!! Otherwise known as emotion, strong amorous feeling or desire, love, or ardor.

Wednesday afternoon Former #46 Orioles Pitcher Mike Flanagon was found dead in his home located in Monkton, Maryland.

Flanagan was known as witty, sharp, and clever. He was a great teammate, a very good pitcher and won 167 games in his career. He had a record of 23 and 9 with a ERA of 3.08 and five shutouts. The type of pitches you would see from Flanagan were a sinking fast ball and a amazing curve ball, great pick-off moves and great control. With all these talents rounded into one person, the Orioles made it to the world series in 1979, and in that same year he was give the American League Cy Young Award. Could you ask for a better pitcher to be added to your baseball memories, maybe, but in the eyes of Orioles fan, I don't think so.

He played for the Orioles from 1975 to 1987 then was traded to the Blue Jays in 1987 to 1990 and then back to the Orioles in 1991 through 1992. The last game of his career was against the Red Sox, It’s the perfect ending to Flanagan’s career. In the top of the eighth of a game Baltimore’s losing, 6-1 to Boston, Orioles manager Johnny Oates called Flanagan out to pitch is final pitches.

There is a reason why Oriole fans are honoring his death; Passion!! The love and support of memories of a great pitcher who had Passion. Flanagan will never be forgotten.

DeMatha Training Camp Report2 Defensive Backfield is Catching Up

If yesterday's practice is any indication, DeMatha will have one of its fastest defensive backfields in the school's history. They are young so expect them to make big plays and some big mistakes all at warp speed. Defensive coordinator Deno Campbell talked with US Sports Radio's Nate Lewis about the D' so far. (Coach Campbell is recovering from a collision with a player, [Joe Pa' style] which is why he did this spot sitting down)



On the other side of the ball Brent Wilkerson (TE committed to Penn State) talked about where he needs to improve to help the Stags in the run game.

Next week we will have special teams and team updates as the Stags get ready for their first live scrimmage against Westfield next Friday.

DeMatha Football Training Camp Report1...More Fun?

That is the word from players after 2 days of Training Camp. Not much can be said about this team in shells right now except there is a different energy. I saw coach (Elijah) Brooks 'Jawing' and joking a little with his players during Saturday's conditioning portion of the morning session.DeMatha standout Linebacker and future WVU Mountaineer Sam Lebbie even went so far to say, as you will see, that the players actually look forward to practice. Now you might imply that something was different or wrong with practicing under former coach Bill McGregor, but I take it from this senior that again it is just a different way to work towards the same goal: Get that championship trophy out of Olney in November.

Later this week we will give you a player update on the most important and right now according to Coach Brooks, most open competition on the field as DeMatha searches for a Quarterback to lead them in this 2011 campaign. That certainly will be the most interesting storyline coming out of camp this August and of course into the season. Stay tuned.

Speaking of staying tuned. We are tuned up and ready to bring your some kick booty football coverage on US Sports Networks this fall!
August 20th 7:55pm EST we will be broadcasting live from FireStation One in Silver Spring as the D.C. Divas will putting the cap on the 2011 season. Diva Time: The D.C. Divas Football Show.

August 25th 6:05pm EST we have ressurected the US Sports Coaches Show live from the DeMatha High School Alumni Kickoff Party. Then every Tuesday night 7-10pm EST live from Glory Days Grill in Bowie MD, with DeMatha head Coach Elijah Brooks and Bowie State Head Coach Damon Wilson.

Oh yeah..Then we actuall play some football Thursday September 1, 4:15pm EST The 2nd Annual I-95 Kickoff Classic on US Sports Radio. Whew! get ready Pigskin Heads Unite!