Jan. 28, 2013

Nine Innings with Bob Mumma of UMBC

Nine Innings with Nino Giarratano of San Francisco

Nine Innings with Sherman Reed

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

phil@collegebaseballinsider.com  @RoadToOmaha

This week, we will have head coaches from the Baltimore and San Francisco areas give their thoughts on Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Ravens and the 49ers.

Today we begin with Sherman Reed (left), in his third season as head coach of the Coppin State Eagles after working as an assistant coach at the school for two years. In 2008, Reed assisted head coach Harvey Lee. A year later, he worked with Mike Scolinos.

A native of Baltimore, Reed played at Towson from 1979-83 for head coach Billy Hunter. Reed played independent baseball for 10 years before starting his coaching career.

Reed has coached at several different levels, including Western Tech, Catonsville High School, and Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate League. He was director of the Yankee Rebels Baseball Club from 2005-10, the oldest amateur baseball club in Maryland.

Reed gives us his perspective on the AFC Champion, the Baltimore Ravens.

First Inning – Did you root for the Baltimore Colts when they were in town?

Yes, I was a very big Baltimore Colt fan growing up. As a hotdog vendor in the late 70’s and early 80’s, I would arrive at the players’ gate entrance (which was the same entrance for vendors) at Memorial Stadium early to witness the players’ arrival. What was shocking was to see guys like Roger Carr and Bert Jones limping as they made their way into the stadium, but played and appeared 100% when the game whistle blew.

Second Inning – Did it take long to become a Ravens Fan?

Not at all, I followed all of the news and rumors pertaining to the prospects of Baltimore having a team returned to the City religiously the entire time we were without an NFL Team. I quickly became an original Raven Season Ticket Holder from Day 1 of their existence.

Third Inning – Did you think all season that this was a Super Bowl Team?

No, I honestly thought that with the many injuries and age setting in on our defense that we weren’t destined to go far in the playoffs. Ironically, I felt the same way in the 2000-01 season when we last won the Super Bowl. I thought we were a year away in 2001 and I thought our best chance recently was the 2011-12 season.

Fourth Inning – What makes John Harbaugh such a successful head coach?

John is not afraid to make major decisions (even if it goes against the grain) if he thoroughly believes it will help improve his football team, e.g. cutting popular players Todd Heap, Derrick Mason, and Willis McGahee after the 2010 season and changing Offensive Coordinators at the three-quarter mark of this season. Oh, and I almost forgot, he totally revamped his entire offensive line one game prior to the playoffs. ALL have worked out rosy for Coach.

Fifth Inning – Which Raven do you think would be the best baseball Player?

Ed Reed roaming center field

Sixth Inning – Who on your team would make the best Raven, and what position would he play?

Center fielder Chris Kashangaki. Running back with deceptive power and explosive speed in the open field and one who wouldn’t run from battle

Seventh Inning – Who is the biggest Baltimore Fan on your team/staff?

Catcher Alex Brown, who isn’t afraid to don his Raven apparel on CSU Campus.

Eighth Inning – Which player from the 49ers do you fear most?

Former Maryland Terrapin, tight end Vernon Davis

Ninth Inning – Why will the Ravens win? What will be final score?

With the possibilities of Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, Matt Birk, and others playing in their potential last game as a Raven, they’ll find a way to will themselves to victory. Ray Lewis will walk off the field for the final time as champion. Ravens 24, 49ers 20

Extra Innings – What should we expect from the Coppin State Eagles this season?

A (still) very young ball club that learned to walk in 2012 and now is prepared to take those quicker larger steps in 2013. Vast overall improvement in defense and pitching.

(photos courtesy of Coppin State Media Relations Office)