It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Nottingham Castle gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Nottingham, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They”
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“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always”
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“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after nearly four years of coverage from the team members of ABC Upper Chesapeake. Mom and I were both very pleased with the coverage. ABC was most congenial to do their best to provide Mom with caretakers whom we found suited to Mom's personality and temperament. In the very few cases this was not so, we asked for someone else to care for Mom and this was promptly provided. All in all the caretakers were kind, friendly, competent and helpful, providing Mom with good care and company. Elaine G was very helpful in getting us in contact with the VA so that Mom was able to obtain a monthly benefit entitled to her because of Dad's service in the military. That was a great financial help to us in our particular situation. I strongly recommend this agency for the homebound and ill. They will work with you to do all they can to grant your reasonable requests. Thank you, Elaine and caretakers!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care for my late father during his prolonged decline at age 95. The care enabled him to live in his home with my mom during his final months of life. Elaine worked with me diligently to match my parents' difficult situation with the perfect caregiver. My father was treated with dignity and gentleness when he was no longer able to care for himself at all. It gave our family great peace of mind knowing he was so well cared for.”
“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.”
“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”
“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”
“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations have been invaluable. We are thankful for Always Best! It is a 5 Star Company!!”
“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were recommended to Elaine and ABC. It was the right move. Fortunately for us the second location she showed us was the right fit. It's been a difficult time and having their expertise eased our concerns.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bestwood Country Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local World Service Restaurant or visit National Justice Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Nottingham, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Nottingham, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Nottingham, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission on Monday issued letters to commodity trading businesses KalshiEX, LLC (Kalshi), Robinhood Derivatives, LLC (Robinhood) and North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. (doing business as Crypto.com), directing them to stop offering sports event contracts in Maryland.Maryland Lottery and Gaming informed the three companies that the sports event prediction markets they offer via their online platforms are indistinguishable from sports wagering because they are based on...
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission on Monday issued letters to commodity trading businesses KalshiEX, LLC (Kalshi), Robinhood Derivatives, LLC (Robinhood) and North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. (doing business as Crypto.com), directing them to stop offering sports event contracts in Maryland.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming informed the three companies that the sports event prediction markets they offer via their online platforms are indistinguishable from sports wagering because they are based on the outcomes of sporting events. The existence of these markets circumvents Maryland law (State Government Article §9–1E–01, et seq.), which defines sports wagering and permits it to be offered only by licensed operators. The law additionally requires customer age and identity verification to confirm that sports wagering participants are at least 21, as well as geolocation to confirm that participants are physically located in Maryland when they place a wager. Commodity traders do not operate under these requirements.
“We view this as a legal matter and a consumer protection matter, and there is also a fiscal interest for the State,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “Each of Maryland’s legal sports wagering operators completed a rigorous licensing process and is subject to extensive regulations that include responsible gaming requirements. The commodity traders aren’t bound by those same guardrails. They’re conducting sports wagering without a license, and in doing so, they’re avoiding the collection of sports wagering taxes that legal operators pay to the State.”
Licensed sportsbooks in Maryland contribute 15% of their taxable proceeds to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs. The contributions have totaled nearly $61.2 million through the first eight months of FY2025 (July 2024 through February 2025), and are nearly $150 million since the launch of Maryland’s sports wagering program in December 2021.
Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto.com have made their sports prediction markets available across the United States. Maryland is the sixth state to issue cease-and-desist letters to at least one of the companies, following New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Illinois and Montana.
Under Maryland law, a gaming activity is illegal unless it is expressly authorized. Sports wagering via licensed operators and fantasy competitions offered by registered operators are the only legally authorized online gaming options available in Maryland. No other forms of real-money online gaming or wagering are operating legally in the State. Maryland Lottery and Gaming maintains lists of licensed online sports wagering operators and registered fantasy competition operators, and has published cease-and-desist letters it has issued at mdgaming.com.
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The mother and son team “We’ll Split It” is sharing the proceeds of a $50,000 winning scratch-off ticket that was originally intended as a holiday stocking stuffer.Mother and son split proceeds of holiday-themed ticket that didn’t make it into a stockingChristmas came late for a mother and son from Nottingham in the form of a $50,000 Maryland Lottery scratch-off win on a ticket that didn’t make it to being a stocking stuffer.When the two claimed the prize at Lottery headquarters, th...
The mother and son team “We’ll Split It” is sharing the proceeds of a $50,000 winning scratch-off ticket that was originally intended as a holiday stocking stuffer.
Mother and son split proceeds of holiday-themed ticket that didn’t make it into a stocking
Christmas came late for a mother and son from Nottingham in the form of a $50,000 Maryland Lottery scratch-off win on a ticket that didn’t make it to being a stocking stuffer.
When the two claimed the prize at Lottery headquarters, the son recounted the story of the win, saying he was moving some furniture around at his mom’s place and found five scratch-offs. They were part of a larger cache of tickets the mom had purchased as stocking stuffers for her adult children.
