newsobserver.com blogs -- baseball

Michael Dean Chadwick joins the Rangers

timstevens — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:20:58 -0500

Michael Dean Chadwick, Josh Hamilton's father-in-law, has been named as a special assistant by the Texas Rangers.

Chadwick is expected to travel with the team and be an accountability partner to Hamilton. When the Rangers acquired Hamilton four years ago, the club brought in Johnny Narron to be Hamilton's accountability partner. Narron has accepted a position as Milwaukee's hitting coach for the 2012 season.

Hamilton battled alcohol and drug addiction when he was younger and was completely out of baseball for several years.

“When we traded for Josh, we felt that Johnny was a key hire and it turns out he was,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told reporters. “There was a little bit more unknown when he was traded. He had never played here before, never been on the stage in the same regard. We look at this more as it’s a support system more than a necessity. ... Josh is in a very different position today than he was when we acquired him, both personally and professionally.”

Chadwick has been CEO of his home-building and development company in Apex and is the head of the nonprofit Mike Chadwick Ministries. He often speaks in churches and to athletic groups about his Christian faith and the story of his own substance abuse issues he had earlier in life.

Baseball's curve ball born in the Carolinas

tleonard — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:35:07 -0400

The historians at the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources have posted a 1933 obituary of baseball pitcher Alphonse Martin, including his connection to North Carolina.

While stationed at Fort Reno on the northern end of Roanoke Island during the occupation of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Union soldiers often had free time. Martin, a native New Yorker, had played on a pre-war team called the Unions, one of 16 teams that competed regularly in the metropolitan New York area. Union soldiers brought baseball down South during the war, as it had originated in Maine as “town ball” and spread through New England.

Martin was known for a slow, curved pitch that was incredibly difficult for batters to hit, and he earned the name “Phoney Ball.” After the war, Martin returned to New York and pitched for the New York Mutuals and the Brooklyn Eckfords. Although Martin pitched the curve during the Civil War, Arthur “Candy” Cummings is credited with inventing the pitch in 1867, playing for the Brooklyn Excelsiors.

A plaque for Cummings at the Baseball Hall of Fame states “Inventor of the Curveball,” but Cummings admitted to baseball historian Alfred H. Spink that he felt Martin had first pitched a curve ball. Cummings reportedly said of other pitchers, “But none of those pitchers knew they had a curve, and I suppose it is fair to say I was the first to find out what a curve was and how it was done.”

Mudcats' broadcaster Kinas is Southern League Broadcaster of the Year

dclaybest — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:02:16 -0400

Carolina Mudcats broadcaster Patrick Kinas has been named 2011 Radio Broadcaster of the Year for the Southern League, as selected by other league broadcasters and the Southern League's league’s general managers.
Kinas has been broadcasting for the Carolina Mudcats since 1999 and was honored with this same award in 2003. Since 2009, he has been president of Play-By-Play Sports Properties which is involved in several national broadcast and sponsorship events spanning baseball, football and other multi-media projects.
This fall, Kinas will once again be the TV play-by-play broadcaster for East Carolina Pirates football and men's basketball games on their local/regional networks, along with other sports and championships on the ACC Network. Additionally, Kinas will continue to call N.C. State women's basketball. In January, 2012, Kinas will be calling the national radio broadcast of the 87th Annual East-West Shrine Game from Tropicana Field.
Kinas, who lives in Raleigh, grew up in Pontiac, Ill. and received his M.A. from Northwestern University. Kinas is also president of the Northwestern University Alumni Club of the Triangle, and founded the Triangle Sportscaster Camp for youth broadcasters in 2009.

From a Mudcats' News Release

West Raleigh teams heading to Cal Ripken World Series

teribb — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:09:15 -0400

The West Raleigh Baseball's Cal Ripken 10U and 12U teams got a big send-off on Wednesday evening as they prepared for the Cal Ripken World Series.

Alumni from the youth baseball organization turned out to help the Southeast Regional championship teams practice at the West Raleigh Exchange Club Park in advance of the 12U Cal Ripken World Series scheduled for Aug. 13-21 in Aberdeen, Md., and the 10U Cal Ripken World Series being played Aug. 13-20 in Winchester, Va.

West Raleigh won the 10U World Series two years ago, and about half the all-star players from the title team are on this year's 12U World Series entry, team spokesman Gary Feder said on Wednesday.

West Raleigh won the 12U regional title in Aiken, S.C., on Sunday, taking a 14-4 victory against powerful Florida team Oviedo in a game called after four innings because of the mercy rule. West Raleigh defeated Williamsburg, out of Virginia, 9-4 in the semifinals.

The 12U team will warm up for the World Series with a trip to Cooperstown (N.Y.) Dream Park for a week of tournament play.

In the 10U event at New Bern, West Raleigh's Cal Ripken 10U team defeated Naples, Fla., 5-1 in the semifinals and then won the title 4-0 over in-state rival and host Neuse All-Stars to advance the World Series.

- Teri Boggess

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Looking for a camp, a team or a tournament? Check the Play! calendar

teribb — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:48:36 -0400

USA Baseball's inaugural Women's Development Camp takes place this weekend at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary.

Details for that camp and camps in other sports, plus team tryouts, league registration, instruction and tournaments can be found in the Play! Recreational Sports Calendar below, an expanded version of the calendar that appears each Tuesday in the print edition Sports section.

To have your listing added to the calendar, email complete information, including a name and telephone number, to play@newsobserver.com.

PLAY! RECREATIONAL SPORTS CALENDAR

PARKS AND RECREATION
Youth
CARY Baseball, spring registration, Jan. 30-Feb 19, 2012, ages 5-18. Softball, spring registration Jan. 30-Feb. 19, ages 8-16. Basketball, winter registration, Oct. 3-23, ages 9-18. Contact: 919-469-4062, tracey.hedgpeth@townofcary.org, www.townofcary.org.
CLAYTON Tennis, classes, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, ages 11-15, $20-$35, four weeks; QuickStart Tennis, shorter court, modified scoring, Tuesdays, ages 5-7 6-7 p.m., ages 8-10 7-8 p.m., $40-$55, eight weeks. Contact: 919-553-1550, www.townofclaytonnc.org; QuickStart 919-553-1554.
RALEIGH City league: football, ages 7-13, $42-$54. Lake Lynn Community Center leagues: touch football, games September-November, ages 5-6, $36-$46, due Aug. 7; soccer, introductory play September-November, ages 5-8, $40-$52. Contact: Raleigh 919-831-6836, Lake Lynn 919-870-2911.
Adult
CLAYTON Tennis, classes, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Ages: 16-up. Fee: $20-$35, four weeks. Contact: 919-553-1551, www.townofclaytonnc.org.
EMERALD ISLE Tennis, clinics, 8-9 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 29, ages 14-up, $5-$10. Contact: 252-354-6350, mshreve@emeraldisle-nc.org.
RALEIGH Baseball, registration starts Aug. 9, play starts late August, ages 18-up, $450 team. Contact: 919-831-6836.

ADAPTIVE/WHEELCHAIR
TOURNAMENT National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s International Tournament of Champions, men and women, Aug. 7-14, Charlotte. Contact: Travis Dancy 704-987-3300, tdancy@lakenorman.org.

