Category Archives: Baltimore Orioles News

Baltimore Orioles: Anthony Santander scores the winning run for the AL

At the outset of last night’s MLB All-Star game, Baltimore Orioles fans felt right at home. Corbin Burnes was on the mound for the home standing American League (as the game was being played in Texas), and Adley Rutschman was behind the plate. Consider that…an all-Orioles battery.

That was only a brief moment – the first inning. There are lots of players to work into the game, so nobody’s in for too long. Burnes gave up a walk and a hit, and stranded two in the first inning. And then his night was over.

Neither Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, nor Jordan Westburg (who got into the game later) were able to reach base. Which is fine. However Anthony Santander did get a hit in the fifth inning. He would immediately score in a homer by Jarren Duran. That put the AL ahead, 5-3, which was the final. So in a sense, Anthony Santander scored the winning run.

Obviously the All-Star game is once again an exhibition; there’s no home field advantage in the fall classic or anything else riding on the outcome. And I would submit that it should always be like that. On a side note, I’d also like to see MLB go back to letting players wear their regular team uniforms for the game. I always thought that was one of the coolest parts of it.

The second half begins Friday, when the Birds will reconvene at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX for three against the Texas Rangers. That gives Corbin Burnes, Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, and Anthony Santander an advantage unlike anyone else in baseball. They’re already in the city where they’re to play this weekend, meaning they don’t have to travel there. That means some extra built-in rest!

Baltimore Orioles draft Vance Honeycutt

With the 22nd pick of the MLB draft this evening, the Baltimore Orioles selected OF Vance Honeycutt out of the University of North Carolina. Baseball America ranked Honeycutt as the 13th best pick in the field. Honeycutt hit 65 homers this year.

Obviously there’s a history of North Carolina players turning into Oriole contributors. But former Oriole BJ Surhoff and Bran Roberts were UNC-alumni. After signing, Honeycutt will presumably entered the Orioles’ farm system.

Baltimore Orioles: Cities in solidarity

Odds are that the Baltimore Orioles will never play in the Oakland Coloseum again. No Baltimore team will – presumably. We all know the reasons why. Everyone knows the A’s are at least planning on spending three years in Sacramento, before going onto Las Vegas.

Over this past weekend the Orioles’ media did an outstanding job of storying the two cities’ history with one another. MASN’s Jim Palmer was obviously a big part of that. Oriole pitching famously combined for a shared no-hitter in the Coliseum in 1989 – a group that included the late Mike Flanagan.

On the football side, the Baltimore Ravens of course won in the Coliseum against the Oakland Raiders to advance to the Super Bowl in the 2000 season. But going back to the days of the Baltimore Colts, you also have the famed “Ghost to the Post” game, where David Casper caught a TD in overtime in the corner of the end zone to defeat the Colts.

That game occurred in Baltimore, but it is certainly a moment involving both cities. The first Orioles game I ever attended in person was with my Dad at Memorial Stadium on 33rd St, and they played the Oakland A’s that day. the Orioles won, which made me happy. But it was exciting to see the likes of Rickey Henderson and Jose Canseco – along of course with the likes of the Ripken’s. I still have a stadium cup and a pennant from that day.

That Ghost to the Post game…it was really the beginning of the end of the Colts. My Dad, being a Baby Boomer, is still cut deep when he thinks of the Colts. He took me to a lot of Redskins and Terps games as a kid – and while he enjoyed it (as did I), there was always a certain bitterness towards the football “establishment.” Because he had lost his team.

Growing up I heard all the stories about John Unitas, Raymond Berry, et al, and what they meant to the region and the city. My Dad and his brothers aren’t necessarily over it to this day. And I’m empathetic to that.

And it’s that sort of fate that awaits Oakland baseball fans. And there’s blame across the board for the A’s leaving – it’s not just one person or group who’s at fault. However the people who suffer are the fans. And again make no mistake, Baltimore fans have empathy for that. Because they went through it. It’s an injustice. And again, it’s the fans who suffer as a result.

End of the day, it’s a business. We all say we understand that. Unfortunately, this is part of “the business.” But having witnessed the fallout of this sort of thing my entire life, it rubs me the wrong way. The fans deserve better.

Going back to my Dad for a moment, no he’s not a Ravens fan. Not in the real sense. His interest in football waned save for the Terps. But one year we went to see Maryland play Navy at M & T Bank Stadium – great game. I remember walking out of the bathroom, and catching him glancing at one of the murals of John Unitas and the Colts on the wall in the Club Level – his team. His players. You could see the memories going through his mind. And yes folks, it’s all just unfair. If you’re an Oakland fan, know that you have a friend in Baltimore fans.

The O’s open up a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs tonight at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and Chicago is yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Cities and beltways connected

The Baltimore Orioles head down the pike to Nationals Park this evening to open the Battle of the Beltways at Nationals Park. We do this every year, right? The “friendly neighborhood baseball game?” And of course in August, Washington will pay a visit to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for a return engagement.

