1. Buck gnome takes over Internet.
So we have been excited about the Buck Showalter garden gnome for months now—even including it in our May issue’s City Guide as one of the best events of the summer. The gnome was mailed out to media outlets this week and everyone (including us!) has gotten in on the #ShowtheGnome fun. Props to The Sun‘s Eduardo Encina for his amazing vine video of the gnome riding the T in Boston and to 105.7’s Casey Willett for his continuous clever placement of Buck’s mini-me—even though, we have to say, it doesn’t look that much like our O’s manager. Of course, you can see him for yourself if you’re one of the first 25,000 fans at the Orioles game tomorrow.
#ShowTheGnome took a ride on The T today as he explored #Boston. #Orioles #Buckgnome @MBTA pic.twitter.com/fmH5UNnBwA
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) June 24, 2015
2. Stevenson University adds beach volleyball to its program.
According to Press Box, Stevenson University is the first Division III school to add sand volleyball to its athletic program. Stevenson is already known for its indoor volleyball program—having made it to the NCAA tournament four consecutive seasons—and head coach Dave Trumbo is elated about the new sport, which will have its first recruiting class in fall of 2016. “I am super excited, because we are trying to take both programs to a very high level,” Trumbo told Press Box. “We feel like adding sand will definitely increase our level of the indoor program, and we’re going to be able to recruit some excellent dual-sport athletes that will take the indoor program to a higher level.” Until then, Stevenson is going to build four sand courts in order for the Mustangs to be ready for competition.
3. Dez Wells not selected in NBA draft.
The NBA draft was held last night and Terps standout Dez Wells was not chosen. All hope is not lost, however. The Wizards have invited him to their summer league and could sign him as a free agent. It goes without saying that Maryland fans would be thrilled to see the tenacious Wells, who endeared himself to Terrapin Nation with his thunderous dunks and never-say-die attitude, close to home in Washington.
Also of local interest: Notre Dame’s Pat Connaughton, who was selected as a pitcher by the Orioles in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB draft, was drafted by the Nets in the second round and then traded to the Trailblazers. Word is, he prefers basketball to baseball. (If you had a 44-inch vertical, you might too). If so, the Orioles will try to recoup his $428K signing bonus.
4. Justin Forsett speaks at Ravens rookie symposium.
Ravens running back Justin Forsett had some inspiring words to share at the Ravens rookie symposium this week. As a player who has bounced around eight different teams in his five years in the NFL, Forsett preached a message of patience, endurance, and gratitude. “To have so many hard times in your career and still find a way to to battle back every year, move forward and forward, and finally get an opportunity—it’s inspiring,” said rookie tight end Maxx Williams. Forsett’s wise words are just one of the many reasons he’s becoming our favorite Raven, including the adorable family photos he posts on Instagram.
5. Orioles bullpen continues to shine.
Though they struggled early, the Orioles bullpen has excelled in recent weeks. The crew has the fifth-best ERA in the league at 2.77 with expected dominance from Darren O’Day and Zach Britton, Brad Brach stepping up, and the out-of-nowhere stellar performance from Chaz Roe. Sweet name, sweet hair, and even sweeter slider.