Aces Fold in Extra Innings, Big Train Tame Dogs on Monday Night

Aces Fold in Extra Innings Tim Yandel (Tulane) hit a two-run homer in the top of the tenth as Big Train went on to beat the Aces, 7-4, in ten innings on the road Tuesday night. More

Big Train Tame Dogs on Monday Night An early offensive outburst coupled with 6 1/3 strong innings from starter Chris Monaco (Virginia Tech) helped Big Train defeat the division rival Vienna River Dogs at Povich Field Monday night. More

Big Train Score 14 Against Dodgers

Copyright: On the Ball Photography

The Bethesda Big Train obliterated the Baltimore Dodgers 14-3 Wednesday night at Povich Field for their fourth straight win. The Big Train improved to 11-2 on the season and extended their lead in the South division to 4.5 games.

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GAME POSTPONED: Bethesda Big Train @ Alexandria Aces - TONIGHT

Tonight's game has been postponed, due to weather.

http://www.alexandriaaces.org/2015/06/aces-v-big-train-postponed
I hope to see you tomorrow, Friday, June 19, as the Rockville Express come to Alexandria to take on the Aces, at 7:00 pm, at Frank Mann Field.

Bethesda Big Train @ Alexandria Aces - TONIGHT

ACES HOME GAME, TONIGHT - 7:00 pm - Frank Mann Field (https://goo.gl/maps/1cN5G) in Alexandria!

Please click the link, below, for more info! I look forward to seeing you at the ball park, tonight!

http://www.alexandriaaces.org/2015/06/game-13-preview-aces-v-big-train

Big Train Split Two Games with T-Bolts

The Big Train split an afternoon-night doubleheader with the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts on Saturday. Bethesda is now 8-2 on the season and remains atop the South division.

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Big Train Pitches Second No-Hitter in a Row

Two Games, Two No-Hitters

Alex Calvert (South Carolina) was one of four Big Train pitchers to allow only one baserunner.

The pitching staff led the way for the second straight night, as the Bethesda Big Train staff only allowed one baserunner and did not give up a hit or a walk in its pre-season exhibition victory over the BCC All Stars 5-0 at Shirley Povich Field.. 

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Big Train No-Hits Giants in Exhibition

Drew Strotman (St Mary's College CA) throws a pitch in the first inning. One of four Big Train pitchers to throw a combined no-hittter.

Behind a lights-out performance from their pitching staff, the Big Train defeated the visiting Gaithersburg Giants 6-0 in a pre-season exhibition game Saturday night. 

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Bethesda Big Train Players In Pro Ball

Big Train Players in Pro Ball: 5/29/2015

Mike Costanzo (BT 2003) leads the Camden Riversharks in HR & RBI (photo credit Matt Leon/KYW)

Thank you to Bill Hickman for compiling and updating this information. 

                                                                                                                       

Martin Agosta, RHP (BT 2011) San Jose Giants (California Lg. - Hi A) 1-2, 4.35 ERA in 12 games.

Cody Allen, RHP (BT 2008 & 2010) Cleveland Indians (American League - MLB) 0-2, 9 saves, 6.16 ERA in 20 games. After tough start to season, his ERA has been 3.00 over last 15 games, and 2.57 over last 7. Serves as the team's closer.

Matt Bowman, RHP (BT 2010-11-12) Las Vegas 51's (PCL - AAA) 2-5, 6.98 ERA in 8 games. 

Mike Costanzo, 3B (BT 2003) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) .245, 26 hits, 7 HR, 21 RBI in
29 games. Leads team in HR and RBI.

Ryan Doran, RHP (BT 2012) Visalia Rawhide (California Lg. - Hi A) 3-1, 3.55 ERA in 12 games.

Brian Dozier, 2B (BT 2006) Minnesota Twins (American Lg. - MLB) .247, 44 hits, 9 HR, 24 RBI in 45 games. Leads major league second basemen in HR.

Chris Duffy, 1B (BT 2007) Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (American Association - IND) .241, 7 hits, 3
RBI in 7 games.

Nate Fury, RHP (BT 2010) Lakeland Flying Tigers (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 0-0, 10.80 ERA in 3 games.

Ryan Garton, RHP (BT 2011) Montgomery Biscuits (Southern Lg. - AA) 0-0, 5.87 ERA in 7 games.

Ben Griset, LHP (BT 2012) Savannah Sand Gnats (South Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) 0-0, 2.70 ERA in 5 games.

