A hearty Welcome to the World to the newest Baltimore Oriole/New Market Rebel fan, Jackson Thomas Smith. A September call-up, on the 6th to be precise, he will be managed by parents Ed and Laura Smith. No word yet on whether he’s a righty or a southpaw, but grandparents Al and Margo Smith will make sure that he switch hits. Al should be familiar to readers of this blog as my long-time, baseball playing pal.
Speaking of Al, we finally christened West Virginia with some ball playing. We’ve played 
baseball in every state from Pennsylvania to Florida (and the Bahamas) except our neighbor state that I can see from the upstairs window. We’ve been too busy driving through it to actually stop and play there until today when we swatted around the ole horsehide at Oaksdale Park. It’s a great little facility!
Finally, it has come to my attention that I never posted the 5th episode of Off the Beaten Basepaths to this blog, although it was posted to Seamheads some time ago. So, if you missed it, it is presented below and features a trip to Lonaconing, MD, the home town of Hall of Famer Lefty Grove. The library there contains his Most Valuable Player trophy and it is the only such trophy not in private hands or on display at baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Austin Gisriel 
Looks like its time to make a 6th edition of OTBBP. DBS
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You are right, David! Hope you’ll provide more technical assistance.
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You can count on it. DBS
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I echo David’s sentiment Austin. Their is too much time before Frederick, 2014, so it is time for the next edition. I know you both have tight schedules, but I would love to join you guys for the filming, (my work schedule permitting as well) Keep in touch, & give Al & Margo my congratulations! I know first hand being grandparents is a real blessing!
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Thanks, Don. We’re hoping to do an edition on Walter Johnson some time in October. Of course, I blinked on Labor Day and now it is almost October! What happened to September??
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Thank you Austin for introducing Jackson. I’m looking forward to the time when we can begin our training with all our grandchildren.
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Me, too!
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