Big Train Celebrates University of Maryland Night, Hosts Baseball Head Coach Matt Swope

James Gladden, Matt Swope, Brit Kirwan and Parker Corbin (from left to right) by Mark Thalman

ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Bethesda Big Train celebrated University of Maryland night at the ballpark on Thursday. The team hosted MLB Hall of Fame journalist Tim Kurkjian. The ESPN analyst went to Walter Johnson High School before going to UMD for undergrad. The team also honored Brit Kirwan and Maryland Baseball Head Coach Matt Swope. All three men threw out the first pitch to players who currently attend Maryland. Swope played for the Big Train during their inaugural season in 1999. The team handed out Matt Swope bobbleheads as the game’s giveaway. 

Swope’s parents both went to the University of Maryland and got married at the school’s chapel. When Swope got a scholarship to play baseball at his parents’ alma mater, the decision was a no-brainer. 

“[The school] has always been in my blood,” Swope said. “It was my so-called dream school.”

Growing up, Swope doesn’t have a core baseball memory. He doesn’t know the exact moment when he fell in love with the game. All he remembers is he loved playing the game ever since he was a kid. 

“I just remember playing wiffle ball in the yard all the time,” Swope said. “As soon as I could pick up a bat, it’s something I’ve always done.”

Swope shared a lot of fond memories from when he played with the Big Train. Although this feeling is shared by a lot of former players, Swope is in a unique position, as he played for the very first Big Train team.

“I remember they were putting the fence up,” Swope said. “They were trying to get it ready for opening night.”

Tim Kurkjian (left) and Matt Swope (right) by Mark Thalman

Kirwan has worn many hats. He was the Vice Chancellor at the University of Maryland before he became the President at Ohio State University. Later in his career, he was named the Chancellor of the University of System of Maryland. 

“I've always valued the role that athletics can play,” Kirwan said. “I’ve been around athletics for my entire life.”

Kirwan attended the University of Kentucky on a football scholarship. He has seen collegiate athletics evolve from his time as both an athlete and an executive. 

“I believe athletics goes hand-in-glove with the education experience,” Kirwan said.

Kirwan called Adams’ work “admirable" for the role he’s played within the community. Swope enjoyed his first season with the Big Train so much that he returned to the organization a year later. He called Owner Bruce Adams a “first class” person, who played an integral role in not only the Big Train’s development but also why Swope had such a memorable experience. For Swope, it is a significant reason why he sends the current Terrapins to Bethesda for the summer.  

“I want them to have a similar experience than what I had,” Swope said. “I know [Manager] Sal [Colangelo] is going to take care of them.”

Brit Kirwan (left) and Matt Swope (right) by Mark Thalman

Swope joked and called it “a little embarrassing” that he was honored at Shirley Povich Field. He didn’t feel like he deserved to have his own bobblehead and throw out the first pitch. When Swope knew his playing days were over, he wanted to remain within the game. He still had an itch to stay out on the diamond.  

“[Coaching] is the second best thing,” Swope said. “Maryland means a lot to me and touching lives and building relationships.” 

Kirwan is proud of the work he’s done at the University of Maryland. He has seen the school grow before his very eyes.

“Seeing College Park thrive in terms of its quality and its excellence, I find that the capstone experience in my life,” Kirwan said.

Swope has a special relationship with Colangelo, as he called him “the heart and soul of the Big Train.” He doesn’t believe Colangelo gets all of the credit for the work and recruitment he does behind the scenes. 

Click HERE for more coverage on Tim Kurkjian’s return to Shirley Povich Field!