Big Train Bats Blast Braves! ASG Tonight at Povich; BT Fan on a Mission

Big Train Bats Blast Braves, Head into Break at 25-7   The Big Train traveled to Herndon on Tuesday to take on the FCA Herndon Braves. Riding a five-game winning streak, the team was looking to go into the All-Star Break on a high note. | Box Score: W, 11-4 Brock Larson (San Francisco) started for the Big Train, and gave up three runs (two earned) in four innings on three hits and three walks while striking out four batters. The Braves got on the board first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the second inning. However, the Big Train would respond quickly. In the top of the third inning, a great bunt by David Del Grande (Sacramento St.) forced an error that allowed Mike Miedzianowski (High Point) to score for the Big Train. An RBI single by Kyle Wernicki (Virginia Tech) and a sacrifice fly by Ty France (San Diego State) pushed across two more runs, suddenly turning a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead for Bethesda. In the fourth inning, Tim Yandel (Tulane) crossed the plate for the Big Train after reaching on a single and stealing a base, to extend the lead to 4-2. The Braves got one run back in the bottom of the fourth to make the score 4-3, but the Big Train continued to score. Kit Scheetz (Virginia Tech) - pictured above - came in to relieve Larson in the bottom of the fifth, and pitched a scoreless inning out of the gate, setting up the Big Train offense to start pulling away. The bats did just that in the following innings, scoring runs seven runs in the last four innings. In the sixth, RBIs from Wernicki and Tucker Tobin (George Mason) added some cushion to the Big Train lead, extending it to 6-3. A mammoth home run by Johnny Cole (Coastal Carolina) made the score 7-3 before RBI walks by Cole and Yandel extended the lead to 9-3 in the eighth. The offense continued to pad the lead in the ninth, as RBIs from France andRyne Willard (Tallahassee CC) made the score 11-3. The lead would prove insurmountable for the Braves, as they plated just one run in the bottom half of the ninth inning. The Big Train enter the All-Star Break with a 25-7 record and hold a five-game lead over the Gaithersburg Giants for first place in the CRCBL. The Big Train will host the CRCBL All-Star Game on Wednesday at Povich Field! There will be six players representing the Big Train in the mid-summer classic, so come on out to see the best that the league has to offer! The All-Star Game begins at7:30 with the Home Run Derby preceding it at 5:00. After Wednesday's All-Star Game, Bethesda will play 12 more regular season games before the playoffs start at the end of July. The next Big Train home game is on Thursday against the Presstman Cardinals on Carnival Night. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate.  The next Big Train home game is on Thursday against the Presstman Cardinals on Carnival Night. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate.  Man Behind Big Train Name on a Mission The Gazette Published: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Bethesda man caps off visits to baseball stadiums, By Kent Zakour For most of Glenn Orlin's life, baseball has been an integral part of it. His passion for the game goes well beyond cheering for his favorite team, the Washington Nationals. The 1969 Wheaton High School graduate owns an impressive amount of baseball caps that's he picked up touring the country. In the basement of his Bethesda home on wooden display cases, Orlin has a collection of 313 hats, representing every single Major League team in the country and nearly every minor league affiliate in the United States and Canada. Since 1985, Orlin has made it his lifelong goal to attend every professional ballpark in North America. "They've got to be fitted hats and I try to get the home version of the hat," said Orlin, who wears a size 7 5/8 or 7 3/4 hat. He also has a program and scorecard from every stadium as well as several other random souvenirs, ranging from seat cushions to bobblehead figurines to soda cups. Orlin's quest began in 1985 and he's traveled with his good friend Bob Simpson, his wife, Lena, or by himself since. He's received inspiration from his family and friends as well as Bob Wood's book "Dodger Dogs to Fenway Franks," a story about the author's trek to all of the Major League Baseball stadiums during the 1985 season. "He's a great guy," Bethesda Big Train co-founder Bruce Adams said during an interview before a game last month. Orlin, who serves as the Big Train's official scorer in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League, occasionally brings back souvenirs for Adams from his trips. "I'm a little jealous of his excursions." Orlin, who is the Deputy Administrator of the Montgomery County Council, has also started a collection of scarves representing various soccer clubs from around the world. "Growing up, my dad took me to games and then I was away from baseball for a little bit," Orlin said. "In the summer of 1985 my friends and I were thinking about a place to go on a summer weekend and we said, "Let's go to Philly." So we saw a [Philadelphia Phillies] game at old Veterans Stadium on a hot day with miserable seats, but we still had a great time. "I heard about [Wood's trip] and I said, 'Eh. That sounds fun.' A couple years later we went to a Hagerstown Suns game and loved it. It was the perfect Minor League experience. .. It was genuine and I decided I was also going to go to every minor league ballpark. I knew it might take my entire life, but I was going to do it." Orlin's travels peaked in the early 1990s when he made seven or eight trips per summer to see approximately 30 stadiums a year. As of 2004, he had accomplished his goal. Now, because of new teams or old stadiums getting replaced or renovated, he has a handful of cities and towns to return to and he wants to add teams based in Mexico. He keeps track of his travels on a map in his office with different sized and color-coded pins. "On weekends, I would drive to South Carolina and see a game Saturday night and spend the night in a hotel. I would then go to another game Sundayafternoon and then one Sunday night. I would then get home just in time for work." As stadiums became checked off his list and the distance between destinations grew, it became difficult to plan trips in the Midwest and West. "My wife likes going on these trips and [Simpson] wants to drive every U.S. route and see every national park and monument," Orlin said. "We've done a lot of day driving for that and then at night go see a game I needed to." At every ballpark - particularly the minor league locations - Orlin, who likes to sit behind the first or third baseline in the lower level in the shade, makes it a point to soak in each stadium's ambiance. "Ballparks have a lot of things and it's a fun atmosphere for the kids," Orlin said. "To me, I like it, but it gets kind of old when you go to so many. I'm more interested in the ballpark architecture. "You want to sit somewhere where you can overhear conversations. It gives you the local flavor of the area, particularly in the Northeast and South. Where else can you go in a small town and get a sense of a place in just one night? A ballpark!"

