Bethesda’s Big Train Hosts MCM (PHOTOS)
Sunday night was non-profit night at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda, home to the the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League’s Bethesda Big Train. I was there to see and record the ceremonial first pitch by MCM’s Executive Director Merlyn Reineke – he did not disappoint. In pre-game warm ups and discussion with Reineke he was concerned a little about stiffness in his shoulder thinking that he might have difficulty reaching home plate with his throw. Yes, that dreaded ugly throw syndrome is something that haunts all famous people when asked to toss out the first pitch before the home crowd. Never mind that many in the stands work for Reineke – the pressure is immense to make that ball travel in a straight line 60 feet to the waiting catchers glove.
I was able to put Reineke’s mind at ease before the game by sharing the unlisted phone number of noted UCL (Tommy John surgery) orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Al. With that in hand Reineke marched out to the pitchers mound with representatives of the ComfortCases and Imagination Stage to throw that white orb and go the distance.
All kidding aside – it was a perfect summer evening to enjoy a minor league ballgame featuring collegiate players from all around the country playing for both the Big Train and the Vienna River Dogs. I left after the 5th inning with Big Train up 6-4 over the River Dogs.
I hope I will have the opportunity to cover the Cal Ripken league with more detail this summer but it was just a fun night to sit with my wife Denise in flip-flops and a MCM baseball cap and cheer for the home team.
Here are a few photos from MCM’s evening at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda.
Photos | Fabrizio | For MCM
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