I was at the O's / RedSox game on Saturday night and it dawned on me. Lance Cormier pitched against my Columbia Reds team in the 1998 NABF World Series. He was pitching for Bill Hood Broncos (LA). We started Jason Baker, Dematha. After 2 rain delays and 3 different fields, they beat us 3-1. Baker was real sharp, but Cormier was unbelievable.

He seems to be much more over the top with his delivery these days.

I remember both.
Yet, I wish I had five bucks (inflation) for each time I came across talent on the other side.

That southern Maryland boy you write about
is a name out of the past.

Atkins and Queenie convinced the young man to sign
at UofR and he never visited campus!

He ended up transferring to Tom Waters after a year, and the rest is history.
Did he advance past 'A' ball?

How about local Josh Banks (who went to Fla Intnl)
throwing a shut-out in the big leagues!

I wish Jason would have gotten some better advice. He had a load of talent and desire, but like the man said in "The Natural", it wasn't enough.

The best thing that happened to Josh was Toronto dropping him from the 40-man, and San Diego picking him up. During spring training with the Jays, they tried to convince him to turn into a specialty pitcher (submariner or knuckleballer). One call to the agent put that to rest. He is doing real well. I hope that he continues to do well and finds a home.