Community sports reporter

Michael Howes

Michael Howes covers community sports for The Sun with a focus on Baltimore County. Michael previously interned on The Sun sports desk; served as sports editor and football beat reporter for The Diamondback, the University of Maryland’s student-run newspaper; covered high school sports for The Washington Post; and spent a summer reporting on community issues for The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown.

Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian reacts after a hit during a game against Mississippi State on May 14 in College Station, Texas. The former Maryland standout is projected as a first-round pick in Saturday’s MLB draft. (Ethan Mito/Texas A&M Athletics)

Maryland native’s winding path has him on verge of MLB dream

July 9, 2026 at 9:51 a.m.

Potomac native Chris Hacopian's path to the MLB draft has been shaped by family, risk and relentless work, from late nights in Gaithersburg to a season at Texas A&M.

Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, right, reacts after striking out with two runners on against the Cubs in the fourth inning of Tuesday's 5-2 loss. (Gail Burton/AP)

Orioles suffer familiar loss to Cubs, 5-2, drop to last place in AL East

July 8, 2026 at 12:44 a.m.

The Orioles put runners on base early but failed to cash in against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, wasting a six-inning start from Shane Baz in a 5-2 loss.

Joseph Dzierwa said he was “super under recruited” out of high school, but the former Michigan State left-hander has moved quickly in the Orioles system and owns a 2.45 ERA at Double-A Chesapeake. (Courtesy of Joe Noyes)

Orioles pitching prospect Joseph Dzierwa keeps proving there’s more to see

July 3, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

Orioles prospect Joseph Dzierwa is making the same adjustment he has at every stop: turning projection into production.

Maryvale's Cayden Reese moves in for a shot against Spalding. Reese will continue her playing career at Maryland after being honored locally and nationally for her exceptional performance at Maryvale. (John Gillis/Freelance)

Maryvale Prep’s Cayden Reese named national girls lacrosse Player of the Year

July 1, 2026 at 8:26 p.m.

Cayden Reese, a star girls lacrosse player at Maryvale, earned national Player of the Year honors Wednesday.

Maryland quarterback Malik Washington, shown last season, was a standout in June at the Manning Passing Academy. (Mike Buscher/AP)

Maryland QB Malik Washington wows Todd McShay at Manning Passing Academy

June 30, 2026 at 2:16 p.m.

Todd McShay praised Malik Washington's arm talent and says Maryland's quarterback could command a huge NIL deal next fall if he builds on his freshman season.

St. Frances Academy football became a national power without a practice field of its own. A proposed field across from the school’s East Baltimore campus could finally change that. (Michael Howes/Staff)

St. Frances football became a national power without a home field. That could soon change.

June 30, 2026 at 10:04 a.m.

The money is committed and drawings are complete for a proposed practice field across from St. Frances Academy's campus, but the project is still awaiting city approval before construction can...

Dulaney’s Madison Schupple is the Baltimore County softball Player of the Year. (Kim Hairston/Staff)

All-Baltimore County 2026 softball: Madison Schupple named Player of the Year

June 23, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Here are The Baltimore Sun's 2026 All-Baltimore County softball teams, including Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and first and second teams.

Orioles catcher Ethan Anderson poses during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Anderson is hitting the ball well in the minor leagues, although his future path to the majors is uncertain given Baltimore's organizational depth at the position. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Orioles minor league report: Catcher Ethan Anderson’s power opens eyes

June 23, 2026 at 6:30 a.m.

Ethan Anderson has emerged as one of the Chesapeake's Baysox’s most productive bats, while Ike Irish, Joseph Dzierwa and Sebastian Gongora headline this week’s top Orioles prospect performers.

Kyle Andrews, a former Baltimore Sun high school sports reporter and current Baltimore County English teacher, was hired as Maryvale Prep’s girls basketball coach after the Lions won their first IAAM championship. (Courtesy of Kyle Andrews)

Maryvale Prep hires former Sun reporter Kyle Andrews to lead girls basketball program

June 22, 2026 at 7:57 p.m.

Kyle Andrews, a former Baltimore Sun writer and current Baltimore County teacher, is taking over as Maryvale Prep's girls basketball coach.

Kreis Metz, The Baltimore Sun’s Baltimore County Baseball Player of the Year and standout shortstop for Hereford High School, poses for a portrait in Parkton, Maryland. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)

All-Baltimore County 2026 baseball: Kreis Metz named Player of the Year

June 22, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Here are The Baltimore Sun's 2026 All-Baltimore County baseball teams, including Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and first and second teams.

All Stories