T. J. Hose, RHP (BT 2004) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) On disabled list. No record yet. 

Matt Long, OF (BT 2006) Colorado Springs SkySox (Pacific Coast Lg. - AAA) .268, 45 hits, 2 HR, 22 RBI in 43 games.

Joe Mantiply, LHP (BT 2010) Erie SeaWolves (Eastern Lg. - AA) 1-1, 3.12 ERA in 12 games.

Michael McKenry, C (BT 2004) Colorado Rockies (NL - MLB) .256, 11 hits, 1 HR, 5 RBI in 21 games.

Brennan Middleton, SS (BT 2010-12) Hagerstown Suns (South Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .208, 15 hits, 12 RBI in 21 games.

Mitch Morales, SS/2B (BT 2012) Tri-City Dust Devils (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) Season begins June 18.

Mason Morioka, C (BT 2009-10-11) Rockford Aviators (Frontier Lg. - IND) .100, 1 hit in 4 games.

Jimmy Reed, LHP (BT 2010) Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 2-2, 2.47 ERA in 7 games.

Hunter Renfroe, OF (BT 2011-12) San Antonio Missions (Texas Lg. - AA) .232, 36 hits, 2 HR, 16 RBI in 41 games.

David Wayne Russo, LHP (BT 2010-12) Rockford Aviators (Frontier Lg. - IND) 0-0, 3.00 in 3 games.

Kelly Secrest, LHP (BT 2011-12) St. Lucie Mets (Fla. State Lg. - Hi A) 3-1, 3.94 ERA in 12 games.

Danny Stienstra, 1B (BT 2008-09-10) Amarillo Thunderheads (American Association - IND) .222, 2 hits, 2 RBI in 3 games.

Justin Wright, LHP (BT 2008) Memphis Redbirds (PCL - AAA) 0-0, 3.60 ERA in 4 games; after starting season with Springfield Cardinals (Texas Lg.- AA) 1-1, 2.92 ERA in 12 games.

Big Train Players and Pro Ball and College Round-up

Big Train Players in Pro Ball Photo Courtesy of The Brewer Nation Longtime Big Train historian and volunteer Bill Hickman has done a great job of keeping up to date with all the Big Train alums who are playing professional baseball around the county. Matt Long (BT 2006) is one of those players who is having a good year starting for the Colorado Springs SkySox in the Pacific Coast League. Below you will find recent information and stat lines from every former Big Train player that is playing professional baseball.                                                                                           Martin Agosta, RHP (BT 2011) San Jose Giants (California Lg. - Hi A) 1-2, 4.43 ERA in 9 games. Cody Allen, RHP (BT 2008 & 2010) Cleveland Indians (American League - MLB) 0-2, 4 saves, 10.00 ERA in 10 games. Serves as the team's closer. Matt Bowman, RHP (BT 2010-11-12) Las Vegas 51's (PCL - AAA) 2-3, 7.30 ERA in 5 games.  Mike Costanzo, 3B (BT 2003) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) .216, 8 hits, 4 RBI in 10 games. Ryan Doran, RHP (BT 2012) Visalia Rawhide (California Lg. - Hi A) 3-0, 3.52 ERA in 6 games. Brian Dozier, 2B (BT 2006) Minnesota Twins (American Lg. - MLB) .243, 26 hits, 2 HR, 14 RBI in 27 games. Chris Duffy, 1B (BT 2007) Ottawa Champions (Canadian-American Lg. - IND) Season begins May 22. Nate Fury, RHP (BT 2010) Lakeland Flying Tigers (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) no record yet. Ryan Garton, RHP (BT 2011) In extended spring training with the Tampa Bay Rays. T. J. Hose, RHP (BT 2004) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) On disabled list. No record yet.  Alex Hudak, OF (BT 2011) Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) On inactive list. No record yet. Matt Long, OF (BT 2006) Colorado Springs SkySox (Pacific Coast Lg. - AAA) .290, 29 hits, 1 HR, 11 RBI in 25 games. Joe Mantiply, LHP (BT 2010) Erie SeaWolves (Eastern Lg. - AA) 0-1, 5.19 ERA in 7 games. Michael McKenry, C (BT 2004) Colorado Rockies (NL - MLB) .250, 7 hits, 2 RBI in 12 games. Brennan Middleton, SS (BT 2010-12) Hagerstown Suns (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .162, 6 hits, 5 RBI in 11 games. Mitch Morales, SS/2B (BT 2012) Tri-City Dust Devils (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) Season begins June 18. Mason Morioka, C (BT 2009-10-11) Rockford Aviators (Frontier Lg. - IND) Season begins May 15. Jimmy Reed, LHP (BT 2010) Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 2-1, 2.20 ERA in 4 games. Hunter Renfroe, OF (BT 2011-12) San Antonio Missions (Texas Lg. - AA) .208, 20 hits, 1 HR, 10 RBI in 24 games. Kelly Secrest, LHP (BT 2011-12) St. Lucie Mets (Fla. State Lg. - Hi A) 2-1, 2.45 ERA in 8 games. Danny Stienstra, 1B (BT 2008-09-10) Amarillo Thunderheads (American Association - IND) Season begins May 21. Justin Wright, LHP (BT 2008) Springfield Cardinals (Texas Lg.- AA) 1-1, 3.38 ERA in 10 games.

