Blue Crabs Opening Day Marred by Team Loss

Posted by Dick.Myers_Editor On 04/25/2013

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs kicked off their 2013 home season Wednesday night with rousing opening ceremony followed by a loss to the . This is an historic season for the Blue Crabs because for the first time they will be hosting the league All-Star game in July.

The opening ceremony included the appearance on the field on the team players in classic cars joined by local kids, including members of local youth sports. Members of ROTC from Southern Maryland high school unfurled a large American flag. America was performed by the La Plata High School Chorus. A bugle salute was performed by Dr. Eugene Guazzo. And the Star Spangled Banner was performed by the Indian head Elementary School Chorus.

The evening’s special guest, former Rookie of the Year and Alumni, Al “the Bee” Bumbry, arrived in a convertible and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

According to a press release from the Blue Crabs: “Born April 21, 1947 in Fredericksburg, Va., Bumbry made his major league debut with the Orioles on September 5, 1972 as a pinch hitter in a 6-7 loss to the New York Yankees and was in good Atlantic League (ATLL) company in several ways, playing on the same team as hall of famer and Opening Day partner as well as current ATLL Sparky Lyle (Somerset Patriots) and former ATLL manager Andy Etchebarren (York Revolution).

“The year following his major league debut Bumbry was named the American League Rookie of the Year Award, accomplishing a career-high .337 average with 73 runs, 120 hits, 23 stolen bases, 33 extra-base hits and 34 RBIs in 110 games and was also first in the American League in triples (11). Bumbry went on to appear in two with Baltimore (1979, 1983), an All-Star game (1980) as well as being inducted into the Orioles and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and 1991, respectively.

“Since retiring from in 1985 Bumbry remains heavily involved with the Baltimore Orioles community efforts and his son Steven was drafted by the Orioles in the 12th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. The outfielder also served as the outfield/base running coach for the Revolution in 2007.”

The following is a synopsis of opening game as provided by the Blue Crabs:

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs were defeated 5-2 in their home opener to the York Revolution on Wednesday, April 24 at Regency Furniture Stadium. Shortstop Renny Osuna went 2-for-5 and second baseman Wladimir Sutil followed close

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