BASEBALL
CAMP USA Baseball's inaugural Women’s Development Camp, Aug. 4-6, USA Baseball National Training Complex, Cary; in conjunction with Aug. 2-7 Women’s International Friendship Series (U.S. Red, U.S. Blue, Australia, Canada). Ages: 12-15. Fee: $50. Contact: Ashley Bratcher 919-474-8721, ext. 219, ashleybratcher@usabaseball.com, www.usabaseball.com.
CAMP Diamond Stars Baseball Summer Training Camp, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 8-11, St. David’s School, Raleigh. Ages: 9-12. Fee: $225. Fee: Jason Roach 919-334-8004, roachey23@bellsouth.net, www.diamondstarsbaseball.com.
CAMPS Wolfpack Baseball Camps, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 1-4, N.C. State’s Doak Field. Ages: 6-12. Fee: $265. Contact: Brian Ward 919-395-5302, wardb@hpw.com, www.collegebaseballcamps.com/wolfpack.
CAMPS, CLINICS Instruction, individual sessions during official opening this week, The Factory Ballpark, Wake Forest; fee TBA. Clinics, all skills, 2-5 p.m. Aug. 7, ages 6-18; $50, due 5 p.m. Aug. 6; hitting Aug. 14; pitching-catching Aug. 21; fielding Aug. 28. Contact: The Factory Baseball Institute, Joe John 919-606-8900, factorybaseball@gmail.com.
MIRACLE LEAGUE OF THE TRIANGLE Fall registration ends mid-August for adaptive league for special-needs youth. Contact: Traci Brown 919-238-0333, www.miracleleagueofthetriangle.com.
NORTH WAKE COUNTY BASEBALL ASSOCIATION Fall T-Ball, coach-pitch, player-pitch tryouts start Aug. 6; games August-November. Ages: 5-15. Contact: Ellis Zaytoun, 606-7000; register, www.nwcba.com.
RALEIGH PIRATES 12U travel team seeks two or three players; tryouts Aug. 6; practices in southern Wake County, Clayton. Ages: cannot turn 12 before May 1, 2012. Contact: Dan Kennedy 919-901-5125.
TOURNAMENTS Bellefonte Baseball wood-bat tournaments, Central Pennsylvania: 14U Aug. 5-7, 15U Aug. 26-28. Fee: $500-$650. Contact: Joe Menna 814-355-0411, bellefontebaseball@gmail.com, www.bellefontebaseball.com.
WAKE FOREST DREAM LEAGUE League for special-needs children, Tyler Run Park, Wake Forest. Ages: 5-18. Fee: $40-$80 player; buddies free. Contact: Ed Austin 919-435-9562, wakeforestdreamleague@yahoo.com, www.wakeforestdreamleague.com./

BASKETBALL
CAMP St. Augustine’s College Back To School Elite Basketball Camp, 8 a.m. Aug. 8, Emery Gymnasium, Raleigh, with coach Ken Spencer, staff, players. Ages: 9-12 boys. Fee: $50. Contact: 919-516-4469.
CAMPS Aug. 1-5, St. Francis Catholic Church Camps, boys and girls, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh: grades K-2 9-noon, grades 3-8 12:30-3:30 p.m. Fee: $65 ($50 additional child). Contact: church 919-847-8205.
CAMPS Coach Ledford’s Basketball Camp Aug. 8-12, boys and girls, Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh: grades K-1 9-noon, $55; grades 2-6 9 a.m.-3 p.m, $100. Contact: Don Ledford 919-783-0391, coachledford@bellsouth.net, www.coachledford.com.
CAMP Donald Williams Basketball Academy 12th Annual Camp, Aug. 1-5, Garner Road YMCA, Raleigh. Ages: 8-16, boys, girls. Fee: $225. Contact: Laura Whayne 919-740-3981, www.dwbasketball.com.
CAMPS Quality Instruction Boot Camps: Raleigh-Cary, grades 6-8, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays through Aug. 11, Cary Academy, Trinity Academy (Raleigh), $275 (all dates); grades 9-12, 7-9 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays through Aug. 10, $380 (all \dates); Smithfield, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, through Aug. 9, grades 1-12, $200 (18 dates).. Contact: Networks Basketball, Kevin Nunley 919-233-8801, www.networksbasketball.com.
CLINIC Networks Basketball shooting technique clinic, 6-7 p.m. Aug. 29-30, Smithfield Aquatic & Recreation Center, Smithfield; 6-:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-14, Trinity Academy, Raleigh. Ages: 8-18. Fee: $50. Contact: Kevin Nunley 919-233-8801, www.networksbasketball.com.

CHEERLEADING
CAMPS All levels, through August, Cheer Extreme, 3816-104 Tarheel Drive, Raleigh. Ages: 5-18. Fee: $125-$250. Contact: Krista Lindabery 919-876-8325, www.cheerextremeraleigh.com.

COACHES/OFFICIALS
FOOTBALL, CHEERLEADING Volunteers coaches needed; practice starts Aug. 15; season through October; work with ages 7-13. Contact: Raleigh Parks and Recreation 919-831-6836, athletics@raleighnc.gov; football, David Tugwell 919-807-5406.

CYCLING
FIVE-0 MEMORIAL RIDE Supported 50K and 100K rides, 7 a.m. Aug. 20, Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, 10911 Raven Ridge Road. Benefits Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation. Fee: $35 ($40 day of). Contact: Kim Swinson 919-369-6180, www.rpdmemorial.org.
EASTER SEALS UCP RIDE WITHOUT LIMITS 38-, 64-, 100-mile routes, Aug. 27-28, Camp Royall, Pittsboro. Benefits Easter Seals UCP progreams. Fee: $35 plus $250 fundraising. Contact: 877-743-3795, www.ridewithoutlimits.org.
MOUNTAIN BIKING USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships, Sept. 22-25, Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain. Contact: 828-387-2011, www.skibeech.com.

EQUESTRIAN
SHOWS Johnston County Horse Show Series, 8:30 a.m. Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Johnston County Livestock Arena. Fee: TBA. Contact: Blaine and Michelle McLaughlin 919-934-1344, www.ipass.net/blaine_mclaughlin.

FIGURE SKATING
DOGWOOD OPEN Aug. 12-14, IcePlex, 2601 Raleigh Blvd., Raleigh; U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned competition. Ages: tots-masters. Fee: entry closed; spectators welcome. Contact: IcePlex 919-878-9002, www.iceplex.com; Skating Club of N.C. scnc.org@gmail.com, www.skatingclubnc.org; Donna Morea dcmorea@aol.com.

FOOTBALL
POP WARNER CHALLENGER DIVISION Consolidated Football Federation flag football, cheerleading program for youth with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Ages: 5-18. Fee: free. Contact: 919-306-3822, challenger@cff-popwarner.com, www.cff-popwarner.com.
POP WARNER LEAGUES Consolidated Football Federation football, cheerleading, dance fall registration. Ages: 5-15. Fees: vary. Contact: 919-523-8632, tom_goodwin@nc.rr.com, www.cff-popwarner.com.

