I wanted to ask some questions on Division 3 baseball in the Maryland area. I recently watched Salisbury play St.Marys college of Southern Maryland I believe. Salisbury ended up winning the game. To me it was more like a couple of high school teams playing to me. The quality didn't look great. I looked at Salisbury's website and see they won like thirty some games in a row. There are players on the roster I have seen play in high school and summer ball and they were o.k. ball players. I looked at the stats and they are dominating the league. Is this team playing anybody or is the coach padding the schedule? Or is D3 baseball that weak? How does D3 compare to a D1 schools in the area?

Rowdy,
I think you need you to watch more games to have a quality opinion. Salisbury is a arguably one of the strongest DI, DII or DIII schools in MD. Considering SU, has possibly 2 draftable arms and 2 other players that are being looked at by pro scouts, I would humbly submit they are much stronger than the average HS. I can say we are in that conference, and I'm not sure what HS you are seeing play but when I recruit it is tough for me to find more than 1 or 2 players at the HS level per team that can play at our level. There are over 380 DIII teams 222 DII teams and 286 DI teams. There are 11.7 Scholarships max per DI team and 7 per DII team. With 30-35 players per roster, that leaves the majority of players not on Scholarship. Some DI's don't give any schollys some a few, same with DII, the point is there are quality athletes at all levels for baseball. There are DIII schools that would be very competitive at the DI level and DI teams that would not be competitive at the DIII level. Just some insight.

Did you see the CAC playoff game? Salisbury won 4-3. Salisbury is traditionally a strong DIII team and are currently ranked #4 nationally. St. Mary's has a fairly young team, 4 freshman starters with some strong senior pitching- much improved over past seasons and building towards the future. DIII has some strong baseball players who are also strong students. Many choose to play at DIII schools to play right away and to get a great education.

I think there are quality players but not team for team wise at a D1 level. Most D1 teams can go 1-9 stong in the line up and they see quality pitching mostly every weekend. Another reason I question the strength of the league SU is in. I know a few pitchers on that team that were decent in high school that have dominated on that team this year. Watched many D1 games this year and the SU team does not compare with the worst D1 teams I've seen this year. Some players match up but not team for team.The pitching at a D1 level are far superior in my eyes. Just an opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by VJC Baseball:
Rowdy, I think you need you to watch more games to have a quality opinion. Salisbury is a arguably one of the strongest DI, DII or DIII schools in MD. Just some insight.

Coach,

- Insight?
- Quality opinion?

This is NOT even arguable.

I like Doug Fleetwood's club year after year.
All 120 kids that are asked to try out.

However to compare a Maryland DIII baseball team
to anybody in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and even the Colonial Conference (with an exception or two) is simply
1. unknowledgeable about talent,
2. Clueless about the level of play, and
3. Zero's out in guessing projectability.

And then to write that Salisbury is "one of the strongest DI, DII or DIII schools in MD" reveals
something is drastically wrong with your frickin thought processes. (Did you get married recently?)

Summary of SU
a) It is the strongest DIII school in Maryland
b) There are no DII schools in Maryland
c) Can't and won't compete with DI. (Ok, maybe
in a mid-week contest with Janckuska)

Sorry Jason,
But your youth and inexperience has overtaken your solid common sense. May I offer the following:

a) See a medical doctor at St. Joe's Emergency immediately. (Leave now before the rush on Saturday nights.)

b) Make an appointment to see a shrink down at Pratt Street. (Call me, since I typically sit at Camden Yards in their block of seats ....behind dugout..great seats too.)

c) Remove the rose colored classes.

d) Take an eye exam.

e) Hang out with me for a month,traveling over the state to see good baseball, so that you will learn something (or better yet, remember something).

Jiminy Christmas, chill a bit on whatever you
have imported. I am dumbfounded over such a stupid statement. And you of all baseball guys should know this. I guess you don't!

Regards
Bear

Bear,
Feel free to have a strong opinion, but try not to be personal, it's disrespectful. I wouldn't compare salisbury to MD or anyone in the ACC. But the coaches at some other DI schools in MD first of all think that JHU is better than anyone in MD, not what I said what they have said. Bottom line is after you get past the big, fully funded programs the nature of baseball is and money is that there are very good DIII schools that can compete with the low to middle DI.

http://www.d3baseball.com/notables/2008/04/16/north-par...at-d-i-opponent.html

You can have whatever opinion you want, but this is what we fight constantly, DIII baseball isn't strong, and it is a complete misconception that even I had when I was playing. But when you see some of the best DIII teams in the country (such has hopkins 4 years ago) that can run out 4 low 90's arms you realize that there is quality baseball at all levels. Respectfully and not getting personal, overall is DI better, of course they've got money but that doesn't mean there are not teams at the DII and DIII level that can't compete with them. But I'll give Sheppard Pratt a call...just to make you happy.

