Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Best Games of the First Half



In this supposed 'rebuilding' year for the O's, there have been a handful of thrilling games with spectacular performances from the young guys and veterans. While their record was 36-45 at the half-way mark, the majority of fans agree that this team is on the right track. Here is a list of the 5 most memorable games from the first half.

Opening Day, April 6th. Orioles 10 vs. Yankees 5.

The Orioles kicked their season off on the right foot by beating the Yankees and their prized off season acquisitions. Mark Teixiera was properly greeted by tens of thousands boos hollered by bitter O's fans. C.C. Sabathia allowed six runs as Roberts, Jones, and Markakis combined for 8 hits and 7 runs between the three of them. This game was more than just a win but rather a benchmark for where this team was fostering hope for the future.

Reimold's Heroics, May 27th. Orioles 12 vs. Blue Jays 10 in 11 innings.

Nothing was in the Orioles favor for this game. For one, it was a day game, they were facing the American League's best pitcher at the time in Roy Halladay, and it was the final game of a series in which they won the first two games. Despite all of those pieces in the Blue Jays favor, Orioles Magic returned to Birdland. Halladay was bumped from the game after 7 solid innings and the O's had there chance. The Orioles were down by 5 runs entering the 8th but battled back with a merry-go-round of hits to tie the ballgame. In the top of the 12th however, Danys Baez gave up a two run homer to Aaron Hill to break up the tie. In the bottom half of the inning, up stepped Nolan Reimold playing in just his 13th career major league ballgame. With the score 10-9 and two runners on base, the rookie jacked the 1-1 pitch over the left field fence, game over, O's win 12-10!

Wieter's Debut, May 29th. Orioles 7 vs. Tigers 2.

This potentially historic game drew national attention as the #1 prospect in baseball was called up. However, Matt Wieters' debut in front of a packed house at the Yard was overshadowed by Luke Scott's two home run performance and Bergesen's gem. Luke's grand slam onto the flag court and Brad Bergesen's 8 strong innings helped the O's win their 7th game in 8 days.

Roberts Silences Citizens Bank Park, June 20th. Orioles 6 @ Phillies 5.

In the midst of interleague play, the Orioles stunned 40,000 Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park by taking the lead after trailing by two entering the top of the ninth. After a Ryan Howard bomb off Danys Baez in the 7th to give the Phils a two-run lead, the O's used a Gregg Zaun solo shot and a Brian Roberts two out, two strike, two-run home run to overcome the Phils. The Orioles went on to sweep the World Champions the following day.


Historic Comeback, June 30th. Orioles 11 vs. Red Sox 10.

What really is there to say about this one? Wow! Everyone who was at or watched this historic game was speechless. This is perhaps the most memorable game of the past decade for the O's. The Birds overcame a nine run deficit, yes a NINE RUN deficit, to beat the first place Red Sox. With five runs in the 7th and five more in the 8th, the Orioles set a franchise record for largest comeback in team history. This win is a testament to the team's heart and persistence regardless of the situation, the two qualities winning teams must have in order to succeed. Unfortunately, Orioles fans will always remember the 4-run lead the Orioles blew in the 9th the following day. That's baseball.

Honorable Mentions

Battle of the Beltways part 1, May 22 @ Nationals. 4-2 in 12 innings.

The Orioles kicked off their interleague schedule by taking a trip down 95 to play in the 'Battle of the Beltways' versus the Nats. This was a very well played game by both teams and it took a fluke play to split the 2-2 tie. In the top of the 12th, Danys Baez was forced to hit because the O's ran out of bench players. He swung at the second pitch he saw and the ball dribbled down the left field line as Baez reached first safely to keep the inning alive. Roberts and Jones followed with consecutive doubles as Baez scored what ended up being the game winning run. Take that, 12-29 Nats!

K-Rod's Collapse, June 18 vs. Mets. 5-4.