GOLF
Camps and clinics
AMERICAN SINGLES GOLF ASSOCIATION Singles outings, Triangle courses. Fee: varies. Contact: Lee Thayne 919-880-7409; membership, Bobby Jones 919-847-5587, www.raleigh.singlesgolf.com.
CAMPS Aug. 16-18, Crooked Creek Golf Club, Fuquay-Varina. Ages: 7-17, boys, girls. Fee: $135; loaner clubs free. Contact: pro shop 919-557-7529, www.playcrookedcreek.com.
CAMPS Junior Golf School, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 1-4, Heritage Golf Club, Wake Forest. Ages: 8-14. Fee: $190-$220. Contact: 919-453-2020, ext. 2.Tournaments
PHIL FORD GOLF CLASSIC GALA 6 p.m.-midnight Aug. 12, Benvenue Country Club, Rocky Mount. Guest speaker: former North Carolina basketball star Tyler Hansbrough. Benefits Boys and Girls Clubs of Nash/Edgecombe Counties. Fee: $100 solo, $150 couple. Contact: Tony Orr 252-977-9924, www.bgcnec.org/philfordgolfclassic.
TWO RIVERS CLASSIC Sept. 2, Kings Grant Golf and Country Club, Fayetteville. Benefits Fayetteville State University athletics. Fee: $65 ($240 team), due Aug. 15. Contact: Paris Jones 910-672-1314, pjones@uncfsu.edu.
MOORE COUNTY MEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP Sept. 17-18, Hyland Golf Club, U.S. 1 North, Southern Pines. Divisions: open (16-older; any county), senior (55-up), super senior (60-, 70-, 75-up). Benefits The First Tee of the Sandhills. Contact: Dick Wilson, 910-949-4675, flogger@embarqmail.com, www.golfchamps.thepilot.com, www.hylandgolfclub.com.
COMFORT ZONE CAMP FOR KIDS CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19, Brier Creek Country Club, 10404 Lumley Road, Morrisville. Benefits free bereavement camp for children who have experienced death of parent, sibling or primary caregiver. Contact: 919-946-1542, www.comfortzonecamp.com.
KIDS ’N’ COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TOURNAMENT 11 a.m. Oct. 3, Prestonwood Country Club, Cary. Fee: $875 individual, $3250 foursome. Contact: Katharine Kelley 919-861-5474, www.carolinahurricanes.com/foundation.
TRUE BLUE GOLF CLASSIC 9 a.m. Oct. 17, Duke University Golf Club, Durham. Benefits Duke women’s basketball. Contact: Lauren Rice 919-613-7571, rice@duaa.duke.edu.

HOCKEY
ICE HOCKEY Carolina Hurricanes Camps, RecZone, Raleigh: developmental, Aug. 1-5, up to three years experience; Elite Week, Aug. 8-12, travel squirts and pee-wees; girls, Aug. 8-12, all levels. Fees: vary. Contact: Paul Strand 919-861-5425, pauls@carolinahurricanes.com, www.carolinahurricanes.com/summercamps.
INLINE HOCKEY Leagues, three-on-three, Aug. 4-28, Jellybeans of Wakefield; $75 skaters, $35 goalies. Pick-up games, 8:45-10 p.m. Wednesdays, ages 15-up, $10 skater, goalies free. Contact: Raleigh-Cary Inline Hockey League 919-645-8080, www.skatejellybeans.com.

JUMP ROPE
CAMPS Single, double-dutch, with seven-time national champion Bouncing Bulldogs Rope Skipping Demonstration Team, Bouncing Bulldogs Gym, Ram’s Plaza, Chapel Hill: weekly, 8-noon Aug. 8-12, Aug. 15-19, $200 week; mini camp, 8-noon Aug. 22-24, $120. Contact: Ray Fredrick 919-493-7992, www.bouncingbulldogs.org.

LACROSSE
LEAGUES SLLIC boys and girls; Rally, instructional; play Sept. 10-11 to Oct. 30. Contact: North Carolina Lacrosse Academy, Michael McLaughlin, 919-303-6068, www.nclaxacademy.com.

MARTIAL ARTS
WHITE TIGER DEMONSTRATION TEAM Auditions, 6:45 p.m. Aug. 16, White Tiger Taekwondo, 1605 NW Maynard Road, Cary; spectators welcome. Contact: 919-469-3553, www.whitetigertkd.com.

MULTISPORT
CAMPS Leesville Road High School Pride Athletic Club Camps: cheerleading, baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, football, softball, volleyball. Ages 6-15. Fee: full days $175 week, half days $125. Contact: 919-270-7386, www.leesville.org (click Parents Group, then Pride Athletic Club, then Sport Camps).
CAMPS N.C. Central University, Durham: Boys basketball, elite, Aug. 6, $40. Contact: boys basketball, John Moseley 919-530-6012; track and field, Tavius Walker 919-530-6712.
CAMPS WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary: soccer, beginner, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 5-12, $125-$155 week; lacrosse, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 8-14, $125-$155. Contact: David Crotts 919-858-0464, david.crotts@townofcary.org, www.townofcary.org.
CAMPS WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary: soccer, beginner, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 5-12, $125-$155 week; lacrosse, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 8-14, $125-$155. Contact: David Crotts 919-858-0464, david.crotts@townofcary.org, www.townofcary.org.
LEAGUES Flag football, soccer, cheerleading, same-day practices and games September-November, north Wake County, south Wake. Ages: 4-14, boys, girls. Fee: $99-$155. Contact: i9sports, Kelly Rowles 919-882-5780, www.i9sports.com.

RUNNING
More races, results www.runnc.com.
SOLDIERS REUNION 5K 8:30 a.m. Aug. 20, Newton Recreation Dept., 23 South Brady Ave., Newton. Fee: 5K $15 ($20 after Aug. 17), fun run $10 ($15). Contact: 828-695-4317, www.newtonnc.gov.
ROCK 'N' ROLL VIRGINIA BEACH HALF MARATHON 7 a.m. Sept. 4, Virginia Beach Convention Center. 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, Va. Fee: $110 ($125 Sept. 2-3; no race-day entry). Contact: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/virginia-beach.
FITNESS WORLD 5K RUN 9 a.m. Sept. 24, Fitness World, 105 W. N.C. 54, Suite 271, Durham. Benefits Ronald McDonald House. Fee: $25. Contact: Eric Greenley 919-544-9000, eric@fitnessworldnc.com, www.active.com; Lindsay Hege 919-281-1064, www.ronaldhousedurham.org.
HICKORY MOUNTAIN 10K AND DUPONT STATE FOREST 50K Trail-running races, Guion Farm, Sky Valley Road, DuPont State Forest: 10K 9 a.m. Oct. 1, 50K 7:30 a.m. Oct. 2. Benefits DegreeMap, helping secure college scholarships. Fee: 10K $25 ($30 after Aug. 31), 50K $70. Contact: Lydia Odell lydianodell@yahoo.com, 828-553-5628, www.race.degreemap.org.
CITY OF OAKS MARATHON AND REX HEALTHCARE HALF MARATHON 7 a.m. Nov. 6, N.C. State’s Bell Tower, Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. Combined cash purse: $20,300. Fee: $100 through Nov. 4; $110 Nov. 5; half marathon $60-$90; four-person marathon relay $150-$250; kids’ marathon mile $25-$40. Contact: 919-761-7073; register online only, www.cityofoaksmarathon.com.
OUTER BANKS MARATHON, HALF MARATHON Marathon, 7:20 a.m. Nov. 13, Kitty Hawk to Roanoke Island, Manteo, $95-$110; half marathon, 7 a.m. Nov. 13, Nags Head to Roanoke Island, Manteo, $85-$100; 8K, 7:30 a.m. Nov. 12, First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills; $45-$55; Buccaneer 5K, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 12, First Flight High, $25-$30. Contact: Outer Banks Sporting Events 252-255-6273, www.obxmarathon.org.