Big Train's Big Arms Neutralize Nats' Bats; BT Players in Pro Ball!

Big Train's Big Arms Neutralize Nats' Bats; Win Fourth Game in Two Days The Big Train traveled to Waldorf, Maryland on Monday night to take on the Southern Maryland Nationals in a doubleheader at Regency Furniture Stadium. Box Scores: Game 1: W, 2-0 | Game 2: W, 9-1 In the first game, Danny Mooney (Davidson) got the start for the Big Train. Mooney pitched a seven-inning complete game shutout, giving up seven hits and two walks while striking out seven. The Big Train got their first run in the top of the third, as an RBI single byRyan Willard (Tallahassee CC) - pictured above - scored Ty France (San Diego St.). Willard himself scored in the top of the fifth, giving the Big Train the 2-0 lead. With Mooney pitching a shutout, the two runs were more than enough to get the victory, as the Big Train won 2-0. Bubba Derby (San Diego State) started for the Big Train in the second game and gave the team five shutout innings. Derby gave up just four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Derby pitched his entire outing with a lead, as the Big Train offense gave him eight runs of support. A balk and an RBI groundout by France gave the Big Train the early 2-0 lead in the first, before a sac fly by David Del Grande (Sacramento State) scoredJosh Spano (High Point) to push the lead to 3-0. In the third inning, a two-run blast by Ryne Willard drove in Johnny Cole(Coastal Carolina), making the score 5-0. After a sacrifice fly by Kyle Wernicki (Virginia Tech), Willard struck again in the fourth, hitting a two-RBI single to extend the Big Train lead to 8-0. The Big Train added one more insurance run in the sixth, as a solo home run by Ricky Santiago (Florida Atlantic) pushed the score to 9-0. The Nationals scored a run in the bottom of the sixth, but Trevor Charpie (Tennessee) pitched a perfect seventh inning to give the Big Train the 9-1 win. After sweeping the doubleheader in Waldorf, the Big Train travel to Herndon on Tuesday to take on the FCA Herndon Braves. On Wednesday, the Big Train will host the CRCBL All-Star Game at Povich Field! There will be six players representing the Big Train in the mid-summer classic, so come on out to see the best that the league has to offer! The next Big Train home game is on Thursday against the Presstman Cardinals on Carnival Night. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate.  BT Players in Pro Ball; Renfroe and Bass Team Up In Eugene Hunter Renfroe (Mississippi State) - left - and Michael Bass (UNC-Wilmington) - right - played on the Big Train together in the summers of 2011 and 2012. They won a National Championship for the Big Train together. And now they play together in the Northwest League (Short Season A) for the Eugene Emeralds. After both were drafted by the San Diego Padres -- Renfroe 13th overall, Bass 808th -- they were reunited in the Pacific Northwest. Both are off to good starts as Bass has shown off his glove and is hitting almost .300 and Renfroe is up to his usual tricks (infield singles, homers, and outfield assists). Here's a full list of the former Big Train players playing pro ball this season: Hugh Adams, RHP (BT 2006-12) St. Paul Saints (American Assn - IND) 0-0, 7.94 ERA in 5 games. Martin Agosta, RHP (BT 2011) Augusta Greenjackets (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) 7-2, 2.18 ERA in 14 games. Michael Aldrete, RHP (BT 2011) Peoria Chiefs (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 2-2, 1 Save, 5.49 ERA in 26 games. Cody Allen, RHP (BT 2008 & 2010) Cleveland Indians (American League - MLB) 4-1, 2 Saves, 2.27 ERA in 40 games. Michael Bass, 2B (BT 2011-12)  Eugene Emeralds (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) .284 in 20 games. Matt Bowman, RHP (BT 2010-11-12) St. Lucie Mets (Fla. State Lg. - Hi A) 5-2, 2.75 ERA in 11 games; after starting season with Savannah Sand Gnats (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) 4-0, 2.64 ERA in 5 games. Collin Cargill, RHP (BT 2007) Jacksonville Suns (Southern Lg. - AA) 2-1, 0.99 ERA in 23 games; after starting season with Jupiter