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Sports Illustrated features state of Maryland in series of
50 state-specific weekly sections

SI Senior Contributing Writer and Baltimore Native Frank Deford Reflects

on History of Professional Sports in Maryland

New York, NY, August 27, 2003 — This week’s Sports Illustrated highlights the sports scene in the state of Maryland, marking the seventh of 50 state-specific sections to be published in the magazine as part of SI’s yearlong 50^th anniversary celebration.

Identifying the Ocean City Lacrosse Classic as an event unique to the state, the six-page feature also includes an accompanying essay by SI senior contributing writer and Maryland native Frank Deford, and a wide range of facts, figures and photographs highlighting the most memorable moments and personalities that have shaped Maryland’s sports landscape.

The Maryland edition will hit newsstands on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 . Newsstand copies in Maryland will feature a cover-flap identifying the special Maryland section.

Highlights from the special section include:

Marylanders take lacrosse seriously and it is a sport that seems to transcend all age groups as seen through the state’s annual Lacrosse Classic in Ocean City, MD, writes Kostya Kennedy in "Game of Their Life."

In "Jousting Anyone?" SI senior contributing writer Frank Deford of Baltimore shares his thoughts on how sports in Maryland in the second half of the 20^th century proved to be much better than the first.

The Poll : Marylanders weighed in on their state’s sports scene in a Harris Interactive poll that found these results:

Favorite major league baseball team Baltimore Orioles (49%)

Favorite NFL team Washington Redskins (27%)

Favorite NBA team Washington Wizards (21%)

Favorite NHL team Washington Capitals (34%)

Favorite college team Maryland basketball (26%)

State’s biggest rivalry Ravens — Redskins (18%)

Enemy of the State : Bob Irsay, the late owner who moved the Colts to Indianapolis in 1984 received (16)% of this vote beating out Peter Angelos (15%) and George Steinbrenner (12%) for Maryland’s biggest sports villain title. Maryland’s most hated team? The Dallas Cowboys (27%).

Greatest Moment — Editor’s pick : The Colt’s thrilling 23-7 overtime victory over the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL championship game in Yankee Stadium. The game popularized professional football in the country and marked its rise to the pinnacle of American sports.

SI’s 50^th Anniversary program, America’s Sports Illustrated: 50 Years, 50 States, 50 Sports , is a wide-ranging multimedia platform that is the most ambitious initiative in the history of the franchise. The grassroots effort, which began last month and continues through July 2004, is a yearlong celebration of sports in America. It will include editorial coverage in the magazine and online, a community sports outreach campaign with YMCA of the USA and National Recreation and Park Association, as well as The Toyota Presents Sports Illustrated’s 50^th Anniversary Tour that will travel to unique sports events in cities and towns throughout the country. SI’s actual 50th anniversary date is August 16, 2004. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Tour; Starter and Best Buy are program sponsors.

Contacts: Allison Keane, SI (212) 522-5542 Stephan Pechdimaldji, SI (212) 522-7644


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