SAILING
INSTRUCTION, CAMPS Carolina Sailing Foundation lessons, camps, Triangle sites. Ages: youth, adult. Fee: varies. Contact: juniors, John Norton 919-604-0842; adult, Roy Rysdon 919-469-1808; www.carolinasailingfoundation.org.
CLINICS Racing classes, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 6, Sept. 10, Vista Point, Jordan Lake, Pittsboro. Ages: teens-seniors. Fee: free. Contact: Carolina Sailing Club, monthly social, Vickie Braxton 919-542-5391, vickiebraxton@msn.com, www.carolinasailingclub.org; clinic, Dave Burchfield 919-961-1275, dave.burchfiel@sas.com.
INSTRUCTION Classes, Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County: OPTI Beginner, ages 8-12, $150; Sunfish, learn to sail, evening beginner, evening intermediate, senior; ages 12-adult, $75-$150. Contact: Colleen Bockhahn 919-460-2723, www.wakegov.com/lakecrabtree/recreation.

SOCCER
GOLDSTAR SOCCER CLUB Leagues, Goldstar Soccer Fields, 2513 Old U.S. 1 (S. Salem St.), Apex. Ages: 3-grade 6. Fee: $75. Contact: 919-786-3056 (Hablamos Espanol), www.goldstarsc.org.
TRIANGLE UNITED Tryouts, 5:30-6:45 Aug. 2, WakeMed Soccer Park Field No. 4. Ages: U9, U10, U11; boys and girls. Contact: Mike Moltzon 919-302-2334 (Hablamos Espanol), mmoltzon@triangleunited.org.

SOFTBALL
INSTRUCTION Fastpitch offense and defense, weekends. Ages: 8-college. Fee: $30-$45 hour. Contact: Jon Russell 828-320-2068, jruss4444@gmail.com.
TRIANGLE LIGHTNINGI Girls 16U-18U fast-pitch tryouts, 9 a.m. Aug. 13, East Wake Middle School. Contact: 16U, Andy Davis 252-432-2439; 18U, Tim Moose 919-796-5013; all, Don Pegram 919-427-6289, dpegram@embarqmail.com.

SWIMMING
MARLINS OF RALEIGH SWIM TEAM 2011-12 season registration; practices, Pullen Aquatic Center, N.C. State, Peace College, St. Mary's School (central Raleigh/Cary); Ravenscroft School, Millbrook, Optimist Park (North Raleigh); Riverwood Athletic Club (Clayton). Contact: Paul Silver 919-851-3000, 01silversurfer@bellsouth.net, www.marlinsofraleigh.com.

TENNIS
CAMPS Weekly through mid-August, Triangle sites. Ages: 5-14. Fee: $100-$200 session. Contact: RDUTennis, Brian Rosenthal 919-395-7329, brian@rdutennis.net, www.rdutennis.net.

TRIATHLON
OUTER BANKS TRIATHLON N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island, 374 Airport Road, Manteo: half (1.2 mile open-water swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run), 7 a.m. Sept. 10; Olympic (1,500-meter swim, 24.5-mile bike, 6.2-mile run), 7 a.m. Sept. 10; sprint (750-meter swim, 13.5-mile bike, 3.1-milSe run), 7:30 a.m. Sept. 11. Benefits Dare Education Foundation, Outer Banks Relief Foundation. Fee: solo $50-$185, relay $100-$235. Contact: 252-255-6273, www.obxmarathon.org.

VOLLEYBALL
CAMPS Multi-day camps, clinics, through Aug. 28, Triangle Volleyball Club, Brier Creek area, Morrisville. Ages: 2-12, boys and girls. Fee: $25-$425. Contact: Jenna Hinton, 919-544-9400, info@trianglevolleyball.org, www.trianglevolleyball.org, https://www.oasyssports.com/TriangleVBC/login.cfm.

Check out the expanded Play! recreational sports calendar

teribb — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 01:00:43 -0400

The Southern Zone Age Group Swimming Championships, which start today at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, are just one of the many recreational sports events you'll find listed below in the expanded version of the Play! recreational sports calendar.

The Play! report is published each Tuesday in the print edition of The News & Observer's Sports section, and the expanded calendar is posted online.

If you wish to have your event included, email complete details, including a contact's name and telephone number, to play@newsobserver.com.

PLAY! RECREATIONAL SPORTS CALENDAR
PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS
YOUTH
CARY Basketball, fall registration ends July 31, season September-November, ages 5-8. Contact: 919-469-4062, tracey.hedgpeth@townofcary.org, www.townofcary.org.
CLAYTON Tennis, classes, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, ages 11-15, $20-$35, four weeks; QuickStart Tennis, shorter court, modified scoring, Tuesdays, ages 5-7 6-7 p.m., ages 8-10 7-8 p.m., $40-$55, eight weeks. Contact: 919-553-1550, www.townofclaytonnc.org; QuickStart 919-553-1554.
HOLLY SPRINGS Soccer, introduction, age 4, $60-$90, due July 29; football, introduction, ages 5-7, $60-$90, due July 29. Contact: 919-557-9600, www.hollyspringsnc.us.
RALEIGH Lake Lynn Community Center leagues: touch football, games September-November, ages 5-6, $36-$46, due Aug. 7; soccer, introductory play September-November, ages 5-8, $40-$52. City leagues: football, ages 7-13, $42-$54, July 29. Contact: Raleigh 919-831-6836, Lake Lynn 919-870-2911.
Adult
CLAYTON Tennis, classes, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Ages: 16-up. Fee: $20-$35, four weeks. Contact: 919-553-1551, www.townofclaytonnc.org.
EMERALD ISLE Tennis, clinics, 8-9 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 29, ages 14-up, $5-$10. Contact: 252-354-6350, mshreve@emeraldisle-nc.org.
RALEIGH Baseball, registration starts Aug. 9, play starts late August, ages 18-up, $450 team. Contact: 919-831-6836.

BASEBALL
CAMP USA Baseball's inaugural Women’s Development Camp, Aug. 4-6, USA Baseball National Training Complex, Cary; in conjunction with Aug. 2-7 Women’s International Friendship Series (U.S. Red, U.S. Blue, Australia, Canada). Ages: 12-15. Fee: $50. Contact: Ashley Bratcher 919-474-8721, ext. 219, ashleybratcher@usabaseball.com, www.usabaseball.com.
CAMPS Diamond Stars Baseball Summer Training Camps, ages 9-12, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 8-11, St. David’s School, Raleigh; ages 9-14, July 25-28, The Factory, Wake Forest. Fee: $225. Fee: Jason Roach 919-334-8004, roachey23@bellsouth.net, www.diamondstarsbaseball.com.
CAMPS Wolfpack Baseball Camps, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 1-4, N.C. State’s Doak Field. Ages: 6-12. Fee: $265. Contact: Brian Ward 919-395-5302, wardb@hpw.com, www.collegebaseballcamps.com/wolfpack.
CAROLINA STINGRAYS 12U AA USSSA state champions moving to 13U AAA for fall; tryouts July 30. Contact: Chris Overton 919-417-0080, stingraysbb@gmail.com.
INSTRUCTION Pitching, with former major leaguer Earl Stephenson. Contact: 910-703-9421, earlspitchingschool@yahoo.com; Double Play Training Center 919-207-2255.
MIRACLE LEAGUE OF THE TRIANGLE Fall registration ends mid-August for adaptive league for special-needs youth. Contact: Traci Brown 919-238-0333, www.miracleleagueofthetriangle.com.
NORTH DURHAM LITTLE LEAGUE Spring registration; northern Durham, southern Granville, part of Wake. Ages: 4-17. Fee: $140 ages 4-6, $155 ages 7-9, $170 ages 10-over. Contact: 919-886-6410, info@northdurhamlittleleague.org, www.northdurhamlittleleague.org.
NORTH WAKE COUNTY BASEBALL ASSOCIATION Fall T-Ball, coach-pitch, player-pitch tryouts start Aug. 6; games August-November. Ages: 5-15. Contact: Ellis Zaytoun, 606-7000; register, www.nwcba.com.
RALEIGH PIRATES 12U travel team seeks two or three players; tryouts Aug. 6; practices in southern Wake County, Clayton. Ages: cannot turn 12 before May 1, 2012. Contact: Dan Kennedy 919-901-5125.
TOURNAMENTS Bellefonte Baseball wood-bat tournaments, Central Pennsylvania: 14U Aug. 5-7, 15U Aug. 26-28. Fee: $500-$650. Contact: Joe Menna 814-355-0411, bellefontebaseball@gmail.com, www.bellefontebaseball.com.
WAKE FOREST DREAM LEAGUE League for special-needs children, Tyler Run Park, Wake Forest. Ages: 5-18. Fee: $40-$80 player; buddies free. Contact: Ed Austin 919-435-9562, wakeforestdreamleague@yahoo.com, www.wakeforestdreamleague.com./