Hammerheads (Fla. State Lg. - Hi A) 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 5 games. Mike Costanzo, 3B (BT 2003) Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Southern Lg. - AA) .000 in 2 games; after starting season with Syracuse Chiefs (International Lg. - AAA)  .220 with 10 HR and 29 RBI in 66 games. Tucker Donahue, RHP (BT 2011) Lansing Lugnuts (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 3-2, 5.90 ERA in 31 games. Ryan Doran, RHP (BT 2012) AZL Diamondbacks (Arizona Lg. - Rookie) 3-0, 2.08 ERA in 4 games. Brian Dozier, 2B (BT 2006) Minnesota Twins (American Lg. - MLB) .235, 8 HR, 35 RBI in 81 games. Chris Duffy, 3B/1B/OF (BT 2007) New Jersey Jackals (Canadian-American Lg. - IND) .297, 6 HR, 31 RBI in 52 games; after starting season with Camden Riversharks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) .000 in 3 games. Ryan Garton, RHP (BT 2011) Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest Lg. - Lo A) 1-3, 6 Saves, 3.38 ERA in 28 games. Ben Griset, LHP (BT 2012) Hudson Valley Renegades (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 0-2, 6.11 ERA in 5 games. Carlos Gutierrez, RHP (BT 2005) Tennessee Smokies (Southern Lg. - AA) 0-0, 1 Save, 0.00 ERA in 2 games; after starting season with AZL Cubs ( Arizona Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 1 game and Daytona Cubs (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) 0-0, 1 Save, 1.50 ERA in 3 games. Terry "T. J." Hose, RHP (BT 2004) Long Island Ducks (Atlantic Lg. - IND) 1-1, 1 Save,  3.03 ERA in 25 games.   Restored to active list on 7/2/2013. Alex Hudak, OF (BT 2011) Lexington Legends (So. Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .267 in 11 games; after starting season with Wilmington Blue Rocks (Carolina Lg. - Hi A) .202, 2 HR, 10 RBI in 26 games. Brenden Kalfus, OF (BT 2011) Vancouver Canadians (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) .270 in 24 games. Matt Long, OF (BT 2006) Salt Lake City Bees (PCL - AAA) .299, 6 HR, 31 RBI in 57 games; after starting season with Arkansas Travelers (Texas Lg. - AA) hitting .311 with 3 HR and 19 RBI in 32 games. Joe Mantiply, LHP (BT 2010) Connecticut Tigers (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 0-1, 1.84 ERA in 6 games. Michael McKenry, C (BT 2004) Pittsburgh Pirates (National Lg. - MLB) Hitting .182 with 3 HR and 10 RBI in 35 games. Brennan Middleton, SS/2B/3B (BT 2010-11-12)  Auburn Doubledays (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A)  On Disabled List, so he has no record yet. Ethan Miller, RHP (BT 2012) AZL Giants (Arizona Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 4.05 ERA in 5 games. Chris Mobley, RHP (BT 2002) Na Koa Ikaika Maui "Maui (Hawaii) Strong Warriors" (Pacific Assn. of Pro BB - IND) 1-0, 6 saves, 0.84 ERA in 10 games. Daryl Norris, RHP (BT 2011)  GCL Tigers (Gulf Coast Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 27.00 ERA in 1 game. Cole Norton, OF (BT 2012) Grand Junction Rockies (Pioneer Lg. - Rookie) .302 in 14 games. Drew Permison, RHP (BT 2010) Vancouver Canadians (Northwest Lg. - ss-A). On Disabled List, so he has no record yet for this season. Jimmy Reed, LHP (BT 2010) State College Spikes (NY-Penn Lg. - ss-A) 1-1, 1 Save, 1.38 ERA in 4 games. Hunter Renfroe, OF (BT 2011-12) Eugene Emeralds (Northwest Lg. - ss-A) .400 and 2 home runs in 5 games. Josh Schneider, RHP (BT 2010-11) Rockford Aviators (Frontier Lg. - IND) 0-0, 3.54 ERA in 9 games.  Released on June 28, 2013. Danny Stienstra, 1B (BT 2008-09-10) Palm Beach Cardinals (Florida State Lg. - Hi A) .281, 4 HR, 31 RBI in 83 games. Nick Vickerson, 2B (BT 2010) Hickory Crawdads (South Atlantic Lg. - Lo A) .255, 6 HR, 18 RBI in 49 games. Elliott Waterman, LHP (BT 2011) GCL Nationals (Gulf Coast Lg. - Rookie) 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 2 games; after starting season with Auburn Doubledays (New York- Penn Lg. - ss-A). 0-0, 7.20 ERA in 3 games. Matt Wickswat, LHP (BT 2006) Windy City Thunderbolts (Frontier Lg. - IND) 2-8, 5.90 ERA in 11 games. Justin Wright, LHP (BT 2008) Springfield Cardinals (Texas Lg.- AA) 0-1, 4.00 ERA in 31 games.

