The Orioles’ soon-to-be-released season recap video will have no shortage of thrilling moments.
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
Another day of the offseason has passed with the Orioles not doing much of anything, unless you count yesterday’s minor league signing of Dominic Freeberger, a Baltimore native and Calvert Hall alum. Maybe today will be the day that something interesting actually happens, but probably not.
In other news, if you didn’t already have plans for Jan. 10, you do now:
101: The Story of the 2023 Baltimore Orioles
Drops January 10 at 7 p.m. pic.twitter.com/ivCbEf0H7p
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 4, 2024
Oh, heck yes. I’m fired up just from the trailer.
The O’s have made year-in-review videos in the past, at least for their winning seasons, but this one should be more jam-packed with thrilling moments than any in recent memory. Think of all the great games and standout performances the 2023 Orioles brought us. Gunnar Henderson’s Rookie of the Year campaign. Félix Bautista’s ninth-inning dominance. Kyle Bradish’s ace-like emergence. Cedric Mullins’s defensive heroics. Adley Rutschman doing Adley Rutschman things. Walkoffs. Nail-biting victories. An entire 162-game schedule without ever being swept.
We know how it ended, and yes, that part stunk. But the path to get there was unforgettable, and it’s been a long time since O’s fans went on a more delightful journey.
Here’s hoping there’s another great ride in store for the Orioles in 2024, this time with a much happier finish.
Links
Another set of Orioles questions and curiosities – School of Roch
My answers to Roch Kubatko’s three questions, in order: don’t care, yes, and probably.
Billy Cook Is an Under-the-Radar Prospect in a Loaded Orioles System | FanGraphs Baseball
David Laurila has a great Q&A with less-heralded O’s outfield prospect Billy Cook, who seems to have a good head on his shoulders and enough talent to someday play a major league role.
After the ROY award, there is a lot more to come for O’s Gunnar Henderson – Steve Melewski
Snapping the Orioles’ 34-year Rookie of the Year drought was just the tip of the iceberg for Gunnar. Maybe next he can snap their 32-year Most Valuable Player drought.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! Today would have been the 50th birthday for former O’s infielder and minor league coach Ryan Minor, who sadly lost his battle with cancer just two weeks ago. Cancer sucks.
Other former Orioles born on Jan. 5 include shortstop José Iglesias (34), first baseman and Mark Brown nemesis Ron Kittle (66), and the late infielder Fred Marsh (b. 1924, d. 2006).
This has been a slow day in Orioles history. The best I can offer is that on this date in 2011, the Orioles re-signed infielder César Izturis to a one-year deal. Izturis had been the Birds’ primary shortstop in 2009 and 2010, flashing a slick glove but a woeful bat. He ended up playing just 18 games in 2011 after being pushed out of the shortstop job by the newly acquired J.J. Hardy.