However this year there’s a twist. Call it a marketing ploy if you will, but it’s caught the gaze of Major League Baseball. Tonight for the first time in history, two teams will wear their City Connect uniforms in the same game – against one another.

Major League Baseball’s been hyping this since late last week on its social media accounts, as have both teams. It was probably a matter of time before two teams decided to do something like this. And in fact, at least one team (Tampa) had announced that they would be wearing their City Connects in road games later this year. The Orioles and Nationals said nevermind that, let’s do it now.

In the Battle of the Beltways, the league found the perfect series by which to do this and market it. Maybe it would have resonated strangely had it been a ‘cross town rivalry’ such as the NY or Chicago teams. And maybe the “connection” between the Florida or Texas teams wouldn’t have been strong enough.

But featuring Baltimore and Washington doing this is the perfect balance. Both cities have unique personalities and unique cultures. Yet there can be no doubt that they’re “connected.” From a baseball standpoint, there’s a portion of fans who regularly attend games in both parks. And many of those people will be on display at Nationals Park tonight and tomorrow, and at Camden Yards in August. (And don’t be shocked if one of those Baltimore games is a dual City Connect game also.)

And both teams have cool and unique features in their City Connect uniforms. The Orioles have the multi-colored design on the inside that represents the different neighborhoods of the city. And Washington has the pinkish “hue” and blossom design, which symbolizes the cherry trees. Yes, which refers back to the namesake of the city, who also happens to be the greatest General in history – and the father of our country at that.

As time goes on we’ll see other dual City Connect games and series’. But never forget who the first one was. The graphic the league released was pretty poignant also, Baltimore row houses on one side of a street, and cherry trees on the other. Again, this is the perfect series to do this. Is it a marketing scheme? Yeah, sort of. Both sides are probably hoping to see shirts and caps. But again someone was always going to do this; may as well be the Battle of the Beltways, as these two cities are most definitely connected.

The series begins tonight at Nationals Park. Corbin Burnes gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Washington’s Trevor Williams. Game time is set for 6:45 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Travelogue

Following yesterday’s 7-2 victory over New York, the Baltimore Orioles hit the road. A short road trip on paper, but an even shorter one in the context of the fact that the two final games of the road trip next week will be in Washington DC for the Battle of the Beltways. Technically a road trip. But…you catch my drift.

Cincinnati and Baltimore have a unique connection. Everyone knows about Baltimore’s iconic B & O Warehouse. Heck, it’s a part of Camden Yards. But did you know that Cincinnati has one also?

The Warehouse is the eastern terminus of the B & O Railroad – Camden Station, that is. However the western terminus is in Cincinnati, and it’s marked by a train warehouse similar in appearance. The two aren’t identical copies, but they’re very similar to the naked eye. Cincinnati’s is called Longworth Hall.

In the present day, Longworth Hall is used as office space. It’s a unique location for a company to house itself, and obviously one steeped in history. So like Baltimore, Cincinnati has used its old train warehouse as a part of its modern city structure.

Obviously Baltimore’s B & O Warehouse is more well-known, mainly because of Major League Baseball. President Lincoln also passed through and spoke at Camden Station on his way to Washington for his inaugural. However even Longsworth Hall in Cincinnati has a slight tie-in to baseball. It’s located on Pete Rose Way!

After Cincinnati, the Birds return to the mid-Atlantic region for the aforementioned series in Washington. Again, technically a road series. But one within the Birds’ home region. And one that’s easily accessible to Orioles’ fans.

The cool thing about the Battle of the Beltways truly is that people show up with fans of the other side. Work colleagues, friend groups, and yes even families split down the middle. Just about everyone in this region has ties to the other side. I can tell you that personally I have lots of cousins and friends who pull for the “Curly W’s.”

And I always throw this piece of it in…my grandfather was a “semi-pro” catcher in the Washington Senators’ system. He actually had a try-out for the big league club, but he opted to be a dentist instead. It worked out. But needless to say, he had to have been a decent ballplayer for that to have been the case.

The line between home white and road grey does get blurred a bit in these games. However one thing I DON’T get is the select few who show up wearing a Nats cap and Orioles shirt – or something along those lines. It‘s fine to support both local teams. But when they play one another you have to pick one!

The series in Cincinnati opens this evening at the Great American Ballpark. Cole Irvin gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene. Game time is set for just after 6:00 PM.

Baltimore Orioles calling up Jackson Holliday

Baseball’s number one prospect is headed up to the Baltimore Orioles. In the wake of today’s 7-1 win against Boston at Fenway Park, the Birds made a special move. They called up shortstop Jackson Holliday to the big leagues.

It’s unclear when Holliday will joined the team – whether it’s in time for tomorrow night’s game or for Thursday. But we know that he’s coming, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. What’s also unclear is who’s getting sent out, DFA’d, or IL’d. But we’ll know all of those answers in due course.