Big Train Cage Cardinals, Sweep Doubleheader; CRCBL All-Star Game on Wednesday at Povich

Big Train Cage Cardinals, Sweep Doubleheader!   The Big Train hosted the Presstman Cardinals in a doubleheader at Povich Fieldon Sunday, as they looked to build on their two-game winning streak. Because the first game was a makeup game from a previously-scheduled game atPresstman, the Big Train were the away team in the first game.   Box Scores: Game 1: W, 1-0 | Game 2: W, 7-3  VIDEO: Post Game Interviews (Colangelo & Del Grande)   Michael Boyle (Radford) got the start for the Big Train in the first game and went the distance. It was his second seven-inning complete-game shutout of the season. Boyle gave up just three hits and a walk while striking out seven.   The Big Train offense would give Boyle just enough offense to get the win, as an RBI single by Tucker Tobin (George Mason) in the first inning scoredJohnny Cole (Coastal Carolina) to give the Big Train the 1-0 victory. Luis Collazo (Virginia Tech) - pictured above - took the mound in Game 2 for Bethesda, and also pitched a complete game. Collazo allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six.   The Cardinals got on the board first, putting up two runs in the first inning. However, the Big Train got one of the runs back in the bottom half of the inning, as a groundball by Tobin would score David Del Grande (Sacramento State) to cut the lead to 2-1.   In the third inning, the offense gave the Big Train its first lead of the game. RBIs from Harrison Bruce (San Francisco), Tobin, and Josh Spano (High Point) made the score 4-2 Bethesda.   After the Cardinals scored another run in the fourth, the Big Train added two insurance runs on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch by Mike Miedzianowski (High Point) and an error. The Big Train added one more run in the sixth on an RBI double by Kyle Wernicki (Virginia Tech) to make the score 7-3.   Collazo pitched a shutout inning in the seventh to close out the game, giving the Big Train the 7-3 victory. The Big Train now hit the road for three games prior to Wednesday's All-Star Break. The Big Train travel to Regency Furniture Stadium on Monday to play a doubleheader against the Southern Maryland Nationals, before traveling to Herndon on Tuesday to play a game against the FCA Herndon Braves.   On Wednesday, the Big Train will host the CRCBL All-Star Game at Povich Field! There will be six players representing the Big Train in the mid-summer classic, some come on out to see the best that the league has to offer.

The D.C. Divas finish their season as division champions for the 10th time

Militia End Divas’ Season for Fourth Straight Time, 58-34
Neal Rozendaal

Boston, MA – Over nearly three quarters, the DC Divas and Boston Militia were locked in a close, thrilling contest. But the fourth quarter is where champions are made, and on this night, the fourth quarter belonged to Boston.

The Boston Militia scored three unanswered touchdowns to break open a 36-34 game late in the third quarter and outlasted the DC Divas, 58-34. Boston advanced to the conference championship game for the fifth straight season, while the Divas suffered their fourth consecutive playoff loss at the hands of the Militia.

This game pitted the Divas’ balanced, methodical offense against Boston’s explosive, quick strike rushing attack. The differences were apparent from the start of the game. The Divas (6-4) received the opening kickoff and drained over seven minutes of game time on a long drive that concluded with a three-yard touchdown run by Kenyetta Grigsby.

Trailing 7-0, the Militia (10-0) tied the score just 24 seconds later. Whitney Zelee took the ball on the first play from scrimmage and dashed over half the length of the field for a quick touchdown.

The Boston Militia defense then made a big play, gaining their only interception of the game on a pass from Divas quarterback Allyson Hamlin. Boston took over at midfield and drove into DC territory. Although the DC defense forced Boston into a third and goal situation, Boston quarterback Alison Cahill converted for the Militia with a ten-yard touchdown run, and a successful two-point conversion try staked Boston to a 15-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

DC put together another long scoring drive, with Grigsby rushing into the end zone from three yards out to cut the deficit to 15-14. Boston struck quickly again, taking just 76 seconds to push the lead back to eight points on a Cahill seven-yard scoring run.