Rowdy,
I hear ya, Some guys develop differently, my SS was not recruited out of HS, had a 78 MPH fastball and now tops out at 91. My 3B who just signed independant was a light hitting SS in HS, but then grew 5 inches and turned into a 6'5 235 lb man. Baseball is just weird sport. Salisbury had a great year no doubt, but do I think they are the best team in DIII, NO. I wonder if they are the best team in the conference, but when you are on a role of 35 straight wins, it's crazy they just know how to win. Out of the DI games I've seen this year which were 5 games 10 different teams. They were in general not strong 1-9. Some where, the ones that were real strong are playing against the toughest competition. Like you said, it's just an opinion. It's all about match ups, my ace vs a midweek starter for a lower DI...we've got a legit chance to win. Weekend starter vs our #1, my money is probably on the other side, MOST of the time. Whatever, there are quality players every where. We are probably going to see some significant levelling off with the new DI transfer and Scholarship rules.

quote:

Originally posted by VJC Baseball:
Bear,
Feel free to have a strong opinion, but try not to be personal, it's disrespectful. I wouldn't compare salisbury to MD or anyone in the ACC. But the coaches at some other DI schools in MD first of all think that JHU is better than anyone in MD, not what I said what they have said. Bottom line is after you get past the big, fully funded programs the nature of baseball is and money is that there are very good DIII schools that can compete with the low to middle DI.

http://www.d3baseball.com/notables/2008/04/16/north-par...at-d-i-opponent.html

You can have whatever opinion you want, but this is what we fight constantly, DIII baseball isn't strong, and it is a complete misconception that even I had when I was playing. But when you see some of the best DIII teams in the country (such has hopkins 4 years ago) that can run out 4 low 90's arms you realize that there is quality baseball at all levels. Respectfully and not getting personal, overall is DI better, of course they've got money but that doesn't mean there are not teams at the DII and DIII level that can't compete with them. But I'll give Sheppard Pratt a call...just to make you happy.

Believe me, my comments were Not personal.
My comments were an opinion.
And they were a strong opinion.

Now that Your "new" statement spins it:
"But the coaches at some other DI schools in MD first of all think that JHU is better than anyone in MD, not what I said what they have said."

What are you saying that they are saying?

When you get your eyes, ears, brain checked-out, give me a call. There is a very talented RHP at a D-1 college in the area wanting to transfer.
Call for details.

Postcript: I have seen those four arms at JHU.
One arm, who was claimed to touch 90, transferred to Terpville.
And unfortanately was unable to compete.
And left to return to JHU. (and is a 'star')
QED.
Call for details.

I have simply heard (or maybe had a dollar) for every MD JUCO's & MD DIII and minor DI conference position players and pitchers who have hit .590 in college, or said they touched 90 and went 10-0 with a 0.06 ernie, who really believe they can compete at the highest of the collegiate conferences.
I could build that Bear Park!

My new statement was not a spin. Here are your DI's in MD:
UMD, Towson, UMBC, MSM, UMES, COPPIN...after UMD there are no FSU's, Miami's, etc... and the JHU boy was not one of the 4 at the time FYI. I also would refer to someone with an era of 4.94 as a star. I also agree about what you say with guys throwing in the 90's etc I could help you build that park. I can't imagine that the top level D3's can't compete with most of those schools listed. I've seen each in action and the level of play is very close. I will say there are some VERY BAD DIII schools out there too, but I'm refering to the best, the top notch teams, not the general public teams.

Was the transfer the kid we heard about earlier, cuz the new rumor is that he is promised a spot in the weekend rotation next season...

Bear,

I am an alumnus and former player at COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE, a Division II program. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe our campus is in Takoma Park. Isn't that in Maryland? But I thought there were no DII programs in Maryland?

Just a little FYI:

2006: 34-26
2007: 24-20
2008: Currently 26-23 (All Division II and I schools on schedule)
2009: TBA

And just a little side note, Salisbury is an extremely solid program. In fact, I'll admit that they stand a very high chance in beating our program if we played a game. I think they are very capable of beating Maryland also. I have been around good baseball. I've seen good ball players. I have played with good ball players. And of the players that I've played with from Maryland and Salisbury I would have to say that the majority of the better ball players play for Salisbury. Again thats my opinion.

