Shell Games endorses the choice of Erik Bakich for head coach.

The Freedom of the Press is a strong democratic lever in this country.  In case you had any doubts, witness the fact that the University of Maryland bowed to the pressure put on by this blog, Shell Games, regarding the mediocre state of the baseball team.  In the face of repeated criticism put on by Shell Games, Maryland took a dramatic step in resurrecting its baseball program by replacing Terry Rupp with newly minted head coach Erik Bakich.

My main criticism of the program was that it could not attract top talent despite the combination of a) being in the ACC, a top baseball conference, b) residing in a metro area that hosts two major league teams and a wealth of farm teams and developmental leagues, and c) having a fan base that will back a winner no matter what sport it is.  According to the Terps press release, Bakich was hired specifically for his proven recruiting abilities.  The press release stated that Bakich “[hauled] in top-25 classes all seven years in Nashville, including the top-ranked national class in 2005 and second-ranked national class in 2008.”

The release also stated that Bakich was on point for recruiting the 2002 Clemson team that went to the CWS championship game.  This guy is a proven winner.  It appears that Maryland is finally taking baseball seriously and I, for one, am excited about this move.  I can’t wait to see some real action at Shipley Field.  I’ve got a fever, and the the only thing that’s going to cool me down is some summertime Terrapin Baseball.

The power of the press is alive and well in America folks.  Shell Games spoke.  The University listened and reacted.  Need I say more?