BASKETBALL
CAMP St. Augustine’s College Back To School Elite Basketball Camp, 8 a.m. Aug. 8, Emery Gymnasium, Raleigh, with coach Ken Spencer, staff, players. Ages: 9-12 boys. Fee: $50. Contact: 919-516-4469.
CAMPS Aug. 1-5, St. Francis Catholic Church Camps, boys and girls, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh: grades K-2 9-noon, grades 3-8 12:30-3:30 p.m. Fee: $65 ($50 additional child). Contact: church 919-847-8205.
CAMPS Coach Ledford’s Basketball Camp Aug. 8-12, boys and girls, Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh: grades K-1 9-noon, $55; grades 2-6 9 a.m.-3 p.m, $100. Contact: Don Ledford 919-783-0391, coachledford@bellsouth.net, www.coachledford.com.
CAMP Donald Williams Basketball Academy 12th Annual Camp, Aug. 1-5, Garner Road YMCA, Raleigh. Ages: 8-16, boys, girls. Fee: $225. Contact: Laura Whayne 919-740-3981, www.dwbasketball.com.
CAMPS Quality Instruction Boot Camps: Raleigh-Cary, grades 6-8, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays through Aug. 11, Cary Academy, Trinity Academy (Raleigh), $275 (all dates); grades 9-12, 7-9 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays through Aug. 10, $380 (all dates); Smithfield, 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, through Aug. 9, grades 1-12, $200 (18 dates).. Contact: Networks Basketball, Kevin Nunley 919-233-8801, www.networksbasketball.com.
CLINIC Networks Basketball shooting technique clinic, 6-7 p.m. Aug. 29-30, Smithfield Aquatic & Recreation Center, Smithfield. Ages: 8-18. Fee: $50. Contact: Kevin Nunley 919-233-8801, www.networksbasketball.com.

CHEERLEADING
CAMPS All levels, through August, Cheer Extreme, 3816-104 Tarheel Drive, Raleigh. Ages: 5-18. Fee: $125-$250. Contact: Krista Lindabery 919-876-8325, www.cheerextremeraleigh.com.

CYCLING
FIVE-0 MEMORIAL RIDE Supported 50K and 100K rides, 7 a.m. Aug. 20, Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, 10911 Raven Ridge Road. Benefits Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation. Fee: $35 ($40 day of). Contact: Kim Swinson 919-369-6180, www.rpdmemorial.org.
MOUNTAIN BIKING USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships, Sept. 22-25, Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain. Contact: 828-387-2011, www.skibeech.com.

FOOTBALL
INSTRUCTION QBX: Quarterback Training Academy mini-camp, July 27-29, MVP Sports Factory, Wake Forest. Grades: 5-12. Fee: $115. Contact: QBX, Rob Clark 703-304-3211, qbxacademy@gmail.com, www.qbxacademy.com; MVP, Mark DeLong 919-453-1503.
POP WARNER CHALLENGER DIVISION Consolidated Football Federation flag football, cheerleading program for youth with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Ages: 5-18. Fee: free. Contact: 919-306-3822, challenger@cff-popwarner.com, www.cff-popwarner.com.
POP WARNER LEAGUES Consolidated Football Federation football, cheerleading, dance fall registration: Apex Cougars www.apexsportsauthority.org; Capital City Steelers www.capitalcitysteelers.com; Cary Pop Warner www.carypopwarner.com; Cleveland Wildcats www.leaguelineup.com/cpwa; Durham Eagles www.durhameagles.com; Fayetteville Generals fayettevillegenerals@yahoo.com; Garner Trojans www.geocities.com/garnerpopwarner; North Raleigh Bulldogs www.northraleighbulldogs.com; Orange County Pop Warner www.orangecountypopwarner.com; Sanford Sting www.sanfordsting.com; South Johnston Pop Warner www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=southjohnstonpopwarner; TriCounty Panthers www.eteamz.com/tricountypanthers; Wake Forest Titans www.wakeforesttitans.com; Wilders Grove Wolfpack www.wildersgrove.com. Ages: 5-15. Fees: vary. Contact: 919-523-8632, tom_goodwin@nc.rr.com, www.cff-popwarner.com.

GOLF
Camps and clinics
AMERICAN SINGLES GOLF ASSOCIATION Singles outings, Triangle courses. Fee: varies. Contact: Lee Thayne 919-880-7409; membership, Bobby Jones 919-847-5587, www.raleigh.singlesgolf.com.
CAMPS Aug. 16-18, Crooked Creek Golf Club, Fuquay-Varina. Ages: 7-17, boys, girls. Fee: $135; loaner clubs free. Contact: pro shop 919-557-7529, www.playcrookedcreek.com.
CAMPS Junior Golf School, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 1-4, Heritage Golf Club, Wake Forest. Ages: 8-14. Fee: $190-$220. Contact: 919-453-2020, ext. 2.
Tournaments
JACK RATZ JR. MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT 22nd annual event, Aug. 1, Wildwood Green Golf Club, North Raleigh; Triangle Junior Golf Association qualifying event. Benefits Cardinal Gibbons High School scholarship fund in memory of freshman killed in car accident. Ages: 6-18, boys, girls. Fee: $50, due July 26. Contact: Wildwood Green, Kevin Hamski 919-846-8376.
PHIL FORD GOLF CLASSIC GALA 6 p.m.-midnight Aug. 12, Benvenue Country Club, Rocky Mount. Guest speaker: former North Carolina basketball star Tyler Hansbrough. Benefits Boys and Girls Clubs of Nash/Edgecombe Counties. Fee: $100 solo, $150 couple. Contact: Tony Orr 252-977-9924, www.bgcnec.org/philfordgolfclassic.
TWO RIVERS CLASSIC Sept. 2, Kings Grant Golf and Country Club, Fayetteville. Benefits Fayetteville State University athletics. Fee: $65 ($240 team), due Aug. 15. Contact: Paris Jones 910-672-1314, pjones@uncfsu.edu.
MOORE COUNTY MEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP Sept. 17-18, Hyland Golf Club, U.S. 1 North, Southern Pines. Divisions: open (16-older; any county), senior (55-up), super senior (60-, 70-, 75-up). Benefits The First Tee of the Sandhills. Contact: Dick Wilson, 910-949-4675, flogger@embarqmail.com, www.golfchamps.thepilot.com, www.hylandgolfclub.com.
COMFORT ZONE CAMP FOR KIDS CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19, Brier Creek Country Club, 10404 Lumley Road, Morrisville. Benefits free bereavement camp for children who have experienced death of parent, sibling or primary caregiver. Contact: 919-946-1542, www.comfortzonecamp.com.
KIDS ’N’ COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TOURNAMENT 11 a.m. Oct. 3, Prestonwood Country Club, Cary. Fee: $875 individual, $3250 foursome. Contact: Katharine Kelley 919-861-5474, www.carolinahurricanes.com/foundation.
TRUE BLUE GOLF CLASSIC 9 a.m. Oct. 17, Duke University Golf Club, Durham. Benefits Duke women’s basketball. Contact: Lauren Rice 919-613-7571, rice@duaa.duke.edu.