Grigsby, the Divas’ offensive star, rushed for her third touchdown of the game midway through the second quarter. Her 18-yard sprint to the end zone put the Divas within one point at 22-21. The Divas’ special teams then made their first big play of the game, recovering an onside kick to give the DC offense another opportunity.

Grigsby took advantage, making another long run to the end zone, her fourth of the game, with 3:27 remaining in the half. The Divas regained the lead, 28-22.

But the Boston offense responded to the challenge. On fourth down, Zelee broke free on a long run for her second touchdown of the game, handing the Militia a 29-28 advantage with under two minutes remaining before halftime. Neither offense was able to make a serious scoring threat as the half came to a close, and the teams went to the locker room with Boston clinging to a one-point lead.

Cahill opened the third quarter with her third touchdown run of the game, padding Boston’s lead to 36-28. The Divas came back with another long drive – this time consuming over six minutes of game time – and Grigsby rushed for her fifth touchdown of the night. The extra point was blocked, but DC had slashed the deficit to 36-34.

Boston then made their second special teams miscue of the contest, fumbling the kickoff return and giving the Divas possession around midfield. DC had the ball with under six minutes left in the third quarter and an opportunity to potentially take the lead. But Grigsby coughed up a rare fumble, and Boston regained possession in their own territory.

Zelee made the Divas pay for their mistake, zipping to the end zone for a long touchdown run late in the third quarter. With a successful two-point conversion, the Militia led, 44-34.

For three quarters, the DC offense had been spectacular, but it stalled in the fourth period as the Divas pressed for quick scores. The Divas turned the ball over on downs on their next three possessions, while Boston’s offense was unfailing. A fullback rush for a touchdown with under ten minutes to go gave Boston a 51-34 advantage, and Cahill logged her fourth rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter for the final points of the game.

Boston will move on to play the Chicago Force in the Eastern Conference championship game next week. The Divas, meanwhile, end their season with a 6-4 record, including three losses to the Militia. The Divas have lost 11 of their last 12 meetings with Boston over the past four years, while compiling a 24-3 record against all other opponents. The Divas are one of the strongest teams in women’s football, not only in the Northeast but across the entire country.

But for this season at least, the crown in the Northeast goes to Boston once again.

TONIGHT: 80's Night with 80's PRICES! BT Slam Silver Spring

Big Train Slam Silver Spring, Win 17-8

Over 1,000 people came to Povich Field on Saturday night to see the first-place Big Train take on their county rivals the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts.   Box Score | VIDEO: Post Game Interviews (Colangelo, Cole, & Willard)    The Big Train got off to a slow start as the T-Bolts scored four runs in the first three innings compared to just one by the Big Train. To add injury to insult, Zach Morris (Maryland), the Big Train starter, was removed from the game after an arm injury. After three innings, things were looking like an upset was coming for the 'Bolts, but the Big Train turned the tables starting in the fourth inning. Tucker Tobin (George Mason) and Josh Spano (High Point) singled to lead-off the fourth inning and they were quickly driven home by Ryne Willard(Tallahassee CC). Willard would be heard from a few more times before the game was over. The Big Train gave one run back in the fifth, but countered that by scoring two more in the same inning. Johnny Cole (Coastal Carolina) singled andRicky Santiago (Florida Atlantic) doubled to put runner on base. Spano drove in one with an RBI groundout and Willard doubled again to drive in another. The sixth inning is when the flood gates really opened. The bases were loaded after a single by David Del Grande (Sacramento St.), a walk by Tim Yandel(Tulane), and another single from Cole. Santiago drove in two with a single. Spano drove in another with his second RBI groundout, and Willard hit another 2-RBI double. The game was probably secure at that point with the Big Train leading 10-5. However, neither team looked ready to give up. Silver Spring scored another run in the seventh and the Big Train struck back for two more on a bases loaded walk by Santiago and an RBI groundout by Tobin. The scoring still wasn't done as the 'Bolts came back with two runs to cut the lead to 12-8. But the bottom of the eighth would be the Big Train's second five-run inning. A strange catcher obstruction play brought a run in and loaded the bases for the already 3-for-3 Cole who promptly sent the ball over the right field fence for the second grand slam of the Big Train's season. Every player contributed on offense for the Big Train and the bullpen put up a valiant effort in a game they had to take over early.