BT College Round Up: 5/8/2015 Photo Courtesy of STARS Baseball This week's College Round Up will feature stat lines of some of the college athletes who are playing for Big Train this summer. Some of the numbers are very impressive, including Logan Farrar ('13-'15) who has a .321 batting average for the VCU Rams.  Read More

2015 Big Train Roster Released!; Season Passes on Sale; College Round-Up

2015 Big Train Roster

We are officially two months away from Big Train's opening night at Shirley Povich Field which is a perfect time to release our roster for the 2015 season.  

We caught up with Big Train's manager, Sal Colangelo, to get an idea of what we can expect from this year's Big Train team.  Sal said, "the roster is shaping up really nicely". When asked about the players on the upcoming team, Colangelo mentioned that he usually likes to return 6-10 guys who understand "what Big Train is all about, understand the culture, the community, and understand what Big Train is trying to accomplish here". 

Colangelo stated that he looks for his returning players to bring leadership to the field and work hard everyday.  While some new players are young and inexperienced, Sal stated that he has added new players for this summer that will bring a polished and mature attitude to the team.  

To check out who is returning to the team and which new players have been added to the roster, click here. 

BT College Round-Up: 4/3/2015

Sean Labsan (BT '14) pitches his 9th strikeout of the game against #6 UCF

This week's college round-up tells the tail of the seventh week of the college baseball season for our Big Train players. 

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Big Train College Round Up and Players In MLB and On the way!

BT College Round-Up: 3/13/2015 Brandon Lowe (BT '14) is batting .378 this year for the Terps We are now a month into the season, and the snow is finally subsiding on the East Coast.  College baseball players all around the country are hitting their groove and showing to the world what type of player they are.  This round up will highlight the important stat lines of Big Train players on their college teams. Read More

Big Train Players in MLB Cody Allen (BT '08, '10) warming up at Indians' spring training The Bethesda Big Train has seven former players who are contributing for their respective Major League Baseball team in spring training. These players are working hard to make it on the official big league roster for the regular season. Spring Training provides these athletes with the opportunity to face Major Leaguers, giving management an idea of how the player can perform against the top talent. Brian Dozier (BT '06) played last season in the majors for the Minnesota Twins. His season included a trip to the Home Run Derby at the All Star Event. So far this spring, Dozier is 5/8 at the plate including a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Dozier is poised to be the starter at second base for the Twins. Cody Allen (BT '08, '10) is looking to be the full-time closer for the Cleveland Indians. Last season, he had his lowest ERA in his three seasons in the Big Leagues at 2.07 in 76 games. This spring, Allen has pitched two innings, allowing no runs on two hits. Michael McKenry (BT '04) has been in and out of the starting lineup since his MLB debut in 2010. Now, he is in his second stint with the Colorado Rockies, where he hit .315 last year as a backup catcher. So far in the spring, McKenry is 4/9 with a double and two RBI. Matt Bowman (BT '10-'12) has spent most of his career in the minors. As a pitcher on the Mets spring training roster, Bowman pitched two innings, allowing no runs on two hits in his first outing. Joe Mantiply (BT '10) was invited to participate in spring training with the Detroit Tigers. He has already recorded his first save this spring. Hunter Renfroe (BT '11-'12) is considered to be one of the most highly touted prospects in not only the San Diego Padres system, but in all of Major League Baseball. This spring, Renfroe has scored two runs in six at-bats. Matt Long (BT '06) has spent his minor league career in the Los Angeles Angels' farm system. Over this past winter, he was traded to the Dodgers, and then immediately traded again to the Milwaukee Brewers. As an outfielder for the Brewers this spring, Long is 1/4 with a walk and a stolen base. It is still early spring, but look for these seven players to continue their hard play as they hope to continue playing for their Major League teams.

