For David Rubenstein’s first full day as Orioles owner, he’ll watch one of his partners, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., catch the first pitch from Aubree Singletary, the child of a postal worker.
That ceremony is symbolic to Rubenstein, whose father was a postal worker. On Thursday, his first Opening Day, which comes just a day after the sale of the Orioles was unanimously approved, he will be a presence at the pregame festivities.
Like others, though, his thoughts also will be on Tuesday morning’s collapse of the Key Bridge after a container ship struck one of its support columns. There will be a moment of silence before the game to honor the six workers who lost their lives.
Four hours before the 3:05 p.m. start of the Orioles game against the Los Angeles Angels, Rubenstein and Maryland Governor Wes Moore will appear at a press conference.
Just before the start of the game, Rubenstein, and representatives of his group, Michael Arougheti, Mitchell Goldstein and Michael Smith, will yell: Play Ball.”
Festivities emceed by Orioles broadcaster Kevin Brown, will begin at 2:30 p.m. The National Anthem will be performed by the Morgan State University Choir. They’ll also perform “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Parking lots will open at 11 a.m. Ballpark gates will open at noon, and fans attending will receive an Orioles rally towel.