HOCKEY
ICE HOCKEY Carolina Hurricanes Camps, RecZone, Raleigh: developmental, Aug. 1-5, up to three years experience; Elite Week, Aug. 8-12, travel squirts and pee-wees; girls, Aug. 8-12, all levels. Fees: vary. Contact: Paul Strand 919-861-5425, pauls@carolinahurricanes.com, www.carolinahurricanes.com/summercamps.
INLINE HOCKEY Leagues, three-on-three mini-session, Aug. 4-28, Jellybeans of Wakefield; $75 skaters, $35 goalies, $130 both sessions. Pick-up games, 8:45-10 p.m. Wednesdays, ages 15-up, $10 skater, goalies free. Contact: Raleigh-Cary Inline Hockey League 919-645-8080, www.skatejellybeans.com.

JUMP ROPE
CAMPS Single, double-dutch, with seven-time national champion Bouncing Bulldogs Rope Skipping Demonstration Team, Bouncing Bulldogs Gym, Ram’s Plaza, Chapel Hill: weekly, 8-noon Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12, Aug. 15-19, $200 week; mini camp, 8-noon Aug. 22-24, $120. Contact: Ray Fredrick 919-493-7992, www.bouncingbulldogs.org.

LACROSSE
LEAGUES SLLIC boys and girls; Rally, instructional; play Sept. 10-11 to Oct. 30. Contact: North Carolina Lacrosse Academy, Michael McLaughlin, 919-303-6068, www.nclaxacademy.com.

MARTIAL ARTS
WHITE TIGER FAMILY FUN DAY Noon-3 p.m. July 30, White Tiger Taekwondo, 1605 NW Maynard Road, Cary: free trial classes, demonstrations, belt promotion; free. Demonstration team auditions, 6:45 p.m. Aug. 16; spectators welcome. Contact: 919-469-3553, www.whitetigertkd.com.

MULTISPORT
CAMPS Leesville Road High School Pride Athletic Club Camps: cheerleading, baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, football, softball, volleyball. Ages 6-15. Fee: full days $175 week, half days $125. Contact: 919-270-7386, www.leesville.org (click Parents Group, then Pride Athletic Club, then Sport Camps).
CAMPS N.C. Central University, Durham: Boys basketball, elite, Aug. 6, $40. Track and field, speed and conditioning, July 27-28, $60. Contact: boys basketball, John Moseley 919-530-6012; track and field, Tavius Walker 919-530-6712.
CAMPS WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary: soccer, beginner, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 5-12, $125-$155 week; lacrosse, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 8-14, $125-$155; running, 9-11 a.m. weekly through July 29, ages 10-17, $60-$78. Contact: David Crotts 919-858-0464, david.crotts@townofcary.org, www.townofcary.org.
CAMPS WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary: soccer, beginner, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 5-12, $125-$155 week; lacrosse, 9-noon weekly through Aug. 19, ages 8-14, $125-$155; running, 9-11 a.m. weekly through July 29, ages 10-17, $60-$78. Contact: David Crotts 919-858-0464, david.crotts@townofcary.org, www.townofcary.org.
LEAGUES Flag football, soccer, cheerleading, same-day practices and games September-November, Wake County. Ages: 4-14, boys, girls. Fee: $99-$155. Contact: i9sports, Kelly Rowles 919-882-5780, www.i9sports.com.

RUNNING
Schedules and results for other area races, triathlons and duathlons are at www.runnc.com, www.ncroadrunners.org, www.setupevents.com and www.active.com.
N.C. WATERMELON FESTIVAL 5K 10 a.m. July 30, Murfreesboro. Benefits Elizabeth Sewell Parker Public Library children's programs. Fee: $20 ($25 race day). Contact: Lee Canipe 252-398-0569, watermelon5k@yahoo.com, www.watermelonfestivalnc.com.
SOLDIERS REUNION 5K 8:30 a.m. Aug. 20, Newton Recreation Dept., 23 South Brady Ave., Newton. Fee: 5K $15 ($20 after Aug. 17), fun run $10 ($15). Contact: 828-695-4317, www.newtonnc.gov.
ROCK 'N' ROLL VIRGINIA BEACH HALF MARATHON 7 a.m. Sept. 4, Virginia Beach Convention Center. 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, Va. Fee: $110 ($125 Sept. 2-3; no race-day entry). Contact: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/virginia-beach.
FITNESS WORLD 5K RUN 9 a.m. Sept. 24, Fitness World, 105 W. N.C. 54, Suite 271, Durham. Benefits Ronald McDonald House. Fee: $25. Contact: Eric Greenley 919-544-9000, eric@fitnessworldnc.com, www.active.com; Lindsay Hege 919-281-1064, www.ronaldhousedurham.org.
HICKORY MOUNTAIN 10K AND DUPONT STATE FOREST 50K Trail-running races, Guion Farm, Sky Valley Road, DuPont State Forest: 10K 9 a.m. Oct. 1, 50K 7:30 a.m. Oct. 2. Benefits DegreeMap, helping secure college scholarships. Fee: 10K $25 ($30 after Aug. 31), 50K $60 ($70 after July 31). Contact: Lydia Odell lydianodell@yahoo.com, 828-553-5628, www.race.degreemap.org.
CITY OF OAKS MARATHON AND REX HEALTHCARE HALF MARATHON 7 a.m. Nov. 6, N.C. State’s Bell Tower, Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. Combined cash purse: $20,300. Fee: $80 through July; $100 Aug. 1-Nov. 4; $110 Nov. 5; half marathon $60-$90; four-person marathon relay $150-$250; kids’ marathon mile $25-$40. Contact: 919-761-7073; register online only, www.cityofoaksmarathon.com.
OUTER BANKS MARATHON, HALF MARATHON Marathon, 7:20 a.m. Nov. 13, Kitty Hawk to Roanoke Island, Manteo, $95-$110; half marathon, 7 a.m. Nov. 13, Nags Head to Roanoke Island, Manteo, $85-$100; 8K, 7:30 a.m. Nov. 12, First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills; $45-$55; Buccaneer 5K, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 12, First Flight High, $25-$30. Contact: Outer Banks Sporting Events 252-255-6273, www.obxmarathon.org.

SAILING
INSTRUCTION, CAMPS Carolina Sailing Foundation lessons, camps, Triangle sites. Ages: youth, adult. Fee: varies. Contact: juniors, John Norton 919-604-0842; adult, Roy Rysdon 919-469-1808; www.carolinasailingfoundation.org.
CLINICS Racing classes, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 6, Sept. 10, Vista Point, Jordan Lake, Pittsboro; ages teen-adult; free. Contact: Carolina Sailing Club, monthly social, Vickie Braxton 919-542-5391, vickiebraxton@msn.com, www.carolinasailingclub.org; clinic, Dave Burchfield 919-961-1275, dave.burchfiel@sas.com.
INSTRUCTION Classes, Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County: OPTI Beginner, ages 8-12, $150; Sunfish, learn to sail, evening beginner, evening intermediate, senior; ages 12-adult, $75-$150. Contact: Colleen Bockhahn 919-460-2723, www.wakegov.com/lakecrabtree/recreation.

