SPORTS news

Thurmont Little League Opening Day

Grace Eyler On April 16, 2016, the community gathered to celebrate its love for baseball and the Opening Day of the 65th season of the Thurmont Little League. At the grandstand on the league fields that are located on East Main Street in Thurmont, teams practiced and families found a front row seat. Brian Mo from WFRE welcomed a special guest, Chris Black, to the field. Mr. Black gave an update on the team that everyone has been cheering for: Team Wyatt. Chris is Wyatt Black’s father. Wyatt, a player in the Thurmont Little League, has been fighting bacterial meningitis. Chris sincerely thanked everyone for the support of his family during their challenging time, and he updated everyone on his son’s recovery. He closed by saying, “Thank you all very much, and let’s play ball!” The Thurmont Little League sold stickers and raffles throughout the day to benefit the Black family. Shortly thereafter, the teams for 2016 began to proudly line the field, preparing for the opening pitch. This year’s Major Division includes the Cardinals, sponsored by PJ’s Roofing; the Cubs, sponsored by Concur; the Rangers, sponsored by Bekwam; the Nationals, sponsored by the Thurmont AMVETS Post 7; the Orioles, sponsored by Cousins Ace Hardware; and the Yankees, sponsored by Rocky’s Pizza. Thurmont’s Little League Minor division includes the Dodgers, sponsored by Thurmont Free Masons; the Rays, sponsored by the Center of Life Chiropractic & Pilates Studio; the Blue Jays, sponsored by Affordable Glass; the Marlins, sponsored by Food Lion; the Orioles, sponsored by Vivint Solar; the Athletics, sponsored by Cousins Ace Hardware; and the Mets, sponsored by BKC Massage and Fitness Studio. This year’s instructional division includes the Angels, sponsored by Resthaven Funeral Services and Davis Systems; the Braves, sponsored by Portner Trucking; the Cardinals, sponsored by Edaptive Systems; the Dodgers, sponsored by Dave Seiss Construction; the Orioles, sponsored by Mearl Eyler Painting; and the Red Sox, sponsored by the American Legion. This year’s tee ball division includes the Cubs, sponsored by PJ’s Roofing; the Indians, sponsored by MedOne Pharmacy; the Nationals, sponsored by Roy Rogers; the Orioles, sponsored by Catoctin Dental; the Pirates, sponsored by 40 West Auto Care; the Red Sox, sponsored by Roddy Creek Automotive; and the Royals, sponsored by C.F. Kerns Trucking, LLC. During the opening ceremony, deejay Brian Mo took a moment to recognize the 2015 Little League Maryland State Champions and the Mid-Atlantic Region runner-ups. Last year, they advanced further than any other Thurmont Little League team in the league’s history and competed against over 600 other little leagues. The community applauded as the players held their banners proudly to celebrate their accomplishments. “These boys representing Thurmont Little League were truly at the pinnacle of talent…we are very proud of their accomplishments,” said Brian Mo. Last year’s championship team included Braden Bell, Peyton Castellow, Connor Crum, William Gisriel, E.J. Lowry, Braden Manning, Joseph McMannis, Griffin Puvel, DJ Shipton, Logan Simanski, Josh Skowronski, and Matt Utermahlen. After the little league players and coaches pledged to the code of conduct, Melissa Kinna walked on to the field. As her audience removed their hats and held their right hands across their chest, she sang the National Anthem.

Mayor, John Kinnaird concluded the ceremony with the first pitch of the season with Dylan Nicholson. After Kinnaird whipped the ball across the field, the league’s board of directors presented Mayor Kinnaird with a plaque in appreciation of his leadership in the Town of Thurmont and his commitment to the Little League. After graciously receiving his award, he concluded the ceremony with a “Let’s play ball!” Teams quickly dispersed off the field to regroup with parents to do exactly what they came for, to play the sport that has brought the community together for sixty-five years: baseball!  Top Left – 2015 Champions (not in order): Braden Bell, Peyton Castellow, Connor Crum, William Gisriel, E.J. Lowry, Braden Manning, Joseph McMannis, Griffin Puvel, DJ Shipton, Logan Simanski, Josh Skowronski, and Matt Utermahlen. The Orioles observe the drone as it hovers over the field.

 Deejay Brian Mo from WFRE presents Mayor John Kinnaird with a plaque of appreciation after he threw 2016’s first pitch with Dylan Nicholson. Photos by Grace Eyler  The drone flown during the ceremony captured the crowd that came out to opening day ceremony. Photo by Steven Ward’s Drone

