Seven Big Train Players Compete in Cal Ripken Sr. League All-Star Game At Shirley Povich Field

by Sean McAvoy

Team Photo by Matthew Lewyn

BETHESDA, Md. — As the Bethesda Big Train lead the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League standings, seven Big Train players joined the rest of the league’s All-Stars to square off against the Valley Baseball League’s All-Star team. Even though the visitors took down the Ripken Sr. League 12-3, Shirley Povich Field hosted the festivities.

“It was pretty awesome, especially getting to represent Big Train itself and the league,” Big Train second baseman Brennon Wright (South Alabama) said. “Also, getting to play against another neighboring league is pretty awesome to do.”

Right-handed pitcher Bryce Dolby (Cal State Fullerton) made the start for the Ripken Sr. League on Tuesday. After only one inning of work, Dolby escaped the opening frame after facing four batters.

Dolby’s teammate Zachary Malvasio (UCF) helped out to begin the contest, as Valley League center fielder Chris Caroll (Covington) flew out to deep right field. Dolby then gave up a single before producing a strikeout and groundout to end the inning.

Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League All-Star pitcher Bryce Dolby (32) pitches during the game against the Valley Baseball League All-Stars at Shirley Povich Field on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

The Ashburn, Virginia, native has started six games for the Big Train this season, producing multiple outings that gave Bethesda chances to win games. An eight-strikeout game against Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts on June 24 highlighted his contributions this season.

Dolby has produced 20 strikeouts, which ranks third for the Big Train. He’s also 5.2 innings behind left-hander Charlie Hoagland (East Carolina) for the team-high, as Dolby has pitched 20.0 frames this season.

Malvasio was effective in right field for the Ripken All-Stars, recording four putouts in his five innings. The usually great offensive player was unable to showcase his power during the game.

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. With the game not counting for season-long statistics, Malvasio will continue his chase for the Ripken Sr. League’s home run crown. He has knocked seven homers over outfield walls, including three last week. Malvasio also ranks first in the league with a .681 slugging percentage and third with 49 total bases.

“It's kind of cool to have that balance between playing other teammates and playing other teams and arms that we haven't seen, and also bats haven't seen,” Wright said.

Shortstop Cal Johnson (Maryland) recorded a hit in the bottom of the second inning, the only knock for the Big Train throughout the All-Star Game. Johnson singled to right field to start the frame and was brought in two batters later after outfielder Gabriel Pegues (Thunderbolts) manufactured an RBI-single.

During the season, Johnson has been a consistent source of offense for Bethesda. The Tampa, Florida, native is tied with Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern) for a team-high 22 RBIs. Johnson has produced a .270 batting average, .988 OPS, five home runs, seven doubles and three triples. His .584 slugging percentage is fourth-best in the Ripken Sr. League.

Gonzalez entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning as a designated hitter. Even though he finished the game 0-for-2 with a strikeout, Gonzalez has a chance to push the Big Train deep into the playoffs.

While his teammates learned of their All-Star selections five days ago, center fielder TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic) was informed of his inclusion in the team last night. Playing mostly catcher this season, Gramesty has become a utility player for the Big Train this season. Gramesty has played games in the outfield and was even slotted into second base against the Alexandria Aces on June 29.

In 22 games, Gramesty has posted a .327 batting average and a .950 OPS. His .568 on-base percentage also ranks first in the entire Ripken Sr. League by 0.03 percentage points. Gramesty’s 22 walks — tied for fourth-most in the League — have helped his OBP, while he has produced three doubles and 12 RBIs. Yet, Gramesty went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in his two plate appearances.

Wright was also not able to attack the Valley League pitching during the game, finishing the contest 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

However, Wright has been a machine at getting on base for the Big Train this season. The Starkville, Mississippi, native is producing a .311 batting average, .815 OPS, three doubles and 10 RBIs. His .463 on-base percentage and 18 walks are both 14th in the Ripken Sr. League.

Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League All-Star shortstop Cal Johnson (9) stands in the batter's box during the game against the Valley Baseball League All-Stars at Shirley Povich Field on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

“You get to meet a bunch of new guys that they're all, they're all here for the same reason you're here,” Wright said. “I think it makes the networking and relationships that you build among the sport even more awesome.”

Right-hander Kyzer Smith (Florida Atlantic) made his appearance for the Ripken All Stars in the top of the fifth inning. For a pitcher who’s been incredible in Bethesda this season, Tuesday was a night to forget for Smith.

The Stonewall, Louisiana, native got one inning on the mound at Povich Field but gave up four hits. Smith has allowed only two earned runs in his 18.0 innings for the Big Train this season. However, he allowed three earned runs on 20 pitches.

The Big Train returns to Povich Field on Wednesday for a matchup against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts, riding a nine-game win streak. Bethesda has won four of the first five meetings this season, but split the doubleheader on June 24. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m., and tickets are available on the Big Train website.

“We’re trying not to look at the win streak,” Wright said. “Try not to let it get in our heads and just try to take it one game at a time. With that being said, just take it one pitch, one inning, one at-bat at a time.”

Rewatch the game on the Cal Ripken Sr. League YouTube channel