Trailing 4-3 entering the bottom of the 9th, the O's were in line to add another loss to their 0-34 record when trailing after 8 innings. With arguably the best closer in the majors on the mound primed to record another save, the Orioles stood no chance right? Nope, the O's defied the odds and scored two runs of Francisco Rodriguez, aided by a game winning single by Aubrey Huff, to win the series against the Mets.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

RIP Steve


While he only played two seasons for our Baltimore Ravens, I consider it an honor to have watched Steve McNair play in a Raven uniform. He'll always be remembered as a Tennessee Titan, as he should be, but he'll also go down as one of the toughest and grittiest players in NFL history.

During his time in Baltimore, it seemed like he was always on the injury report with a strained back, sore shoulder, or bruised ribs, among many more injuries. Regardless of the ailment, he persevered and led the Ravens during the 2006 season when they went 13-3 and won the AFC North. At the end of his career, it appeared his injuries finally caught up with him as the perennial hall of famer was forced to call it quits after 13 seasons.

However, his past statistics and achievements take a backseat to today's news that McNair, 36, was tragically shot and killed in Nashville. It is unclear exactly what happened but when it comes down to it, a young man and woman lost their life due to an act of gun violence.

On my way home today, I heard a piece of the Sporting News radio show during which they were discussing the link between professional athletes and violence. As of now, it does not appear that Steve McNair put himself in any danger. However, professional athletes, especially NFL players, seem to find themselves in the middle of dangerous situations. Sean Taylor, Darrent Williams, and Steve McNair are just a few of the athletes who have recently been killed or involved with gun violence. Their deaths give creedence to the notion that high-profile athletes are targeted more often than average joes. I've got to believe that professional athletes are going to feel more inclined to protect themselves.

Would you feel comfortable with more athletes wielding firearms for protection? Occasionally, professional athletes are the danger as seen through Tank Johnson's and Plaxico Burress' off the field gun-related problems. It is a very complicated issue that may never be fully resolved. As for now, our prayers go out to the McNair family as they mourn the loss of a true competitor.

RIP Steve

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

A Historic Day at the Yard


What really is there to say about this one? Everyone who was at or watched this historic game was speechless. This is perhaps the most memorable game of the past decade for the O's. The Birds overcame a nine run deficit, yes a NINE RUN deficit, to beat the first place Red Sox 11-10. With five runs in the 7th and five more in the 8th, the Orioles set a franchise record for largest comeback in team history. The comeback was the largest by a last place team over a first place team in major league history, wow! This win is a testament to the team's heart and persistence regardless of the situation, the two qualities winning teams must have in order to succeed.

On a slightly separate note, I was prepared to post an article about the poor umpiring in this series (which is continuing into the third game of the series). The umpiring in this series has been atrocious. I'm usually not one to openly complain about the umps. I've always believed, regardless of the sport, the officials can't make a team win or lose, they just make it harder.

In last night's game, Jim Palmer sounded off about umpire Tony Randazo and his deplorable calls behind the plate.

This is after a ball at least 6 inches off the plate is called a strike during Felix Pie’s at bat in the bottom of the 8th when facing Jonathan Papelbon with 2 on and only 1 out. Pie later strikes out in the at bat.

Jim Palmer: Oooooh, you’ve got to be kiddin’ me. That ball is so far outside that is, i mean that’s just, that’s just horrible umpiring. I don’t care if this was George Sherrill. I mean look at this ball. That’s pathetic umpiring whether you’re the Orioles or the Red Sox and he should be ashamed of himself because you just gotta be better than that.

Gary Thorne: Boy, not even close

Jim: Yea that’s, I tell you what. I know Richie Garcia was here last night, he’s got to be embarassed about the performance Randazo is putting on tonight….Because you know, Dave Trembley, he certainly doesn’t want to get tossed or one of these players to go but again, you have supervisors because they’re supposed to sit behind home plate. You can have all the cameras in the world and if you look at Jerry Lane, that was horrible last night for both sides. Tonight Randazo’s been horrible. You can’t put up with these kind of guys. You know if you play poorly, they send you to the minor leagues. And Joe Torre used to say ‘hey, you know what? They make mistakes, we go to another ball club, they go onto the next city and sooner or later you have to make umpires accountable.’ They have not been very good in these first two games.