Bethesda Big Train 2014 Manager Awards Announced!

2014 Manager Awards Announced!  The 2014 Bethesda Big Train season is officially over so it is now time to announce the winners of the annual Sal Colangelo Manager Awards.  Most Outstanding Pitcher: Kit Scheetz (Virginia Tech) was a force on the mound this season, ending the year with a 5-1 record and a 1.89 earned run average.  Scheetz pitched three straight games during the season without giving up a single run and recorded 31 strikeouts and only 6 walks in his 7 starts.  Hustle Award:  Cody Brown (Mississippi State) proved that he deserved the Hustle Award by bringing high energy and working hard both on and off the field.  Brown played with 100% effort in 35 games during the 2014 season and recorded a .299 batting average with 6 doubles and 4 home runs.  Top Defensive Player:  With an amazing range and unmatched closing speed, Logan Farrar (VCU) proved himself to be an everyday outfielder playing center field for the Big Train in 2014.  Without recording an error during his 42 games, Farrar had 80 putouts and was also considered for Big Train's Most Outstanding Hitter Award, batting .304 on the season with 3 triples and 25 runs batted in.  Most Outstanding Hitter: Stephen Alemais (Tulane) not only broke the Big Train regular season record for most stolen bases in a season but was also one of the best hitters in the Cal Ripken League.  Alemais led the Big Train in at-bats with 150 and led the entire league in hits with 48. Alemais ended the year ranked 7th in the league in batting average at .320 and 6th in runs scored with 28.  Team MVP:  Brandon Lowe (Maryland) arrived to Bethesda with high expectations after helping the Maryland Terrapins reach the NCAA Super Regional.  It only took a few games for Lowe to exceed those expectations and by the end of the season, it was clear that this award was very well deserved.  Despite missing the first 12 games of the season, Lowe ended the year tied for first in the league in runs batted in with 29 and 5th in the league in batting average with .329.  He also hit 4 home runs including a grand slam against the Express on July 12.  Along with his superior hitting ability, Lowe was also a very reliable fielder, recording only 2 errors and a .969 fielding percentage in 17 games at second base.

2014 CRCBL Standings    TEAM W L % GB BIG TRAIN  31 9 .775  - Baltimore Redbirds 25 15 .625 6 Rockville Express 24 16 .600 7 Gaithersburg Giants 23 17 .575 8 Alexandria Aces 23 17 .575 8 Youse's Orioles 18 22 .450 13 Vienna River Dogs 18 22 .450 13 FCA Herndon Braves 17 23 .425 14 D.C. Grays 15 25 .375 16 Baltimore Dodgers 13 27 .325 18 SS-Takoma TBolts 13 27 .325 18

MoCo Ripken Players Hit Home Run for Manna

Manna Food Executive Director, Jackie DeCarlo, presents the Feed the Hungry Challenge Trophy to Homer. On Saturday July 12, nearly 80 college baseball players from across the county collected 3,940 pounds of food -- nearly two tons -- for the Manna Food Center. The Bethesda Big Train won the Fifth Annual Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League's Feed the Hungry Challenge by collecting 1,198 pounds of food. The Rockville Express collected the most at a single Giant Food Store with 999 pounds. Players from the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and the Gaithersburg Giants also contributed to the nearly two tons of food collected. In the five years of the competition, the college players have collected 21,622 pounds of food -- more than ten tons of food for Montgomery County's neighbors in need. Thanks to Manna Food Center, Giant Food, the Gazette, and Text Design for supporting this community service program of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. Jackie DeCarlo with the Big Train and Express before their July 12 game. Here's the history of the Feed the Hungry Challenge over all five years (TOTAL: 21,622 pounds): 2014 - July 12 Bethesda 1,198 Silver Spring-Takoma 1,084 Rockville 999* Gaithersburg 659 TOTAL: 3,940 pounds * Note that Rockville was denied access to one of two stores 2013 - July 13 Rockville 1,858 Bethesda 964 Gaithersburg 890 Silver Spring-Takoma 850 TOTAL: 4,562 pounds 2012 - July 7 Silver Spring-Takoma 1,863 Rockville 1,621 Bethesda 1,356 TOTAL: 4,840 pounds 2011 - June 18 Rockville 1,660 Bethesda 1,562 Silver Spring-Takoma 1,432 TOTAL: 4,654 pounds 2010 - June 12 Rockville 1,658 Bethesda 1,166 Silver Spring-Takoma 802 TOTAL: 3,626 pounds