This gift of the Three Wise Men was a cancer cure

This Gift of the Three Wise Men Was a Powerful Cancer Treatment     A well-known tree sap (aka, essential oil) has been treasured since ancient times for its medicinal and aromatic properties.     Proclaimed to be worthy of kings, it was mentioned in the Bible as one of the presents brought by the three wise men who paid homage to Jesus at His birth. Now you can put it to work to improve your own health. . . Continued below. . . FDA Limits "Youth Formula" for 22 Years     Now the secret is out...     You can reverse years of aging… All on your own.     When this breakthrough study was published back in 1990, the media ignored it. The jaw-dropping results never made it to the "mainstream."     But thanks to the work of a small team of researchers, you can now ramp up your body's production of this breakthrough, age-reversing effect WITHOUT seeing a doctor or interference from pesky bureaucrats on Capitol Hill.     Click HERE for the shocking exposé.     Some genes in your body suppress cell growth, and some induce cell death. There is some evidence that frankincense induces cell death in cancer cells.     You see, every healthy cell in your body is programmed to die, the process called apoptosis or programmed cell death. But cancer cells are immune or highly resistant to programmed cell death. They're practically "immortal" — at least until they kill their host, the unfortunate patient.     Scientists think frankincense, a resin from the boswellia tree (Boswellia serrata), helps promote healthy programmed cell death. Brain cancer and breast cancer     Though boswellia is virtually unknown by mainstream doctors, it has been shown to be helpful for brain tumor patients, especially those taking corticosteroids to control peritumoral edema. Boswellia is designated by the European Union as an orphan drug for that purpose. This means it can be prescribed by doctors for this application without having gone through the rigorous trials required of most drugs.     Many topics about frankincense are subjects of great debate, with no clear-cut answers likely to appear soon. There is evidence that boswellic acids can cross the blood-brain barrier, based on animal studies.1 If true in humans, then boswellia might be effective against brain cancer.     Boswellia may be directly toxic to brain tumor cancer cells. Studies show its extracts were cytotoxic (cell-killing) to glioma cells and stopped proliferation in a dose-dependent manner during rat studies.2     Several experimental results suggest that Boswellia sacra may be an effective therapy for treating invasive breast cancer. Boswellia sacra is a close relative of Bowellia serrata and both are a source of frankincense, although the two resins are probably not identical.     One study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that B. sacra oil induced cell death in specific breast cancer lines by disrupting the cells' growth, limiting their cell-signaling pathways and their cell cycle regulation.     Frankincense extracts and essential oil have been studied for their effects on human pancreatic cancer — a cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5 percent. Researchers found the pancreatic cancer cells to be sensitive to the higher-molecular weight frankincense compounds, which suppressed cell viability and increased the rate of cell death. Used as a natural medicine for thousands of years     Boswellia’s properties have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Ayurveda for millennia. But once conventional medicine decided to focus almost exclusively on man-made drugs, the medical benefits of frankincense were largely forgotten — till scientists discovered that an ethanolic extract from it could help reduce arthritis and inflammation.     The boswellia tree actually looks more like a gnarled old shrub than what you'd likely call a tree. It grows in North Africa and the Middle East, and thrives especially well in regions with warm winters and rainy summers -- the perfect growing conditions for this plant.     Frankincense has enjoyed widespread use in the preparation of perfumes and cosmetics, and you may know it best as an incense that's still important in certain religious ceremonies. Its use in religious rituals may explain why it was one of the gifts of the Magi to Jesus. In fact, frankincense is an old French word meaning "pure incense". In ancient times it was shipped all over Europe and the Far East.     Evidence indicates that boswellia has been harvested in the Middle East going as far back as 7,000 B.C. Traditionally, the bark was cut and allowed to "bleed out" its impurities for a number of days before the cutters returned to extract the pure sap, which could vary in color from yellow to bright green, brown, or even black. Is boswellia a potent cancer fighter or not?     Recent scientific research indicates that Omali frankincense contains an agent that may stop cancer in its tracks. Immunologist Mahmoud Suhail believes that frankincense may reset the damaged DNA code that can lead to cancer.     