Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Baseball Hits a Home Run in Charles County
When Baltimore’s WJZ interviewed Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson in 2007, the former Oriole said he had no desire to own a team after retiring from Major League Baseball.
But Robinson apparently saw something he liked in Opening Day Partners, a minor league baseball organization that owns and operates franchises like the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. As co-owner of the team in Charles County, Robinson’s knack for success is rubbing off on the Blue Crabs as 2010 marks their third season.
“Here in Southern Maryland, we’re very lucky to have a winning team on the field,” says Paul Braverman, the Blue Crabs’ director of media relations and broadcasting.
The Blue Crabs capped their inaugural season with a 74-66 record in The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
“This independent league concentrates on signing veterans who have played professionally six or more years,” he says. “The Atlantic League is the most advanced of the independent leagues.”
Its seasons are split in 70-game halves, and Southern Maryland won the Liberty Division title in the first half of 2009, clinching a playoff berth.
The team’s success and the ballpark’s draw has even created a fan club.
According to Braverman, Blue Crabs fans have been dubbed Crustacean Nation, and “once you enter the gates, you’re a member.”
And the Crustacean Nation members show up. Game attendance averages between 3,500 and 4,000, but more than 7,200 fans showed for opening day in 2009.
“That was the largest crowd we’ve had in stadium history,” Braverman says.
But at Regency Furniture Stadium, where the Blue Crabs play, the entertainment goes beyond quality baseball. While the home team is away, the stadium hosts attractions like concerts and professional soccer matches.
In summer 2009, 3 Doors Down and Trace Adkins were in concert thanks to the organization’s partnership with Kool Productions, a local concert company.
Braverman says the organization strives to make the stadium available to Charles County all year.
“Cold weather limits what we can do on the field in the offseason,” he says, “but our indoor facilities here make it a versatile place.”
In support of Charles County, the franchise donates directly to charities, Braverman says. Hospice of Charles County Inc. was the Blue Crabs main presenting sponsor in 2009. The organization also has a fundraising program that allows any nonprofit organization to partner with it.
“The way we approach our business, as far as promotions and getting fans in the ballpark to have a good time, we’re no different than any team in affiliated baseball,” he says. “The reputation of The Atlantic League and independent baseball in general continues to get better and better.”
