What do you folks think of TEAM MARYLAND? Having coached summer baseball for a long time, I have seen many kids leave their summer program for 8-10 days to participate in this event. I think it is a great honor for a player to get selected to play in the CROWN ALL-STAR game, but I have not seen any evidence that participation in TEAM MARYLAND has been anything other than a boondoggle (spell check this one for me) for the coaching staff that goes with the team. Other than Brian Valicha (now at Univ. of Delaware after transferring), I can't think of another local kid who has actually gone to a school in the midwest where the tournament is played? Any thoughts out there?

Larry, Just what is team Maryland? I have heard reference to it before, but am unaware of its purpose. Is it just a one game wonder, or do they play in a league, etc. I assume it is a summer team? Just curious... Thanks.

Its a team of some of Maryland's best high school players. They travel to Shawnee, Oklahoma and play against Team California, Team Florida, Team Ohio, Team Texas, Team Oklahoma, Team Florida, and Team Maryland. I played in it after my senior yer, I had a great time playing against great competition. The host families I stayed with were great. The states we competed against are huge baseball states, so you can imagine the quality of players. Its pretty much set up as a tournament format with a round robin format to start off.