BayDogs Complete Worst Season in Team History

The Baltimore BayDogs collapsed in Season 12, falling to a franchise worst record of 57 wins versus 105 losses. A combination of poor starting pitching and weak hitting led the team to another 4th place finish. The only bright spot in the pitching staff was set-up man Glenn Patterson who had another stellar season. Glenn was 5-0 with an ERA of 3.44 and WHIP of 1.16 in 72 games. James Sinclair managed 19 saves to lead the bullpen.

From the offensive side, Jack Henderson led the team in home runs with 27 and RBI with 86, the only time other than season 4 that someone besides Rich Peters has led the BayDogs in those categories (Peters missed almost the entire 4th season with an injury). Peters, in reduced playing time, managed 21 home runs and 68 RBI. Like the pitching, there was not much to cheer about, with the only possible exceptions being rookie Al Arnold who hit .287 with 18 homers and 1b/LF Lance Roberts with 24 home runs and 71 RBI.

Once again, the Baltimore faithful can only hope that next season will be more successful.

Luther West - First Inductee into BayDogs Hall of Fame

Long time Baltimore catcher Luther West was unanimously selected as the first member of the newly established BayDogs Hall of Fame this week. West spent his entire career with the Dogs and retired after Hunter season #8. His accomplishments are many:
- Highest career batting average in team history - ..324
- 2nd in career on base percentage - .390
- 2nd in career slugging percentage - .445
- Gold Glove winner - season 6
- Career 1.000 fielding percentage
- Highest B.A.s in team history - .379 in season 5
Speaking before a sell-out crowd at 'Luther West Day' at Memorial Stadium where he played for 8 years, West said he was honored to inducted into the team's hall of fame and was proud that he played his entire career in the BayDogs uniform. Official induction ceremonies are scheduled for April 12, 2009 in Baltimore.

BayDogs Stumble to 70-92 Record in Season 10

Baltimore was unable to build on the season 9 80-82 season and fell back to a 70 win season 10. The pitching, which was a problem early in the season, never straightened out and was a big contributor to the disappointing season. Additionally, Rich Peters, spent some time on the DL and his potent bat was sorely missed. He did manage to hit 40 home runs and ended the season with a career total of 490 dingers and high hopes of breaking the 500 HR barrier in season 10. Andrew Wright, a perennial All-star acquired by trade, turned in a solid season with a .296 BA and 23 home runs. Also of note was James Hardy's performance at catcher. Hardy batted .314 in a little over 100 games behind the plate and had a .996 fielding average.

There was a little to celebrate in the BayDogs pitching corps. Roy Riley fell to a 5-14 record and season 9 wins leader, Harry Guevarra slipped to 5-9 with a 6.35 ERA. One of the few bright spots on the staff was Glenn Patterson's performance in the set-up role. In his second season as the primary set-up man, Patterson had a record of 6-3 with a WHIP of 1.18. And of course, closer James Sinclair led the team with 29 saves. Pitching must improve for the BayDogs to compete in the NL East. Look for Damian Wolcott to move into the rotation along with former 1st round draft pick James House who spent most of last season blowing away the AAA hitters.

Hope springs eternal among the BayDog faithful.