And just to vent...Maryland is an average DI at best and will continue to be mediocre or terrible in the ACC until their coaching staff gets completely revamped. I'm not saying that Maryland can't be a good team. They used to be a good team. But the laziness and taking what the school gives them for granted just infuriates me to no end. We have NOTHING to offer our players that other schools can't provide except a good baseball program. But we have managed to be successful despite the adversities. Maryland has no adversities. Maryland has EVERYTHING to offer. They should be a top contender in the ACC and the country. Can you please give me an idea why they aren't?

And to Coach Tawney... I'm right there with ya

quote:

Originally posted by cucbaseball2007:
Bear,

How could I have forgotten one relatively new CUC Baseball in Takoma Park is a DII program?

Remember one thing every day (is what you say when senility begins.)

But remember, Jack, the statement as offered remains steadfast (as you fell helplessly into the Bear trap):
"There are NO DII schools in Maryland"
The is one DII school in Maryland! Gotcha

Now for some serious stuff.

Must be the times when I stopped by Martin Luther King to watch a CUC game, or wait, maybe that was Wheaton Regional. Maybe it was both.

With regards to your statements:
- "Salisbury is an extremely solid program."
- "In fact, I'll admit that they stand a very high chance in beating our program if we played a game."
- "I think [Salisbury] are very capable of beating Maryland also."

I will be seeing Doug in a few weeks (when he
asks me at Thomas Stone for my list of arms and LHH guys behind the dish (I have a RHH #2 guy that every body missed, and then a LHH OF/P/1b that no one knows about....yet),
& with certainty, I will report back anticipating when Fleetwood laughs at such naivity.

(Did I tell you I recently had both Collins', Celenza, and Roberson in my 'ad hoc' hitting clinic).

With regards to Maryland D1 Programs.

Univ of Maryland at College Park remains
the flagship of Maryland Baseball.
a) Not being fully funded is a handicap
b) To Compete in the ACC is a challenge.
c) Last checked ACC had five teams in top fifteen
UVA, Clemson and BC are in the top 50!
d) When the Maryland Invitation closed down,
the Terps have yet to play post season.
e) Heck , with 11 pro arms over the last 5 years
I could win.
f) 2008 Terp Baseball ranked as high as 64th this year. That's not average, by definition.
In 2007, Terps ranked as high as 17th.

Towson
- Should da Clipper get 4 weekend wins over the next two weeks, he's in the Conference Tournament. Huge turnaround from last year. Does it with mirrors.
UMBC
John's club better this year, yet has struggled at times.

UMES & Coppin
Respectively are last of the D1's in the country.

Postscript: A great story from the lad who grew up on 4121 Utah Street would tell me is: "Heck, I could get three hits off that slunk meat in each of the DH against them..... and I am turning 64"

OBTW: It was not that long ago when I would go deep into the 7th-8th inning vs a Top Maryland JUCO before the Head Coach suggested to begin bunting. And after I was head hunting, that strategy ceased. But geez lil Tommy Cassera also tried his heart out to play this great game, yet could simply coach it!)

I am willing to discuss the details of your statements, specifically ..who are you talking about

- "I have played with good ball players."
- "And of the players that I've played with from Maryland and Salisbury I would have to say that the majority of the better ball players play for Salisbury."

Lastly "They (Terps) used to be a good team."
What years were that?

Yet we can agree on one thing, and that is
- My dog thinks I am as nice as he already thinks I am!

(I know, I just want to know if we can agree upon something. Cause right now, we will just have to agree that we disagree.)

Jason, nope, not the school nor the kid I am thinking about!

Grand Opening for the new restaurant in Upper Marlborough the first of June. Bring your girlfriend/wives and checkbook.
Then comes Bear Park!

postscript: As far as Mike R, Congrats on a good year, good luck in post season.

Yet Try to keep up

Huh ????
Can anyone, anyone at all, understand this ??
What language does Bear speak ?

Bear speaks his own language !!!!

Bear,

With all due respect, I wouldn't consider MD the flagship of college baseball in MD. I honestly believe that MD and Towson are on par. MD plays in *one* of the toughest conferences in the country, true...but Towson's conference isn't too shabby.

