WALDORF, Md. — The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs bolstered their roster for the 2025 Atlantic League season, re-signing right-handed pitcher Shawn Semple and acquiring outfielder Pearce Howard in a trade with the Ogden Raptors. Both players, alumni of the University of New Orleans, bring experience and local ties to the team as opening day nears on April 25 at Regency Furniture Stadium.
Shawn Semple, 29, from Voorhees, New Jersey, returns for his second season with the Blue Crabs and eighth in professional baseball. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 11th round in 2017, the former Triple-A prospect pitched 93 innings in 2024, posting a 5.23 ERA and a 2.4 walks-per-nine rate. Injuries forced him from the starting rotation to the bullpen midseason, but he excelled in both roles. His standout start came May 7 against York, allowing one run over seven innings with eight strikeouts in a win. After shifting to relief on August 10, he delivered four scoreless outings, ending the year with a quality start against Gastonia—six innings, two runs.
Pearce Howard, 27, a Silver Spring, Maryland native, joins the Blue Crabs after a breakout 2024 with the Ogden Raptors in the Pioneer League. In his pro debut, the 6’3 left-handed batter hit .360, led the league with 140 hits, and added four home runs, 25 doubles, and 62 RBIs in 95 games, with a .973 fielding percentage in the outfield. At New Orleans from 2018-2022, Howard batted .356 with eight homers and 69 RBIs in his 2022 senior year, following a .333 average with seven homers and 56 RBIs in 2021. His 2021 Northwoods League stint further honed his skills.
The Blue Crabs open their season April 25 against the High Point Rockers at Regency Furniture Stadium for Wild Wild West Night, featuring postgame fireworks and cowboy hats for the first 500 fans, courtesy of Summer Breeze Farms. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with first pitch at 6:35 p.m.
