The Baltimore Orioles are no stranger to meaningless games in September. However that’s somewhat misleading in the context of what I’m talking about. In the past, ALL of September (and heck, much of August) was meaningless. This year it’s only the final three games…
…and they’re meaningless due to the obvious fact that the O’s have clinched everything. The division pennant, and thus home field advantage throughout the postseason. The road to the World Series in the American League comes squarely through Baltimore, MD.
The Orioles are a story that people nationwide can get behind. A team from a blue collar city with a proud tradition of baseball, that fell on hard times. And one that roared back to life in a grandiose fashion. A team with relatable players, coaches, and even fans.
In a world that’s become so jaded and so much about “show me something before I’m going to trust you,” these Orioles have shown us something. If you look at social media postings regarding “who’s winning the World Series” and so forth, a lot of people are saying the Orioles. Now to be clear, predictions are simply that: PREDICTIONS. None of that matters unless they show up in the postseason and do it on the field.
But people believe in this team. And the fact is that the Orioles are a great story. When Brandon Hyde was signed as the new manager, most people said, “uh, who again?” But he not only was the right choice for the organization, but he was the right choice for the city. He’s relatable and humble; and baseball fans across the nation are seeing that.
Winning season or losing, the Orioles have always mirrored Baltimore itself. It’s similar to a club of which only select people are aware, and even fewer appreciate. And with their recent (and possible future) success, more and more people are looking in on what most of us have known for some time.
Make no mistake, the Orioles don’t want “mercenary fans” or front runners – who’ll abandon them and latch onto some other team’s bandwagon down the road. But in the immediacy of the here and now, I would submit that they’re a story that people will get behind. It’s a story of a group of players and coaches, and a city, that have overcome the odds.
And on a side note, they did it in the best division in sports. Nothing else compares; consider the fact that they had to go to 100 wins to discard the last team in their rear view mirror. Regardless of what happens in the future, the Orioles are true champions. THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPIONS.
Birdland Crush 