I believe the talent pool of both is very similar, with an occasional exception. Year in and year out, if they played 10 times, I'd go with 5-5.

IMO

quote:

Originally posted by larrythompson:
Bear,
IMO

Thanks Larry,

Next year, I think Clipper would win the recruiting contest for area players. When looking around
both the Tigers and Terps this year, your's truly placed a CF, a 2b, a two 1b at Towson. With da Terps, that would be a 1b & a closer (where all the Terps coaches 'did not like' the CF, 2b, either 1b...... (and of course the Towson spirits were rather high for the Tigers nearly sweeping the Flagship in 2008).

However, Coach G would say (and has often said at my dinner table) the Univ of Maryland at College Park is the Flagship.

If one looked at the head to head records for
the past 10 years, I agree, it's even (13-13-1).
Overall it is 31-28-2 Terps (& that's pretty even).
It's also a mid-week game.
Up until this week, the ACC Friday or Saturday night Conference starters typically did not pitch.

With regards to History of Talent between
the two colleges. Sorry. Not close.
It's a huge edge to Terps

Here's my list of Terp Pros
Player Year Pos. Organizations
Brandon Agamennone 1998 P Expos, Orioles
Joe Andrus 1948 OF Yankees
Jerry Bark 1965 P Mets
Casey Baron 2007 P Brewers
Mark Barrett 1994 P Padres
Ken Beck 2002 P Expos
*Bosey Berger 1932 INF Indians, White Sox, Red Sox
Matt Baumann 1993 P Giants
Gary Bishop 1977 1B/OF Twins
Jim Bottoms 1969 OF Senators, Angels
*Tom Bradley 1968 P Angels, White Sox, Giants, A’s
Scott Bronowicz 1998 C Braves
*Tom Brown 1963 1B/OF Senators
Roger Brueckner 1963 2B Orioles
Anthony Buffone 2004 IF/C/OF Phillies
David Burst 1986 SS Braves
Buckey Buscher 1934 OF International League
Curley Byrd 1908 P Eastern Shore League
Brett Cecil 2007, Blue Jays
Mike Chadick 1971 P Pirates
Scott Christopher 1976 INF Orioles
Shorty Chumbris 1938 SS Tigers
*Mark Ciardi 1983 P Brewers
Chris Clem 2005 P Cardinals
Art Clessuras 1958 OF Tigers
Phil Corddry 1969 P Red Sox
Harry Crouthamul 1946 P Reds
Tom Curtiss 1999 P Braves
Larry Davis 1967 1B Senators
Charles Devereaux 1992 P Orioles
Whitney Emshweller 1951 OF Eastern Shore League
John Fantauzzi 1990 1B/P Padres, Rockies
*Bob Ferris 1976 P Angels
Marty Freeman 1984 OF Tigers
George Gaffney 1955 P Orioles
Kyle George 2003 SS Orioles
Don Gleasner 1946 C Red Sox
Tim Gordon 1982 3B Red Sox
Bob Grossman 1972 P Indians
Derek Hacopian 1992 OF Indians, Brewers, Padres
Jamie Hammond 2000 P Western League (Solano)
*Kevin Hart 2004 P/1B Orioles/ChC
Ron Hartman 1996 IF Diamondbacks
Kevin Haverbusch 1997 SS Pirates, Red Sox