SOCCER
CAMP July 27-30, Campbell University, Buies Creek. Grades: 10-12 boys. Fee: $350. Contact: 910-893-1333.
GOLDSTAR SOCCER CLUB Clinic, 2-3:30 p.m. July 30, Goldstar Soccer Fields- 2513 Old U.S. 1 (S. Salem St.), Apex; boys and girls from any club; all skill levels; free. Leagues, registration under way; ages 3-grade 6; $75. Contact: 919-786-3056 (Hablamos Espanol), www.goldstarsc.org.
TRIANGLE UNITED Tryouts 5:30-6:45 p.m. July 26, Meredith College; 5:30-6:45 Aug. 2, WakeMed Soccer Park Field No. 4. Ages: U9, U10, U11; boys and girls. Contact: Mike Moltzon 919-302-2334 (Hablamos Espanol), mmoltzon@triangleunited.org.

SOFTBALL
INSTRUCTION Fastpitch offense and defense, weekends. Ages: 8-college. Fee: $30-$45 hour. Contact: Jon Russell 828-320-2068, jruss4444@gmail.com.
TRIANGLE LIGHTNING Girls fast-pitch tryouts, East Wake Middle School: 14U, 6 p.m. July 28; 16U-18U, 9 a.m. Aug. 13. Contact: 14U, T.J. Watkins 919-744-9483; 16U, Andy Davis 252-432-2439; 18U, Tim Moose 919-796-5013; all, Don Pegram 919-427-6289, dpegram@embarqmail.com.

SWIMMING
SOUTHERN ZONE AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. July 26-31, Triangle Aquatic Center, Cary: 600 swimmers on 12 all-star teams from South. Contact: TAC, Derek Wall 919-459-4045, dwall@triangleaquatics.org, www.triangleaquatics.org; North Carolina Swimming www.ncswimming.org; Raleigh Swimming Association www.swimrsa.org.

TENNIS
CAMPS Weekly through mid-August, Triangle sites. Ages: 5-14. Fee: $100-$200 session. Contact: RDUTennis, Brian Rosenthal 919-395-7329, brian@rdutennis.net, www.rdutennis.net.

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Raleigh crowns baseball champions

teribb — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:53:56 -0400

Champions have been determined in the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department’s eight spring baseball leagues, which ran from March through June and ended with league tournaments.

More than 1,000 players ages 9-14 participated, Tyler Bolton-Fuhrman reported. About 500 players competed in the Mustang League (ages 9-10), 370 in the Bronco League (ages 11-12) and 180 in the Pony League (ages 13-14).

LEAGUE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS
Bronco League (ages 11-12)
District A: Angels
District B: Rockies
District C: Phillies
District D: Angels
Mustang League (ages 9-10)
District A: Astros
District B: Orioles
District C: Mariners
Pony League (ages 13-14)
Rays

See photos of the champions in the Play! gallery.

** Got recreational sports news? Email Teri Boggess at play@newsobservercom. **

OHS leads suspended game, resumes today

ewarnock — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:49:56 -0400

Playing in its annual Wood Bat Tournament at Orange High School, the OHS baseball team led Smithfield-Selma 1-0 with two out in the bottom of the second inning Friday nigh when play was suspended due to severe rain and lightning in the area.

The Scholastic Summer League baseball game will resume this afternoon, with the winner advancing to play East Chapel Hill in the championship game at 7 p.m.

East Chapel Hill defeated Bunn, 6-4, in Game 1 of the tournament Friday.

SSS trails in suspended game, resumes today

ewarnock — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 07:46:12 -0400

Playing in the annual Wood Bat Tournament at Orange High School, Smithfield-Selma trailed 1-0 Friday night in stormy Hillsborough when play was suspended due to severe rain and lightning in the area.

Orange led Smithfield-Selma with two outs in the bottom of the second inning.

The Scholastic Summer League baseball game will resume this afternoon, with the winner advancing to play East Chapel Hill in the championship game at 7 p.m. The loser between OHS and SSS is scheduled to play Bunn at 5 p.m. in the tournament's consolation game.

Clayton falls at North Chatham

ewarnock — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:57:47 -0400

Down 7-0 after two innings in Pittsboro, a deficit that ballooned to 14-5 by the top of the sixth, North Chatham came back Thursday night to win Game 1 of its American Legion playoff series with Clayton by a 16-15 score.

That puts North Chatham one up versus Clayton at 7 p.m. tonight for Game 2 of the best-of-three series. The game will be played at Smithfield-Selma High School.

Saturday, if necessary, Game 3 will be back at Northwood High School's Donald Horton Baseball Complex at 7 p.m.

North Chatham downs Clayton

ewarnock — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:39:04 -0400

Down 7-0 after one inning, a deficit which ballooned to 14-5 midway through the game, North Chatham came back Thursday night to win Game 1 of its American Legion playoff series with Clayton Post 71 by a 16-15 score.

That puts North Chatham one up versus Clayton at 7 p.m. tonight for Game 2 of the best-of-three series in the Area 1 West semifinals. The game will be played at Smithfield-Selma High School.

Saturday, if necessary, Game 3 will be back at Northwood High School's Donald Horton Baseball Complex at 7 p.m.

Time to sign up for fall leagues

teribb — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:27:07 -0400

Summer has barely started, but already it's time to think about fall, especially if you plan to play in a fall recreational sports league.

Deadlines already are approaching for some organizations, and leagues are filling fast.

See which parks and recreation departments, nonprofit organizations and commericial enterprises are registering for fall sports by going to the Play! Recreational Sports Calendar.

*** Post your own announcement. ***
*** Got recreational sports news? Email Teri Boggess at play@newsobserver.com. ***

Cary Bulls grab their 500th victory

natet87 — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:12:13 -0400

RALEIGH – Cary Bulls manager Ron Powell let out a few tears. He talked about being old and how that was necessary for him to reach a milestone of this magnitude.

With the Bulls defeating North Raleigh Post 297 Black 15-4 on Thursday night in the second game of a doubleheader, the Bulls won their 500th game.

Powell has been the manager for every victory.

“What it means to me is that we’ve had about 170 kids that have been a part of our program,” said Powell, who has led the Bulls for 15 years. “It’s been really fun. We’re a development program and we try to get each player to develop and dream he can play at the next level.”

The Bulls scored six runs in the second inning and were never threatened by Post 297 Black. Center fielder Robbie Thorburn (pictured left) led the Bulls with five RBIs. He also had a double and a triple.

“I think you always hit better early in the count because that’s when you see the best pitches,” Thorburn said. “I love to run too so I want to be reckless out there on the bases.”

First baseman Patrick Graham had two hits and two RBIs, while third baseman Patrick Mason had two hits.

After the game, the team celebrated their accomplishment and everyone seemed to congratulate Powell first.

“You know he’s been doing something right and you can tell he knows how to win,” Graham said of Powell. “Everything he does is for a reason.”

Thorburn agreed.

“He’s fun to play for even when he gets on you for something,” he said. “It’s fun to be a part of a good team.”

