A favorite of mine that begins with O is Orioles for my favorite baseball team the Baltimore Orioles. O could also be for orange, which is my favorite color and the color of the Orioles. I have been an Orioles fan my entire life. My dad took me to my first baseball game when I was seven, and I have been going ever since. The first place I drove (of any distance) when I got my driver’s license at 16 was to Memorial Stadium for an Orioles game. My favorite player growing up was Cal Ripken Jr. I was lucky enough to see Cal play his entire career. I was there for his 2130 game when he tied Lou Gerig’s record. I was there when Cal did not start and broke his streak. I was there for Cal Ripken’s last game in 2001. I even went to Cooperstown to see Cal get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. My other favorite player is Brady Anderson- you can scroll down to my ‘A’ blog post to read more than you want to know about me and Brady.

I went to the Orioles Opening Day on April 6th, just as I had 20 years ago when Oriole Park at Camden Yards first opened. My best friend Cindy and I drove downtown at noon for the 3pm game. We had lunch at our friend’s Grilled Cheese and Co in Federal Hill and then walked around Camden Yards to see all the new stuff, since I have been away for three years. I was like a tourist – buying a program, hat, pin, and tee shirt. It was cold and windy in the shade where our seats were, but Brady Anderson was there so I was able to keep warm. I felt nervous and excited while waiting for the Orioles introductions – as if I was waiting to meet Larry Mullen. When Brady was announced, I let out a blood curdling scream that scared Cindy. The Orioles won their Opening Day game 4-2. I am so happy to be back in Baltimore.

 

Who is your favorite baseball team?

This blog post is part of my A to Z April Challenge – 26 of my favorites. Thanks for stopping by. I am also blogging the A to Z Challenge on my other blog On the Road with U2.