Dr. H.K. Lin, Associate Professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, has been studying the effects of frankincense oil against bladder cancer. He compared frankincense to sandalwood, balsam fir, palo santo, and tsuga oil. Frankincense was the only one of the five that showed an ability to distinguish cancer cells from normal ones, and specifically killed cancer cells.     Applied to a lab sample of human bladder cancer cells, frankincense oil caused them to revert to normal healthy cells. Frankincense oil appears to distinguish between cancerous and normal bladder cells, and to suppress cancer cell viability, although the evidence is somewhat limited.     A 2003 study on human genome sequencing showed that the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) gene was specifically activated by Frankincense, inducing "non-classical programmed cell death" in bladder tumor cells.     Another study, published in 2009, showed that frankincense oil suppressed cell viability in bladder cancer (J82) cells. Frankincense was apparently responsible for cell cycle arrest, cell growth suppression, and apoptosis (natural cell death) in J82 cancer cells.     But since this cell death didn't result in DNA fragmentation — a hallmark of apoptosis — the conclusion at present is that boswellia seems to stop proliferation, but does not cause outright cell death. It is also considered a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and cell invasiveness.     Even more recently, a 2011 study showed that Boswellia sacra oil suppressed important malignant features of tumor cells — invasion and multicellular tumor growth, for example. Some scientists think this may affect the potential for metastasis. It all sounds promising, but here's the glitch…     Are lab experiments sufficient for human trials? No. You simply cannot compare what a substance does to a lab culture of bladder cells to what it does to the whole bladder, for example.     It takes time and money to carry out this type of research. And conventional medicine lacks the incentive to take the study of a natural substance to the next step. It can't be patented and they can't charge thousands of dollars for it, as they can for chemotherapy drugs. But wait… there are other uses for boswellia     Boswellia is an anti-inflammatory, and has a long history of use in India to treat arthritis.Research shows boswellia, in combination with another inflammatory herb, curcumin (a turmeric extract), helps relieve the pain of arthritis. The boswellia-curcumin combination has none of the dangerous side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.     According to ArthritisMD.com, boswellic acid prevents leukotrienes from forming. (They help move inflammation-producing cells around.)     Got asthma? This is another inflammatory condition, and it can kill. Treatment with boswellia helped asthma sufferers sustain fewer attacks and enjoy better measurable air movement through the lungs.     Frankincense could also be a treatment against ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease, in which the bowels are plagued with inflammation.     And there's more…     It may be beneficial for infections because it has antiseptic properties. And some propose its use as a diuretic for those who retain water, and for relieving female reproductive pain and cramping. What you need to know before you try frankincense     Frankincense can be purchased over the counter. Recommended doses vary wildly, however, and are dependent on your individual biochemistry and the type and stage of cancer you're fighting. Therefore, boswellia should be used under the guidance of a physician experienced in its use for cancer.     If you're looking for it in a joint supplement, one study showed symptomatic improvement from six grams per day (in three divided doses of two grams each).3     Will frankincense oil work for everyone? We have no way of knowing at this time. To find out will likely take many years of research — to look at genetic variations, many different cancer types and stages, different species of frankincense and different preparation of the oils.     Though boswellia extract is considered safe to use and isn't known to have serious side effects, here's the lowdown on precautions: Although it's rare, some people get a rash, nausea, and/or diarrhea. There are no known drug interactions — but research in this area is skimpy. Do not use frankincense if you are pregnant or breastfeeding… its safety during pregnancy has not been established. Some sources say it can be ingested, and others say not to. But it is being sold in supplement form, and reports of adverse side effects are rare.     In sum, not only is frankincense becoming popular for cancer, but now it's also known as an inflammation fighter4 — helpful for diseases like arthritis.     Unfortunately, boswellia suffers the same dilemma as many other herbal remedies. There aren't enough studies yet to confirm its benefits, and much of the evidence is anecdotal.     So where does that leave you? You would need to consult with a doctor who has clinical experience with boswellia, do your own additional research… and then proceed with caution.