In order to get to 500 wins this season, the Bulls needed to play consistent baseball for a long stretch of the season, which they started to do in early June. Since May 28, the Bulls have won 22 of their last 24 games.

“Because we get kids from three different schools we have to bring those kids together and blend them into a team,” Powell said of American Legion structure. “It takes some time, but now we haven’t lost many games after going through some different combinations.”

Tudor: Young Yaz, Vandy a test for Heels’ hurling

caultontudor — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:35:51 -0400

Hot North Carolina pitching will face equally hot Vanderbilt hitting in the opening College World Series game for the two teams this weekend.

The Tar Heels (50-14) have been led by pitchers Patrick Johnson (13-1) and Kent Emanuel (8-1) through Regional and Super Regional play.

The Commodores (52-10) blasted Oregon State 11-1 and 9-3 in their Super Regional sweep after piling up 26 runs in three Regional wins over Troy and Belmont.

In the SEC Tournament May 25-29, Coach Tim Corbin’s team whipped Georgia 10-0, South Carolina 7-2 and Arkansas 3-2 before losing to Florida.

A key to Vandy’s big bang offense is right-fielder Mike Yastrzemski, the grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, who began his Boston Red Sox career as a minor league player in Raleigh.

Young Yaz, a sophomore, is batting .300 with three home runs and 42 runs batted in.

The team’s top hitter is junior first baseman Aaron Westlake at .353 with 17 homers and 54 RBI. Junior infielder Jason Esposito is batting .357 with nine homers and 59 RBI.

As a team, Vandy is hitting a remarkable .319 for the season while holding foes to .216.

The date and time in Omaha for the UNC vs. Vandy game will be announced late tonight.

The Commodores are likely to pitch junior right-hander Sonny Gray (12-3, 1.97 earned run average) or junior lefty Grayson Gavin (13-1, 2.36).

Reds' Chapman expected to remain with Mudcats until June 15

dclaybest — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:23:42 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds have confirmed that left-handed Aroldis Chapman will be continuing his Major League rehabilitation assignment in Zebulon as the Mudcats host the Tennessee Smokies in a five-game series that runs from Thursday through Sunday.
Chapman allowed three runs in two-thirds of an inning in his first rehab outing for Carolina against Chattanooga last night. He threw 24 pitches, 12 of those for strikes.
Chapman, a 23-year-old originally from Cuba, is currently on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation, and has been out since May 16. Chapman has appeared in four games as part of his rehab assignment (three with Triple-A Louisville).
No announcement was made on when Chapman might pitch for Carolina.
Chapman is eligible to be activated from the disabled list, but is expected to be with the Mudcats until June 15. For the Reds this season, Chapman has appeared in 16 games with a 2-0 record over 13 innings, fanning 15 and walking 20 while compiling an ERA of 6.92.

Reds' fireballer Arodlis Chapman on assignment with Mudcats

dclaybest — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:33:23 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds have announced that left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman will be joining their Double-A affiliate Carolina Mudcats on a major league rehab assignment beginning tonight in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chapman, the 23-year-old flamethrower originally from Cuba, is currently on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation, and has been out since May 16. Chapman has appeared in three games as part of his rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville (0-1, 13.50), and then returned to Cincinnati for a few side sessions. Chapman is eligible to be activated from the disabled list, and has about 10 days remaining on his rehab assignment, and could be with the Mudcats until June 15.

Chapman made his major league debut on August 31, 2010, striking out his first batter, Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy, on a pitch clocked at 103.9 mph according to www.reds.com. During his brief major league debut season, Chapman hit 100mph or better 75 times according to Pitch/FX.

This season, Chapman has appeared in 16 games with a 2-0 record over 13 innings, fanning 15 and walking 20 while compiling an ERA of 6.92. Chapman has fanned 34 hitters over his 26-inning major league career.

From a Mudcats' Press Release

Balancing bus routes for baseball at Boshamer

ewarnock — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:54:20 -0400

UNC will host the NCAA Chapel Hill Baseball Regional Games this weekend, June 3-5, and on Monday, June 6, if a game 7 is necessary. Ridge Road will be closed to thru traffic approximately four hours prior to game time each date and until the end of the egress each night. However, Chapel Hill Transit buses will be allowed entrance along this corridor to maintain their normal routes.

CHT routes traveling along Ridge Road and Stadium Drive may experience schedule delays because of the expected increased pedestrian traffic along this area. These possible schedule delays may affect the following routes during the event: A, CCX, NU, RU, PX and U. CHT will attempt to operate the normal printed schedule on these routes. While every attempt will be made to maintain schedules, CHT is advising customers to expect delays due to traffic congestion and to allow extra travel time.

For questions concerning any of the information, please contact a CHT at 969-4900.

Mudcats' Thompson gets call up to Cincinnati

dclaybest — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:19:30 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds made a roster move on Thursday impacting their Double-A affiliate Carolina Mudcats.

The Reds placed left-handed pitcher Matt Maloney on the disabled list and have called up Mudcats’ right-hander Daryl Thompson. Thompson was 1-4 with a 4.44 ERA with the Mudcats and was scheduled to start tonight’s game against the Birmingham Barons. Lee Tabor (0-2, 8.74) will start tonight in place of Thompson.

Mudcats hosting Armed Forces Day Saturday at Five County Stadium

dclaybest — Wed, 18 May 2011 20:00:00 -0400

The Carolina Mudcats and Support U.S. Armed Forces have partnered to host an Armed Forces Day celebration at Five County Stadium Saturday as the Mudcats host the Chattanooga Lookouts. Active military personnel will receive free General Admission tickets to the game with military identification.

Retired four-star General Dan McNeill will be on hand to represent military personnel by throwing out the first pitch. General McNeill, a Warsaw native, served for over 40 years in the Army, retiring as the Commanding General of the International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan in 2008. He also served as Commander of the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan (2002-2003), as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Forces Command (2004-2007).

“We are excited to be able to host military personnel and their families,” said Carolina Mudcats General Manager Joe Kremer. “We are happy we can play a small part in recognizing their tremendous service and sacrifice."

In-game promotions will involve active and former military personnel, as the National Guard Vocal Group will sing the National Anthem and the Southern Nash High School Air Force JROTC will present colors. Personnel from Fort Bragg, Seymour Johnson, Cherry Point, Camp Lejuene, New River Air Station, the Coast Guard and the National Guard are slated to attend.

“There is nothing quite as “American” as a warm summer night, the thrill of Minor League Baseball, all while supporting the men and women who protect our freedom – it’s just an unbeatable combination and we look forward to a fantastic turnout,” said Support U.S. Armed Forces President Neal Clark.

First pitch is set for 6:15 p.m. with stadium gates opening at 5:15 p.m. Saturday’s game is part of a 10-game home stand for the Mudcats (May 20-29) and also features an appearance by the Sweetright Brothers. Tickets are available by calling the Mudcats ticket office at 919-269-2287 or online at carolinamudcats.com.

Baseball playoff games on for tonight

ewarnock — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:59:19 -0400

East Chapel Hill scored the go-ahead runs in the top of the seventh and won 4-3 Tuesday night at Raleigh Athens Drive. The Wildcats were the only local team to get their NCHSAA baseball playoff game completed.

Chapel Hill suspended play in its game with Union Pines due to heavy rain, and will resume play at 7 p.m. tonight. Carrboro will play at Eastern Randolph at 7 p.m.

East Chapel Hill will next play no earlier than Friday, facing either Durham Jordan or Leesville Road. Those two suspended play last night with Jordan holding a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning. They'll resume at 5 p.m today,