Roy Heiser 1961 P Senators
Connie Hemphill 1954 P Indians
Neal Herrick 1980 1B/OF/P Orioles
Mike Herson 1968 P Orioles, Brewers
*Buck Herzog 1905 INF/MGR Giants, Braves, Reds, Cubs
John Hetrick 1967 OF Tigers
Anthony Hicks 1986 OF Cardinals
*Gene Hiser 1970 OF Cubs
Lou Holcomb 1989 P Rangers
Chris Hudson 1977 C Pirates
Harry Hughes 1948 P Yankees
John Hunton 1950 INF Yankees
Mark Jackman 1977 P White Sox, Royals
Drew Johnson 1991 INF Orioles
Eddie Johnson 1939 INF Yankees
Steve Jordan 1981 C Brewers
George Kazmarek 1967 OF Mets
*Vic Keen 1918 P A’s, Cubs, Cardinals
*Charlie Keller 1936 OF Yankees, Tigers
Charles Keller 1958 1B/OF Yankees
*Hal Keller 1945 C Senators
Dan Kerns 1966 3B Orioles
George Klinedinst 1961 OF Senators
*Mike Knode 1916 OF/INF Cardinals
*Ray Knode 1920 1B Indians
Shawn Knott 1992 P Orioles
Frank Kolarek 1975 C A’s
Pete Laake 1989 INF Rangers
Mike Long 1966 OF Mets
Derrick Maddox 1996 OF Phillies
Garry Maddox Jr. 1996 OF Red Sox, os, D’Backs, Phils
George Manz 1968 P Orioles, Cubs
*Justin Maxwell 2005 OF Nationals
John McCurdy 2002 INF A’s
Kevin McDonald 2002 C/1B Tigers
Brett McGonnigal 1991 OF Giants
Randy McGarvey 1969 C Senators
Michael Meagher 2005 P Cardinals
Truan Mehl 2005 OF Rangers
Bill Meury 1990 INF Padres
Steve Miller 1983 INF Giants, Padres
*Eric Milton 1996 P Yankees, Twins, Phillies, Reds
Scott Mogar 1996 OF Australian League
Persh Mondorff 1941 P Dodgers
Ryan Moorer 2007 P SEA
David Mysel 1992 P Tigers
*Simon Nicholls 1903 SS/2B Tigers, A’s, Indians
*Jim Norris 1971 1B/OF Indians, Rangers
Seth Overbey 2006 P Blue Jays
Steve Paasch 1994 P Phillies
Boots Panella 1951 P Red Sox
Ben Pfinsgraff 2006 P Phillies
Jim Pitt 1964 OF Twins
Bill Plate 1946 1B Pirates
Dick Richardson 1967 SS Senators
*Sherry Robertson 1939 INF Senators, A’s
Mike Romanovsky 1984 P Angels
Alan Sadler 1984 P Brewers
Dave Suave 1971 2B Red Sox, Giants
*Jeff Schaefer '81 INF O's, LAA, LAD, CSox, Sea, Cle
*Steve Schmoll 2004 P Dodgers, Mets
Brian Schroeder 1995 OF/INF Frontier League
Burton Shipley 1914 3B/MGR N.E. League, E.S. League
Bill Siedling 1966 C Senators
Pete Sinipoli 1981 P Pirates
Rich Smith 1989 P Orioles
Scott Smith 1980 P Astros, Cubs
Chris Smoot 1992 P Braves
Don Soderberg 1952 P Red Sox
Gary Spies 1975 C Twins
Earl Springer 1940 P Orioles
Mike Stevens 1927 1B 3 I League
*Ron Swoboda 1963 OF Mets, Expos, Yankees
Matt Swope 2002 OF Expos
Frank Thomas 1978 INF Brewers
Gene Thomas 1992 OF Giants
Ken Trusky 1989 OF Pirates
Casey Trout 1999 INF Brewers
Gerry Vezendy 1964 P Red Sox, Cardinals
Jeff Wagners 1995 INF Frontier League
Bob Weiss 1956 P Dodgers
Vic Willis 1936 1B/P Susquehanna League

