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Altered States No. 10
April 22, 2009

Another day bites the dust. It wasn't bad enough that the Flyers had to lose another game they could have/should have won against Pittsburgh last night, but the schedule had to get ripped to shreds one more day, too.

It was bad enough last week -- wait, let's not even talk about that. The weather totally screwed that up. But this week was going to be a softball-intensive week. Last week, when I worked out the schedule for this week it started with Huntingtown at McDonough on Monday and had Northern at Huntingtown softball slotted on Wednesday -- neither game happened (Tuesday was originally Patuxent at Northern boys lacrosse, another that has yet to be played, so I guess I'm glad I decided to hit a baseball game first or I would have had nothing).

So, since games are few and far between this spring, here's my list of some of the most memorable moments -- whether highlights or lowlights -- of the last month or so. 

-I'll start with yesterday, since it's fresh in my mind. Ricky Cusic's five no-hit innings at Patuxent was as good a baseball performance as I've seen this year. Joey Mindick's three-run homer to put Patuxent in front in the bottom of the sixth was as clutch a hit as I've seen. Nothing surprises me in baseball in this conference, so it goes without saying that I'm looking forward to the next month-and-a-half or so.

-Dr. Dunk. I wish I had the footage to share with everyone, but unfortunately I've had a computer issue or two and probably won't be able to get this video up. But back a few weeks at the Digital Sports Showcase over in the Northern Region (Va.), one James McCray III put his Halloween-dressing abilities to good use and went out to practice for his hopeful audition one day with the Harlem Globetrotters. His skits got cut from three to one, as some on the team were ready to boo him out of the gym, but I still laugh over it. Matter a fact, any of you who may happen to run into him, call him 'Dr. Dunk' from now on. (Note, go HERE for links to the footage)

-Melanie Mitchell. Have only had the chance to see them personally once. But the aforementioned Mr. McCray pitched in and saw her sling a perfect game while I was out of town. I saw a 1-0 McDonough win to open the season. A combined 33 strikeouts between the games. No surprise, by any stretch, but you have to enjoy it while it's here (unless you're the opposing coach). The upcoming games against Huntingtown and Northern should be fun (if they ever happen).

-Last Monday I was traveling back from Tucson and checked my messages during a layover in Charlotte. There was a text from my brother that read, 'Harry Kalas died. I'm at work and I honestly just almost cried.' And so did I. It had been a particularly trying day to start with, but hearing that the voice of the Phillies -- my childhood team and first love in sports -- was gone was tough. A lot was said about it last week, but personally, from about kindergarten I used to turn Phils games on my radio after my parents put me to bed and listen to the games with the volume turned down real low. Aside from my parents, there may not have been a more comforting voice than Harry Kalas. I'm just glad he got to call another World Series title before he went.

-Keeping with the Arizona theme, while I was in Tucson defending NCAA softball champ Arizona State was in town for a two-game set with Arizona. Calvert alum Megan Elliott's on the ASU roster, so I'd been thinking to head to the second game of the series to check out some Pac 10 softball in person. But it rained. The game started, but never made it out of the third inning. Familiar theme, huh?

Well, maybe the sun will actually stay out of a while now, now that the schedule's a complete mess with everything scheduled on top of everything else. I, for one, certainly hope so, because all the way around in my opinion, this is the best season to watch around these part. It's no fun if you can't watch it.

Oh, and last thing, still on that Arizona kick, watch the video and if anyone knows, please tell me what exactly that cheer is. It bothered me and it's still driving me nuts.

astates@digitalsports.com

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