After a season of unexpected on-field success, the independent Southern Maryland Blue Crabs minor league team returns to action this Thursday night in Waldorf. The Blue Crabs will host the Long Island Ducks before an expected sell out crowd.
Southern Maryland returns the core of a squad that tied for the Atlantic League's best regular season record during its inaugural Atlantic League run though without qualifying for the postseason. Pitchers Joe Gannon & John Halama come back to a squad that achieved the league's best ERA last go-round, notes the Washington Post. Manager of the year Butch Hobson is also back, opposed in the opening series by Gary Carter for Long Island.
The Blue Crabs opened to some initially disappointing attendance numbers in 2008 but later gained inroads in the region as the franchise refocused on grass roots marketing. The outreach will continue this year with online audio streaming of all games and video streaming of home games.
First pitch Thursday evening from Regency Furniture Stadium is set for 7:05 p.m.
______________________Labels: minor league baseball, southern maryland blue crabs, sports