“I said, ‘Hey mom, I’ve got some scratch-offs here. Can I scratch them,’” he said. They agreed he would scratch the tickets, but if any of them was a winner, they’d split the proceeds. Two of the tickets were non-winners, one was a winner for $6, one for $15 and the last one, a $5 Holiday Luck Doubler ticket, was the big winner.
As a result of the agreement, the pair decided to go by the pseudonym “We’ll Split It” when sharing their tale.
The son actually didn’t scratch the tickets at his mom’s house, but later on with his wife. They were in disbelief after scratching and seeing matching numbers over the game’s $50,000 top prize.
“Did that really just happen?” the wife remembered thinking. At first, they were in disbelief, so the son called his mom and asked if it was a prank ticket.
It was not, as was confirmed when the trio visited Lottery headquarters.
With his half of the proceeds, the son plans to start saving for a house and pay off some debts he owes to his mom.
“So, she’ll actually end up getting more,” he said. Meanwhile, the mom will be sharing with her other grown children, a grandchild and a grandchild on the way.
Bottom line: it was going to end up being split among the family members one way or another.
The winning ticket was sold at Walther Liquors at 8625 Walther Blvd. in Nottingham. For selling a top-prize winning scratch-off ticket, the Baltimore County retailer will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery.
The Holiday Luck Doubler game has a last date to claim of Nov. 3, so now is a good time to check any that might be squirreled away in drawers for winners.
Categories: Featured (w/Photo), Scratch-Offs, Winners Tags: nottingham, scratch-offs, holiday luck doubler
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced several additional actions his administration is taking to support federal workers impacted by recent layoffs and funding changes.Governor Moore announced expanded resource webpages, job fairs, and directives to facilitate public servant transitions t...
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced several additional actions his administration is taking to support federal workers impacted by recent layoffs and funding changes.
Governor Moore announced expanded resource webpages, job fairs, and directives to facilitate public servant transitions to new careers in Maryland after convening a roundtable with federal workers, business and union leaders, and cabinet officials.
“We have an obligation to protect the thousands of Marylanders whose lives have been disrupted by these arbitrary, draconian cuts and layoffs from Washington, D.C.,” Governor Moore said in a statement. “Our public servants are the best of us — true patriots of the highest order who have raised their hands to give back to our communities. Maryland is mobilizing to ensure they get the support they deserve. Together, we will continue to confront crisis with courage.”
Moore announced the expansion of the Maryland Public Servants Resource website, which includes a job search with nearly 130,000 open jobs, a benefits screener, and programs for veterans. The website has accumulated more than 69,000 views since its launch two weeks ago.
A new resource page was also launched on Teach Maryland for federal workers interested in teaching. A virtual information session called “Joining Team Maryland” was also launched for federal workers interested in state government jobs.
The Moore administration is also partnering with local leaders to connect federal workers with job fairs.
Moore signed three memorandums directing the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Budget and Management, and Maryland State Department of Education to streamline hiring processes for federal workers looking for state jobs. The Maryland Department of Transportation develops a pilot program to support federal employees transitioning to state-level opportunities; the Maryland Department of Budget and Management improves management of the influx of state job applications; and the Maryland State Department of Education expands pathways to careers in education with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
“Marylanders are in pain. These are mothers, fathers, and hard-working Marylanders losing their jobs and having their livelihood swept out from under them,” Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said in a statement. “They are public servants who raised their hand because they love their country, and they deserve better. Governor Moore and I will do everything we can to deliver relief and resources to those impacted. Our state will meet this moment with resolve and unity.”
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Cole LedgerMD/DE Director of OperationsFollow @PrepBaseballMDFacebook & InstagramAs MIAA play began around the state on this colder Monday afternoon, I made the 2.5-hour hike to Towson as #7 Loyola Blakefield hosted top-ranked Archbishop Spa...
Cole LedgerMD/DE Director of Operations
Follow @PrepBaseballMDFacebook & Instagram
As MIAA play began around the state on this colder Monday afternoon, I made the 2.5-hour hike to Towson as #7 Loyola Blakefield hosted top-ranked Archbishop Spalding on the opening day of conference play. In the end, Spalding would remain undefeated on their 2025 campaign, securing the win in shutout fashion over the Dons, 2-0.
This game was a pitchers duel as two of the top prep arms in the state locked horns yesterday afternoon as Joseph Nottingham (Georgia), the #1 RHP in the MD/DE 2025 class, looked for an upset as they took on Nathan Wines (East Carolina), the #3 RHP in the class. Nottingham would take the mound first and strike out the side quickly before Wines ran into some trouble early in the first with three walks but battled back to strike out the side to keep the game scoreless. Loyola Blakefield would collect the first hit of the afternoon after a leadoff single from senior Luke Randazzo, but Wines would quickly end the inning. The offense would be quiet as both pitches were rolling through the mid-portion of the game, especially Nottingham, who was perfect through 3 1/3 until junior Noah Vasey would break up the perfect bid in the fourth with a double into the left-center gap. Nottingham wasn’t phased, though, as a spectacular diving catch in center field and a swinging strikeout on a high fastball would end the frame. Nottingham would be finished after five scoreless frames, and uncommitted junior southpaw Jacob Caponi would enter the game for the Dons. Spalding responded with a leadoff single by Braeden Martin (East Carolina), and a couple of walks and a wild pitch would allow the Cavaliers to draw first blood in the sixth. They would tack on one more run in the seventh following a bases-loaded walk to hold a 2-0 lead. Arian Vargas (Alabama) would relieve Wines after five scoreless to slam the door, striking out all 6 batters he faced to secure a win to open conference play.
