Baysox 20th Anniversary Celebration: 1996
Bowie is still searching for its first Eastern League championship, but has achieved many impressive accomplishments throughout the years that will be highlighted during the coming months. Be sure to check back each week until the season starts for a fresh taste of Bowie Baysox history.
The Baysox began the season with returning manager Bob Micsik, but he resigned eight games into the season, giving way to Tim Blackwell. Bowie went on to finish with a franchise-worst 54-88 record. The team dropped to last place in the division at the end of April and spent the rest of the season in fifth place, except for June 1 when they moved into fourth place for one day before losing to Harrisburg and dropping back down. The 1996 team still holds the franchise record for losses in a season and the record for earned runs allowed (647).
Right-handed pitcher Calvin Maduro was one of a few bright spots on the pitching staff for the Baysox as he was the team's lone representative at the Eastern League All-Star game and he also threw a seven-inning no-hitter May 28 against Portland. In total, Maduro threw three complete-game shutouts during the season. Left-handed pitcher Aaron Lane also tossed a seven-inning no-hitter June 25 against Norwich.
Third baseman Willis Otanez established a club home run record (since broken) with 24 and his 237 total bases that season rank ninth in franchise history. He also led the team with 75 RBIs and 53 extra-base hits. Baysox pitcher Shane Hale's 13 losses that season also put him tied for the franchise record.
Want to see what was being written about the Baysox in 1996? Check out the PDFs below of newspaper articles from that year:
The Washington Post - Farm Teams Promising More Bang for Your Buck
The Annapolis Capital - Chill a minor inconvenience for Baysox
The Annapolis Capital - Baysox ready to take charge with added bulk
Baysox Baseball - We'll Knock Your 'Sox Off. The Baysox open their 20th season at Prince George's Stadium Thursday, April 5. Baysox Holiday Packs make great gifts and can be purchased at www.baysoxshop.com. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, follow the Baysox on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BowieBaysox.