Alexandria Aces Looking for First Winning Season

Alexandria Aces Looking for First Winning Season

Alexandria improves to 14-8 with shutout of Southern Maryland

The Alexandria Aces are looking for their first winning record in six seasons of existence. Photo by Louise Krafft.

By Jon Roetman

Thursday, July 11, 2013

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Photo by Louise Krafft

Blake Ream earned the win against Southern Maryland on Tuesday, allowing two hits in six shutout innings.

#Alexandria — The Alexandria Aces last season produced the best record in club history, finishing 20-21 in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League.

#This year, the Aces have their sights set on earning their first winning record in six seasons of existence.

#Alexandria blanked the Southern Maryland Nationals 10-0 on Tuesday night at Frank Mann Field, improving its record to 14-8 with fewer than half its games remaining. Entering Wednesday’s contests, the Aces had won seven of their last eight games and owned the second-best winning percentage in the league behind the perennial power Bethesda Big Train.

#“We’ve been a clutch team,” third-year Aces pitcher Colin Milon said. “We didn’t start off too hot, but I think we’ve really come together; we’re starting to really figure things out. As a pitching staff, the starters have done a good job just keeping us in the game and the bullpen has been lights out all year. I think we probably have the best bullpen in the league. They’ve been phenomenal.”

#On Tuesday, four Aces pitchers combined to throw a two-hit shutout against the Nationals. Blake Ream (Longwood) earned the victory, allowing two hits while walking three and striking out six in six innings. Ben Kennedy (Eastern Illinois), Tyler Brown (Wingate) and Tyler Fries (Wilmington) each tossed a hitless inning of relief, dropping Alexandria’s team ERA to 3.29, good for sixth out of 12 teams.....More

UDC Athletic Department to Host Inaugural Firebird Open Golf Tournament October 14th

 

July 12, 2013

UDC Athletic Department to Sponsor Inaugural Firebird Open Golf Tournament October 14th

FORT WASHINGTON, MD – The University of the District of Columbia Athletic Department will host the inaugural Firebird Open Golf Tournament on October 14^th, 2013 at 12:00 noon at the National Golf Club at Tantalon.

"We are extremely excited to host the first ever Firebird Open Golf Tournament," Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas said. "It will be a great day to celebrate Firebird Athletics and to build on all the positive momentum that has been created here at the University in the Athletic Department. We invite all alumni, faculty, staff and fans to participate and enjoy a wonderful day of golf."

Located at 300 St. Andrews Drive in Fort Washington, MD, the National Golf Club at Tantalon includes a classic, tree-lined golf course design in PGA Tour quality condition. The course and the clubhouse recently underwent a $4 million renovation project that included work on the restaurant, driving range, pool area and fitness center.

The cost is $125 per person which includes: one round of golf, range balls, lunch and a Firebird t-shirt. Also, hole sponsorships are available for $200. Sponsors receive a business or personal advertisement in the tournament program and a sign on the tee box of the hole.

For more information on the event, visit: http://udcfirebirds.com/information/FirebirdOpen.

For sponsorship or donor opportunities, contact Matt Rienzo: 202.274.6796 – mrienzo@udc.edu.

Big Train Split Doubleheader; Superhero Night + $1 Hot Dogs on Saturday! Renfroe's Pro Debut

Big Train Split with Riverdogs in Vienna The Big Train traveled to Vienna on Thursday to play a doubleheader, resuming a previously suspended game from earlier this season before playing tonight's regularly scheduled game. | Box Scores: Game 1, Game 2 Brock Larson (San Francisco) - pictured above - started for Bethesda in Game 1, and gave the team five quality innings, giving up just one run on five hits. He also struck out two batters.  Larson would have the luxury of taking the mound in the bottom of the first inning already pitching with a 5-0 lead. The Big Train offense got going from the very beginning. David Del Grande (Sacramento State) and Kyle Wernicki (Virginia Tech) led off the top of the first with a hit-by-pitch and a double, respectively, givingTy France (San Diego State) two runners in scoring position and no outs. France drove both runners in on a two-run single, giving the Big Train their first two runs of the ball game. After a walk by Ricky Santiago (Florida Atlantic), France scored on an RBI single by Josh Spano (High Point), extending the Big Train lead to three runs. A Mike Miedzianowski (High Point) single and a bases-loaded walk by Del Grande plated Santiago and Spano, scoring the final two runs of the inning for Bethesda. The Big Train would tack on another run in both the third and fifth innings, as an RBI double from Spano scored Tim Yandel (Tulane) and an RBI single from Del Grande scored Spano. With the Big Train leading 7-1, Kit Scheetz (Virginia Tech) came on to relieve Larson in the sixth inning. Scheetz pitched the final four frames, giving up just one unearned run on two hits while striking out four. Allowing just three total baserunners, Scheetz denied any hope the Riverdogs had of mounting a comeback, and the Big Train won the game 7-2. Justin Hepner (San Diego State) got the start in the second game for the Big Train, and gave up three runs over five innings while striking out three. The Big Train mustered just three hits in the seven-inning game, and despite a shutout inning on the mound by Riley Stephenson (UMBC) in the sixth, the Big Train were unable to rally in the seventh inning, losing the game 3-0. The Big Train travel to Alexandria on Friday to take on the Aces for the final game of a three-day road trip before returning home on Saturday night to play host to the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts. Saturday is also Superhero Night, so come hang out with Spiderman, clang fists with Iron Man, or meet the Dark Knight himself. Also, we will be offering dollar hot dogs and all fans in attendance will get a season souvenir program! Players from the Rockville Victors professional basketball team will be in attendance signing autographs. With just nine regular-season home games remaining before the playoffs, don't miss your chance to see the team before it's too late! The gates open at 6:00 and the first pitch is scheduled for 7:30. Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate.   VIDEO: Hunter Renfroe's Professional Debut    Hunter Renfroe (BT '11-'12) made his professional debut with the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League last night. Renfroe, the No. 13 overall pick in last month's MLB Draft, finished 2-for-2 with a double and walk and scored a run in a 6-3 win over the Everett AquaSox. Renfroe's first professional hit was an infield single in the fourth inning when he hit a grounder between shortstop and third base. "I got the first hit off my chest, swung the bat real well, so it was a good start" said Renfroe. Hunter also notched his first professional extra base hit when he connected on a double in the fifth inning.