Jan. 25, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland baseball got its second off-season visit from former professional players on Saturday when Billy Ripken and Cal Ripken, Jr. made a surprise appearance at a team breakfast. The two were in College Park to host a coaching clinic on campus, but arrived early to deliver a message to the team and field the players' questions.

The Ripken brothers stressed teamwork and always working to improve yourself for the benefit of the team. Head Coach Terry Rupp was pleased to have what he and his staff stress on a day-to-day basis come from former pros.

"When people of that magnitude like Cal and Billy can address your team and give their experiences, it's a tremendous event," Rupp said. "I think our team grew from it. They had some great things to say about teamwork, and making yourself and the team the best it can be. They had a lot of insight on things we can try and express to the players on a daily basis, but when you get it from guys like that it reinforces it that much more."

Terp center fielder Justin Maxwell echoed Rupp's sentiments, adding, "They talked about all of the principles that coach has been telling us over my four years here, and hearing them talk about them was exciting. We were already excited to be up that early for breakfast."

The team got its first visit of the off-season in late September when local legend, four-time all star and 1960 N.L. Rookie of the Year, Frank Howard visited. He illustrated a message of focus and determination with the acronym "F.O.C.U.S", and he spoke on how to combine those intangibles with talent and physical skills to be a more successful baseball player. In his acronym, F stands for "Fun" - O for "Organized" - C for "Commitment to the game" - U for "Unwavering desire" - and S for "Success".

The 2005 baseball season gets underway Feb. 12 and 13 at the Coca Cola Classic in Rock Hill, S.C. The Terps will take on No. 28/25 Winthrop and Western Kentucky, two of eight February road games to start the year.