Many people thought Holliday would crack the roster coming out of spring training after a strong spring. But he didn’t. Nevertheless, he’s now on his way. Presumably, he’ll make his major league debut at one of America’s most historic ballparks.

The aforementioned series will continue tomorrow night at Fenway Park. Cole Irvin gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Kutter Crawford. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Back at it

The Baltimore Orioles will play game two of 162 late this afternoon against Anaheim. It can be a tough thing coming back from an emotional game like what we saw Thursday. There was very much a vibe around the park and the team that things were different. And as I said previously, the city really needed that at that moment. And still.

Luckily, the league gives you a day off after Opening Day. It’s really more of a rain date, but you get the point. After a day like Thursday, it helps the players and coaches resettle themselves. Or re-center, perhaps. Ultimately I think it’s helpful no matter how you spin it. It’s also a longish day with no baseball.

Again, the series with Anaheim continues today at Camden Yards. Grayson Rodriguez gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Anaheim’s Griggin Canning. Game time is set for just after 4 PM.

Baltimore Orioles 2024 season preview

Baltimore Orioles’ Opening Day has arrived. This afternoon we’re going to play one of the most awaited games in the last six months, with the O’s opening the regular season against the Los Angeles Angels. What will the 2024 season be? We’ll find out – starting today.

The Birds of course are the defending AL East Champions. And their goal for 2024 for starters should be to repeat as division champions. Meaning their attitude HAS to be hey last year was last year and it’s over. BUT…if you want to win the AL East this year, you have to come and get that pennant from us.

And that race for the division pennant begins in earnest today. Despite injuries to John Means and Kyle Bradish to start the season, Orioles’ pitching is expected to be strong. Of course anchored by today’s starter, Corbin Burnes. And backed up by the Orioles’ bullpen.

But it’s the skill and heart of Oriole bats that led them last season. And that’s expected to be the case again. Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle, Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander and others are all aiming for similar seasons as in 2023. Not to mention 2023 Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson, and the defending AL Manager of the Year, Brandon Hyde.

The Orioles learned to fly high in the sky in 2023. That was a season which is a tough act to follow. However the 2024 Orioles will find themselves up to the task. It’s the same core group, but with more experience under their belt.

So how does this season end? Nobody knows. I predict that the Orioles will repeat as champions of the AL East in 2024. Beyond that? Maybe get yourselves out and get some cold weather gear. October in Baltimore can at times be nippy. Get your popcorn ready.

The season-opening series against Anaheim opens this afternoon at Camden Yards. (Also known as Opening Day.) The aforementioned Corbin Burnes gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Anaheim’s Patrick Sandoval. Game time is set for just after 3 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Cedric Mullins day-to-day with hamstring discomfort

Baltimore Orioles’ center fielder Cedric Mullins left yesterday’s 7-2 loss to Minnesota in the last of the first inning. He advanced to second base on an Adley Rutschman groundout, gestured towards his right hamstring, and left the game. He was greeted in the dugout by trainers. Manager Brandon Hyde on Mullins:

I don’t think any of us are alarmed by it. I think it’s just one of those day-to-day things right now.

Courtesy of MLB.com

Just for the record, Mullins injured his groin at the end of May against Cleveland last year. He missed about a month’s worth of games, and the Orioles found a way to make due. Point being, if you think this hampers the O’s if Mullins has to miss time in the regular season, keep in mind that they have a next man up mentality.

Baltimore Orioles open the Florida Grapefruit League

You might remember the last time the Baltimore Orioles played – last October in the ALDS in Texas. They were swept, ending their season. It was abrupt and unexpected. But it happened. Today we begin to turn the page.

The Boston Red Sox come to Sarasota to take on the Orioles on “Opening Day” of the Florida Grapefruit League. Make no mistake, not much about anything that happens today will matter. Certainly not the result. But needless to say, the Birds will play ball today. In a ballpark, with people buying tickets, hot dogs and beer being sold, against another team, with umpires.

I suppose the big story as the spring slate of games commences is the Orioles’ injury problems. Gunnar Henderson’s on the shelf, as are John Means and Kyle Bradish. Henderson appears to be closer to getting into a game than Means or Bradish, for what that’s worth. However manager Brandon Hyde expects most of the Oriole regulars to be in the lineup this afternoon against Boston.

What’s always interesting in these games is what the Boston lineup looks like. (Or that of any visiting team – just happens to be the BoSox today.) Teams are supposed to bring a minimum of three “regulars” to all road games, so as to ensure competitiveness. But we all know that EVERY team has inventive ways around this, usually by saying it’s spring training; we don’t know who’s a regular yet.”

So into Sarasota the BoSox come, for today’s exhibition opener at Ed Smith Stadium. Newly acquired Corbin Burnes gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Garrett Whitlock. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.