Year denotes last at Maryland
* indicates Major Leaguer

Although there are currently no
former Tigers playing major league baseball,
TU had extensive ties with
the big leagues (i.e. A legend *Billy Hunter).

Since 1983, Towson U has had the following
Players Drafted By The Major Leagues

Player Year Pos. Organizations
John Andrade 1983 INF Texas
*Chris Nabholz 1998 LHP Expos
Derek Hasselhoff 1995 P WSox
Mike Vota 1995 P WSox
Chris Fiora 1999 P StL
Jason Rummel 1999 INF CWSox
Chris Russ 2000 LHP Tex
Denny Chapman 2000 P SD
Bryan Simmering 2001 P Oak
Gregg Davies 2002 OF O's
Casper Wells 2005 OF-P Tigers
Shane Justis 2005 SS LAD
Jason Maxey 1b 2005 Free Agent (FA) O's
Mike Costello 2005 FA O's

Year denotes last at Towson U
* indicates Major Leaguer

Hope I didn't forget somebody!

cheers



postscript:

- With regards to mdvol, U R 2 frickin neebie
for a GFU.

With regards to the other a0,
GFU......(pe^ker head...please turn off
the software button to track my posts)
.......

With regards to O'Fx, I think we've met...GFU lmao

With regards to the Pope, I beg for forgiveness for
all the wrong things I thought about doing, and did!
Seven Our Fathers, and eighteen Hails

That there is even a discussion about whether the Terps are the best baseball in the state of Maryland is an indictment of the program in College Park. Being the only BCS conference school in the state, playing in the prestigious ACC, and having the history that Bear alledges, should make Terpville the place to be for all the best recruits in the state of Maryland. But year after year, the best in Maryland flood to other schools, many of them in the ACC. The fact that Towson even draws comparisons by anyone, should be an embarrassment.

Really does it matter who played for the Terps and then went pro in the 70's? How does that help the Terps win games this year. History is a wonderful thing but it is just that, history.

Bear, Kevin Hart plays for the CHICAGO CUBS, not the White Sox. Yes it is a big deal here in the windy city.

Old fox-as for the pope thing I believe that Bear pronounces it Sibboleth not Shibboleth

quote:

Originally posted by VJC Baseball:
DI's in MD:
UMD, Towson, UMBC, MSM, UMES, COPPIN...after UMD there are no FSU's, Miami's, etc...
and the JHU boy was not one of the 4 at the time FYI. I also would refer to someone with an era of 4.94 as a star. I also agree about what you say with guys throwing in the 90's etc I could help you build that park.

It was a 4.94 ernie at a DIII as a Freshman.
Tranferred to a ACC DI and with a 8.4 ERA (certainly not star status) transfered back to DIII. Threw well and completed his college career.
Might become a CEO or Doctor or something.

quote:

Originally posted by deldad:
The fact that Towson even draws comparisons by anyone, should be an embarrassment.

Bear, Kevin Hart plays for the CHICAGO CUBS.

Old fox-as for the pope thing I believe that Bear pronounces in Sibboleth not Shibboleth

Need to get out out these rainy days.
Hope the weekend is not washed. April showers
are supposed to bring May flowers (not vice versa)

Without a doubt, it's be said (and several times) the better of Nick's parents is his Mom.
Many agree.

Let me offer the following to you, Adenhart:

a. ....you, of all people, do not want drag around the perception of anti-semiticism in any shape of form (as you have initiated). This would be simply too vulnerable to the promising young arm and young man.

b .Should if you need a few guidelines, I will offer
several of Mrs. Braun's stories......and should see her tommorrow w/o rain)

c. The correct spelling is שיבולת
The goal, should that be a path taken,
is that interpretation should not depend on the
reader's dialect. Thus, consult the IPA

d. Hart is NOT playing with the Cubs...a0
(and I am huge Cubs fan ever since Genie H
and Jimmy R.)
Kevin threw well in Iowa vs Takoma, Thurs
night, and a week before in Sacramento.
(A friend in Lancaster took him out to dinner)
Most die hard Cubbie fans know this.

e. There is absolutly no reason to trash Gottlieb's
solid D1 program and Conference. I'll will be sure
to let him know.

Once again, congrats to your son.

No cheers to you, today

Not wanting to contribute to the emotion of this debate, but I will say that MD has recruited quite a good crop of players from Virginia out of the class of 2008. Hegelson, Breeden, Beal, Buran, Murakami, and Rodriguez, are all excellent players who will help improve the program. Are they picking UMD vs other ACC schools (like a UVA, UNC, or even VT) -- I don't think so -- but you will have to ask them about their offers. But in other years, players like these would have opted for W&M, VCU, Coastal, ODU, etc without much thought to MD. While the Terps certainly should strive to keep many of the best players their state produces, if they can tap into VA in a bigger way, it will help them.

First, I came to your defense on the quote "Old fox as for the pope thing Bear pronounces it Sibboleth not Shibboleth" I understand your misgiving because I originally typed "in" instead of "it." I didn't think it was appropriate for him to question your faith based on some ramblings on a baseball web site. You were the persecuted not the persecutor. I have no idea what faith you are but whatever it is, it should not be questioned or examined on this website. I see the Old fox post has been deleted so hopefully someone else saw it out of bounds also.

As for the original question, I still don't understand why UofM lets the best players get out of the state so readily. As a lifelong resident and graduate of the UofM system, it puzzles me why Maryland doesn't get a bigger chunk of the talent that seems to eminate from the Maryland-DC area. I would find it interesting to see what could be built if the best players stayed in state. I don't know if it is an institutional issue, a recruiting issue, or a perception issue. As Bear has pointed out their is a record of players moving to the next level, and Maryland is an exceptional academic institution with a nationally recognized basketball program (men's and women's) and rising football program. That is the disconnect that I think needs addressed.

I would appreciate if you would not refer to my family. They have no skin in this debate.