| Wines would pick up the win on this colder Monday afternoon, as he finished with 5 scoreless innings, only allowing one hit on the day while striking out six. The East Carolina commit ran into some trouble early on in this contest, loading the bases in the first and allowing two runners on in the second, but was able to precisely work out of it to keep his scoreless outing intact. Most of the trouble early came from a total of 4 walks surrendered in the first two innings, but he rebounded with lights-out pitching for his final three innings. Worked a two-pitch mix throughout the afternoon, utilizing the fastball to both halves of the plate to limit contact. He was more successful with the fastball to his glove side as he consistently sat 88-91 early and settled in at 87-89 throughout the third and fourth innings. Frequently mixed in the mid-70s curveball throughout to mess with hitters' timings, had success with the pitch in and out of the zone away from right-handers. Overall, Wines made some big pitches when it mattered, and once he settled in, he was virtually lights out. |
| May not have filled up the stat sheet throughout this game, but the uncommitted junior may have had the hardest contact of anyone on the field yesterday. Struck out in his first AB on a high fastball before getting a hanging breaking ball during his second AB that he capitalized on, striking a double into the left-center gap for the Cavaliers’ first hit of the afternoon. During his third AB of the afternoon, he attacked a first-pitch fastball and sent another strong line drive into the left-center gap that was run down before drawing a walk in his final at-bat of the afternoon. A standout during our preseason events this winter, Vasey has shown evident strength G2G with the ability to get it done in game as well out of the DH spot in a loaded Spalding lineup. Impactful runner as well on the basepaths with sub-7 speed. An under-the-radar bat that is poised for a breakout junior campaign. |
| It was absolutely a lights-out outing from the Alabama commit last night, coming out of the bullpen and slamming the door, tossing the final two innings en route to a save, securing a 2-0 win over #7 Loyola Blakefield. He jumped up on the mound to start the sixth inning and struck out the side in 13 pitches, working primarily fastballs in the low-90s, grabbing two 94s during the inning. Just when you thought that would be enough, he came back out for the seventh and final inning, striking out the side again in only 14 pitches, still holding velocity with the fastball at 89-92, grabbing one 93. Vargas didn't need to rely as much on the secondary arsenal as the fastball was overpowering enough, but he mixed a couple of mid-70s curveballs in, getting swing and miss in and out of the zone. 27 total pitches, six batters faced, and six strikeouts for the 2024 Future Games alum. You can't ask for a better outing than that one. |
| This was personally my first in-person look at Nottingham in an extended period of time, and he definitely turned in an impressive outing. The righty received a no-decision in yesterday’s contest, tossing five scoreless innings and allowing only two hits while striking out eight batters. One of the things that stood out was how he commanded the game, allowing only one walk in his outing, which came in his fifth and final inning. Nottingham was electric in his first three innings, striking out the side in the first before inducing three fly balls in the second and collecting another two strikeouts in the third. He mixed in all four pitches during his five innings of work and did a good job keeping hitters off balance and making the right pitch in big-time situations. He could land the fastball virtually anywhere he wanted all afternoon, working in and out while collecting consistent swing-and-miss. Worked a curveball and slider that had similar shapes with different velocities, CB in the low-70s and the SL working mid to high-70s. Occasionally went to the splitter down below the zone that collected multiple strikeouts early on. Attached below is an in-depth extended look at the Georgia commit who turned in an impressive outing on Monday afternoon. |
| On an afternoon where lights-out pitching really quieted the Loyola Blakefield offense, junior Colby Shilling, out of the leadoff spot, made some impressions even without recording a base hit. After fouling off four pitches in his first AB, he came back down 0-2 and worked a walk to lead off the game. After striking out in the second inning, he put a good swing on a 3-1 fastball and took it the other way for a long fly out to the warning track down the right-field line (video). In our multiple looks at the Dons this spring, Shilling has always been productive at the dish and should translate through the rest of the season. |
| This was my first look at the 2024 Future Games alum since July of last year, and there was a lot to like. Looking into yesterday's performance, he took a while to settle in after allowing some early walks. Still, once he did, Caponi did an exceptional job at limiting hard contact, allowing only one hit through 1 1/3 innings in relief, which was a weak grounder through the right side. The uncommitted junior successfully worked the fastball in the zone while showing the ability to land the heater to both sides at 86-88, grabbing one 89. He had some struggles landing the mid-70s curveball early on, but his feel for the pitch increased as he settled in, collecting his lone strikeout on a curveball in the zone. Utilized the changeup arm side to both righties and lefties but had more control when thrown inside to lefties, inducing weak contact in the zone. It may not have been the most impressive line on the stat sheet, but there is definitely some intrigue as he should be a major contributor out of the bullpen for the Dons this spring. |
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