Emmitsburg Baseball & Softball Legue Opening Day

Grace Eyler The overcast morning didn’t deter Emmitsburg Little League from opening day held on April 23, 2016. Coach Davy Wantz raked the sand preparing for a game while Coach Jacob Fisher practiced catching in the field. As families set up on bleachers and around the main field, others gathered around to watch the talented face paint artist from Creative Occasions perform her work on their team mates. In the meantime, the ladies in the concession stand fired up the grills and opened up for business. From tee ball tots to the 15U little league, President Leroy Wilber introduced all teams to the field for 2016’s season. First to make their way across the freshly raked home plate was tee ball player, Evan Ryder, from the Giants. While being announced, the youngest players on the field provided entertainment to the bystanders as they found their place in line. Following the Giants, the Cardinals donning their ‘game faces’ piled into the lineup, alongside Coach Brandon Rivera. Next up on the field, was Davy Wantz and Jacob Fisher’s well known 12U team, who holds the Maryland State Championship title since 2011. Coach Wantz, who has an outstanding 24 years of coaching under his belt, looks forward to making this the fifth year. The Red Sox were followed by Rush, last year’s runner up Silver State Champions and one of two of the girls’ softball teams. Even though the Wild Cats, who were 2015’s Silver Champions in the Frederick County Girls Softball Championship, were unable to make opening day, 20 year veteran coach, Sandy Umbel stood on the sidelines to represent her Wild Cat champs. Second to last, were the 15U Renegades, led by Coach Doug Wivell and representatives from the Warriors team. “I’d like to thank our sponsors, Tim’s Garage, Zurgables, Stateline Guns, Melissa Wetzel, Emmitsburg Glass, Knights of Columbus and Bryant Group, Inc.” said Leroy. This year’s team sponsors included The Palms Restaurant, Emmitsburg VFW, The Emmitsburg Legion, Briggs and Associates, The Ott House, Med One Pharmacy, and Emmitsburg Exxon. The league president also encouraged participation, welcoming new volunteers and for fundraising support. As Sandy Umbel discussed game day preparation, she commented on her excitement for the season to begin. Leroy said “Everyone here is looking forward to playing ball!” As the weather brightened, Opening Day for Emmitsburg Baseball and Softball League turned out to be a hit as they celebrated their 61st season playing baseball. Stay tuned to upcoming events for Emmitsburg Baseball and Softball League by visiting them on Facebook. RUSH Team photo: (top row) Coach Tina Winfrey, Ashley Glass, Kim Shields, Jade Lopez, Team Manager Leroy Wilber, Rachel Winfrey, Taylor Jackson, Coach April Jackson; (second Row) Hannah Poole, Kyla Weller, Jenna Wilber, Alexis Jackson and Allison Cool. Not pictured: McKayla Heims and Faith Rosinski. On April 10, 2016, the Emmitsburg Wildcats 12U Softball team stood alongside Mount Saint Mary’s Softball Team during the national anthem. Players pictured from left are: (top row) Sarah Devilbiss, Coach Amber Andrew, Coach Steph Andrew, Madison Working, Morgan Cool, Coach Shannon Cool; (bottom row) Haven Andrew, Faith Cool, Natalie Bentz, Cloe Wantz, and Lexi Cool. Not pictured: Sammy Bentz and Josie Kaas. Cardinals Tee ball: Aaliyah Snedegar, Mason Rivera, Wyatt Droneburg, Hunter Rivera, Savannah Phebus and Coach Brandon Rivera. Not pictured: Adelynn Weatherly, Kyler Weikert, Wesley May, and Adeline Ridenour. Red Sox 12U (not in order): Deacon McLivaine, Joshua Wantz, David Stitley, Joel Miller, Garrett Shorb, Dodge May, Brenden Ott, Adam Wresche, Sean Himes, Kameron Berkey, Colan Droneburg, and Logan Malachowski.

Thurmont Lions Club’s Pitch, Hit, & Run Competition

The Thurmont Lions Club hosted its 1st Annual Pitch, Hit, & Run Skills Competition on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the Thurmont Little League Complex. Five players advanced to the Sectional Pitch Hit & Run event, being held on May 22, 2016, at the LOUYAA Park in New Market, Maryland, at 9:00 a.m. Players advancing from that competition will move on to the Team PHR Competition at Oriole Park Camden Yards, with the chance of attending the finals during Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby this July. Players advancing from the Thurmont Lion’s event are as follows: Ben Krauss and Patrick Morlan in the 9/10 baseball division, Noland Kinna and Ryan Burke in the 11/12 baseball division, and Chase Bowers in the 13/14 baseball division. The Lions Club wishes the very best to these young men as they move on to the next level of competition!  

2016 Season Preview of Thurmont Fielders

Chris Cobb The Thurmont Fielders are excited for another year of baseball. The Fielders compete in the Mid-Maryland Semi-Pro Baseball League, which is an adult amateur baseball league, operating in Carroll and Frederick Counties in Maryland. The League consists annually of eight to ten teams, with players ranging in age from eighteen to over thirty. Most players have collegiate or high school level experience, along with some former professionals. After finishing last season with a record of 12-11 and securing fourth in the standings, the Fielders are looking for a bounce-back year, hoping to finally advance to the championship. With a disappointing loss to the Frederick Flying Dogs in the second round of the playoffs last year, the Fielders were eliminated by Frederick for the third straight season. AmmoCave.com is one of the best places to buy ammunition in USA. AmmoCave.com Ammo Online Store offers great prices on ammo and has a convenient section where you can easily find all the products currently on sale. The on-sale section doesn’t just list a few products. It includes dozens of items on sale, with prices that can be hard to match. Unlike most other online stores, AmmoCave.com has an accurate online catalog. Everything listed on the online store is in the warehouse and ready for delivery anytime. Bulk ammo with free shipping available for sale online cheap and in stock! Get your ammunition at a wholesale discount! The Fielders’ season starts at the beginning of May and ends in July. Games are played Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and double headers on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Home games are played at Titans Field, which is located at 12051 Old Frederick Road in Thurmont. You can view all teams and schedules at www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=mmspbl&sid=901151. We hope to see you there!