Waldorf, MD – The 2018 Major League Baseball season is underway and soon the pros who play America’s pastime on the fringe of the Nation’s Capital will be taking the field. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) play their home games at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. This will be the independent team’s 11th season.
Blue Crabs’ Marketing Manager Kristine Perry explained that among the changes this year will be a new team in the league. The team that had represented Bridgeport has folded and now the ALPB has “The Road Warriors.” The new team has no home—they strictly play road games. “The season is a little shorter this year,” said Perry, adding that the league has approved a new franchise that will be based in High Point, NC. That team will begin playing in 2019.
The Blue Crabs travel as far west as Texas (with a whole week’s worth of games against the Sugarland Skeeters in mid-May) and as far north as New Britain, CT (they’ll play at the New Britain Bees five times in June and four times in July).
Speaking of travels, the 2018 roster includes a Charles County product who has traveled quite a bit in his career and another who has come all the way from Hawaii to fulfill his pro baseball dream. “I love it here,” said utility infielder Kalaika Kahoohalahala of his second home in Southern Maryland. The resident of Kahului, HA will be spending his second season with the Blue Crabs. “I love being away. It’s nice to get off the rock a bit. I like the people who come to the games.” At age 29, Kahoohalahala admits, “I’m getting kind of old for baseball. This year I’m a player coach. I love the competition, playing with good, good friends. I just love playing the game of ball.”
Right-handed pitcher Daryl Thompson, a La Plata native, also loves the local fans. “It’s pretty cool. It’s good to have family come out and support us,” said Thompson, who is one of seven players on the current Blue Crabs roster to have experience in the Major Leagues. “If you have fun then everything takes care of itself. There’s always an opportunity. I know I’m getting older but I still dream about getting back to the Major Leagues.”
While the Blue Crabs’ players are having fun on the field, fans in the stands will also have an enjoyable time at the park. Regency will have remodeled concession stands and team store, a new sound system, the suites and press box have been upgraded and the park has a new video board. “We’re very excited,” said Perry.
Opening day is Friday, April 27 with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Perry noted that one upcoming promotion that should generate excitement is the planned distribution of a “bobble-belly.” Unlike the familiar bobble-head, the three-dimensional likeness of Blue Crabs’ mascot “Pinch” will be bobbling in the middle. “It’s still in production,” said Perry. Thompson will be immortalized in a bobble-head. Several of the Daryl Thompson bobble-heads will be given to fans July 6.
The club will host three separate “Bark in the Park” promotions for baseball fans who are also dog owners. Those events will be held Sunday, April 29; Sunday, July 22; and Sunday, Sept. 2.
The Blue Crabs will be home July 4, Independence Day with an evening game versus the Somerset Patriots. Of course, the Independence Day tilt will include fireworks, one of a dozen displays planned at the ballpark for the 2018 season.
Perry said all of the Blue Crabs’ home games and perhaps a few away games, will be broadcast on the team’s You Tube channel. Blue Crabs’ Public Relations Coordinator Brandon Bulanda will provide the play-by-play.
For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, visit the team’s web site.
www.somdbluecrabs.com
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com