A trip down Oriole batting stance memory lane

Do kids still imitate the batting stances of their favorite baseball players? I know when I was a kid, we used to see who could imitate Eddie Murray and Al Bumbry. Check out the guy in this video to see how close he gets…

Celebrating Baltimore’s Babe Ruth And The Final All-Star Game At The House He Built

“The only real game, I think, in the world is baseball.”  So said Babe Ruth.  Agree with him or not, I have no doubt that the grand-daddy of home runs is up in the baseball heavens, prepping himself to bid farewell to his iconic home.

Uh-huh. Yankee Stadium is going down and the ensuing countdown - considering the All-Star break typically marks the mid-point of the season - inevitably brings up times of reflection and moments to remember.  While Yankee fans and baseball fans in general might mourn the destruction of the House That Ruth Built, they can take comfort in knowing that just because his stadium is getting bulldozed, the Sultan of Swat isn’t going anywhere - he’ll always be in our hearts. Continue reading Celebrating Baltimore’s Babe Ruth And The Final All-Star Game At The House He Built

Orioles Magic On And Off The Field: Buses For Baseball Introduces Pediatric Oncology Patients To Baltimore Ballplayers

Orioles magic was definitely in the air June 17 and it had nothing to do with the rebuilding franchise earning their major league leading 20th (and counting) come-from-behind win as they took the 6-5 victory over the Houston Astros. The magic was actually displayed before the first pitch was even thrown. 

This year, the Cool Kids Campaign and Major League Baseball Players Association partnered up to give pediatric oncology patients and their families a night of fun at Camden Yards and they call it Buses for Baseball. This is how the press release reads: “Buses for Baseball gives underprivileged kids throughout the United States and Canada the chance to attend a Major League game and meet the players. The Players Trust partners with local transit authorities and Major League teams, as well as charitable organizations in all Major League cities, to share the thrill of a big league game with kids…”  Continue reading Orioles Magic On And Off The Field: Buses For Baseball Introduces Pediatric Oncology Patients To Baltimore Ballplayers

“With The Fourth Pick Of The 2008 Draft, The Baltimore Orioles Pick…”

Brian Matusz.

Who? What about Justin Smoak? What about James Beckham? Was Yonder Alonso still on the board?? These are the questions that rang out by the Oriole faithful when Andy MacPhail and company chose the lefty out of the University of San Diego.

But how does this translate to the future of the Oriole franchise? Let’s take a deeper look.

Was this the right choice? Only time will tell. This is the blueprint that MacPhail follows when he builds a team from the ground up. Trust MacPhail. His track record shows he prefers to stockpile young starting pitchers and then add the free agent slugger. Continue reading “With The Fourth Pick Of The 2008 Draft, The Baltimore Orioles Pick…”

Early ‘Birds Get the Worm at Baltimore Orioles FanFest

Camden Yards opened its doors Saturday to let the fans get a taste of spring and baseball. In spite of the nip in the air and below average temps., Maryland bird lovers flocked anyway, having to wear an extra layer. They came to check out the new faces on the diamond, to sample the stadium fare, to check out the new scoreboard and let their children play. The resounding question is - of course - will this year’s Baltimore Orioles come to play?

Debbie Borgerding of Perry Hall was struggling with her goodie bags when I met up with her in Pastimes Café on Eutaw Street. Not only was she indoors trying to keep warm but she was also in charge of carrying all of the family’s loot. You see her 10-year old son Zachary, (accompanied by his Dad) was out testing his arm with a pitching machine while Mom took refuge. And she was glad to do it once she wrestled down those bags. It was everything the Orioles were giving out. The Borgerding family made out, as many fans did!

Zach has been playing baseball since he was 4. He was totally into all the action on Eutaw Street and was particularly stoked with his new Brian Roberts bobble-head doll. He’s got a rocket of an arm; I can see it in his eyes. Continue reading Early ‘Birds Get the Worm at Baltimore Orioles FanFest

MacPhail’s Road to Baseball Glory: From Harford County Roots to the Hall of Fame

Ten things I love about Andy MacPhail (President of baseball operations for the Orioles)…

1. Troy Patton
2. Luke Scott
3. Mike Costanzo
4. Dennis Sarfate
5. Matt Albers

Bah-bye Miggy…(Miguel Tejada- Houston Astros)

1. Adam Jones
2. Chris Tillman
3. George Sherrill
4. Anthony Butler
5. Kameron Mickolio

Bedard-Gone…(Erik, you hurt me- but I am so over it…now a Seattle Mariner)

At first glance, it might appear that MacPhail is inflicting destruction within an already fragile Orioles lineup, what with getting rid of a 4-time All Star in Tejada and the ace of the pitching staff in Bedard. But make no mistake, MacPhail has come to play. And win. Continue reading MacPhail’s Road to Baseball Glory: From Harford County Roots to the Hall of Fame

Orioles Baseball 2008 - Who are these #$*^(% guys?

It’s getting close to that time of year again. Baltimore sports fans spend countless hours preparing by researching the players, making predictions about the season, and hanging out by the watercooler. Yes, it’s almost April 26th, the first day of the NFL Draft.

What did you think I was talking about? The Aberdeen Ironbirds season doesn’t begin until June 17th. What’s that? The Orioles?

How could I forget? Opening day is Monday, March 31st. There is a buzz around Camden Yards this year, and it’s not just coming from the new scoreboards. The Orioles roster is full of fresh faces. For all but the most dedicated fan, there is a good chance you have no idea who these players are. Never fear, The Dagger is here!

Let’s start with the pitchers…
Continue reading Orioles Baseball 2008 - Who are these #$*^(% guys?