Small, fertile, rugged and fueled by an expansive appetite, the species, he says, is “an exemplary invader, a perfect invader ...

What crawfish is to Louisiana, and lobster is to Maine, blue crab is to Maryland. The crustacean is synonymous with the Chesapeake Bay, and is revered for its delicate and distinct flavor.

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs independent league baseball team is usually the last resort of players -- but some still harbor hopes of making it to the major leagues.