Category Archives: Baltimore Orioles News

The Baltimore Orioles may well have a few things in common with the “mythical” Mudville 9. I say that of course because today is the “birthday” of one of my favorite American poems, Casey at the Bat, by Ernest Thayer. The poem was published on June 3, 1888, and of course features the Mighty Casey, who had the gall to strike out in a key moment of a game.

It’s a poem that’s beloved in baseball circles, and as I said it’s one of my favorite American poems. But in a way I’ve always felt badly for Casey. The guy struck out – it happens! However I think it’s the drama laid out in the poem which is what makes it so beloved.

And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
and Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped—
“That ain’t my style,” said Casey. “Strike one,” the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
“Kill him! Kill the umpire!” shouted someone on the stand;
and it’s likely they’d have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.

With a smile of Christian charity great Casey’s visage shone;
he stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
he signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
but Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said: “Strike two.”

“Fraud!” cried the maddened thousands, and Echo answered fraud;
but one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
and they knew that Casey wouldn’t let that ball go by again.

That kind of paints a dramatic picture. As does the conclusion:

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
the band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
and somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
but there is no joy in Mudville — mighty Casey has struck out.

Again, I’ve always felt that “the Mighty Casey” got a bit of an unfair spin. However the poem also has a very human quality to it in that nobody’s going to succeed 100% of the time. We all stumble and fall. But there is a chance at redemption, as is evidenced by a sequel to the poem by Grantland Rice circa 1906-07:

O, somewhere in this favored land dark clouds may hide the sun,

And somewhere bands no longer play and children have no fun!

And somewhere over blighted lives there hangs a heavy pall,

But Mudville hearts are happy now, for Casey hit the ball.

Put together, those two poems tell a story about the American spirit. We may fail, but through failure can come success if you keep at it. And to me, that’s what Casey at the Bat has always represented. We see that in the Orioles every game, which is why perhaps they do have a lot in common with “the Mudville 9.”

The Baltimore Orioles are already well into their season. But as you may be aware, I haven’t covered the team to this point, as I’ve been rehabilitating from some major health issues – including being a newly diagnosed diabetic. I’m happy to report that I’m doing a lot better, and I so much appreciate anyone who may have thought about me or said a prayer on my behalf the last month-and-a-half or so. Things were hit-or-miss for awhile, but I’m making a full recovery. And I’m excited about resuming what the “new normal” is going to be in my life.

Part of that “new normal” is the “old normal,” meaning covering the Orioles on Birdland Crush. Starting tomorrow, I’ll resume those duties as the O’s welcome the Boston Red Sox into Camden Yards to begin a long homestand. And I’m looking forward to it. I’m still not 100%, but I’m certainly good enough to do “my thing!” I look forward to engaging with folks on twitter and in the comment fields again.

Just a reminder, fans can follow me on twitter for in-game updates, @DomenicVadala. During most games I’ll take you through it all from soup to nuts! And I say it that way because now as a diabetic both soup and nuts are things I’m able to eat!

As I said, tomorrow the O’s open a three-game set with the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Birds’ starter is TBD, and Boston’s throwing Rich Hill. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

For the record, I’ve been following the Baltimore Orioles. Both in spring training and in the regular season. But I haven’t been covering them. This as I’m dealing with some health issues.

For the record, I miss covering the team. But between having my energy zapped, doctor’s appointments, etc, sometimes I don’t see or hear every game. But I’m getting stronger, and closer to returning to this column.

I went to the hospital a few weeks ago with an infection in my foot. It turned out I’m also a diabetic. Two hospital stays and a foot surgery later, I’m recovering. And as I said, getting stronger each day. Here’s a PSA folks: take care of yourself. I didn’t, and it almost cost me my leg, or worse. Let’s say it’s been a huge wake up call. I feel that I’m being given a second chance at life.

For the record, I’m somewhat encouraged from an Orioles’ perspective after two games. Both losses, yes. But overall the pitching has been decent. And the bullpen looks solid thus far. That’s a good sign. Unfortunately they’ve had to start off against Tampa’s pitching. But again, there’s been a lot in these games about which to be encouraged.

I’ll be back eventually. Sooner rather than later. I just want to gather my strength, and then I’ll be back and better than ever!

The Baltimore Orioles and the rest of MLB have reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the MLBPA. In other words, BASEBALL IS COMING BACK!!! THE ORIOLES ARE COMING BACK!!!

The deal has to still be ratified, which is merely a formality. The deal’s getting done. The league does intend to play a full 162-game schedule. The six games that were canceled will be rescheduled across the schedule, generally by way of nine-inning doubleheaders. The league will open on April 7th, and teams will report to camp this coming Sunday. Buckle Up!