Having been born into an Orioles-loving, Baltimore-dwelling, Maryland-living family, it's hard for me to understand how anyone could love a baseball team as much as we love the O's. Many of my favorite memories have been made sitting in the top tier of the stadium on Opening Day, tailgating on various Baltimore City parking garage roofs, or even yelling at my basement TV with my dad (on the rare occasion) when the O's dropped a ball. There a probably hundreds of different reasons why it's great to be an Orioles fan, but here are 12, just to name a few:
1. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Not only is the stadium accessible from nearly all angles, with access to I-95, the Light Rail, and within walking distance from most Federal Hill residents, but it is arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in the state. Going to the stadium is an entire experience in itself, from the baseball to the food to all the other activities going on, it just can't disappoint. Last year, Camden Yards was even named the #1 stadium experience out of 100 different stadiums taken into consideration nationwide by a website called Stadium Journey. Can't argue with that!
2. The "O!" cheer during the Star-Spangled Banner
Every single time, at every single home game, by every single fan, the "O!" in "Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave" is screamed at full volume. You just can't miss it. Over 200 years ago, Maryland put the Star-Spangled Banner on the map, and over a hundred years after that, Orioles fans have added their own touch to our National Anthem.
3. Pickles Pub
From the beer to the burgers, Pickles has become a staple in pre-game traditions for many fans. Their happy hour specials just can't be beat, and neither can their sports-friendly atmosphere.
4. The iconic star players
From the stars of yesterday, like Frank Robinson and Cal Ripken, to the stars of today, like J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado, the names of iconic Orioles players could be an entire list of reasons to be an O's fan in itself. With three World Series titles under their belts, the Orioles provide fans with good baseball and good players every season.
5. The free stuff
OK, there's no denying that everyone loves free stuff. T-shirts, pullovers, hats, bobbleheads, baseball cards, and garden gnomes are just a couple of this year's promotional items. Nearly all fans score some free stuff on their way into the stadium and who's gonna complain about that?
6. Student night
Being a student myself, this has been one of my favorite home game perks for a very long time. Every Friday night game at The Yard, students with a valid student I.D. can get tickets in the student section for just $7. Thanks to student night, there have rarely been any boring Friday summer nights in my career as an Oriole's fan.
7. The fan dedication
I might be a little biased, as I'm an Orioles fan myself, but I have yet to find a team with the passion and dedication that O's fans have for their team. Whether it's been a good season or a bad season, O's fans stick with their guys and show up game after game, home or away, every year.
8. The history
The AL East Division team has been a rich part of Baltimore's history since the late 1800's. As an integral part of the city, Baltimore just wouldn't be the same without The Birds.
9. Baltimore - The Greatest City in America
Commonly known as "The Greatest City in America," Baltimore has so much to offer and the O's only enhance that vibe even more. There is so much to see and do in the city that going to an Orioles game can become a day or weekend adventure. From the food to the drinks to the Harbor, you'll never be bored here, before or after a game.
10. Buck Showalter
As the manager for the Baltimore Orioles since 2010, Buck is a well-known name and face in the franchise. Playing a major part in the O's success, Buck has been voted time and time again by various sports media outlets as one of the Major League's best manager, constantly maximizing his players' potential.
11. The food (read: crab cakes)
In addition to the standard stadium fare of hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks, Camden Yards also offers more gourmet options, including Maryland's trophy crab cakes. Made with jumbo lump crab meat, and fried to perfection, these cakes are to die for. You can also get crab meat on virtually any of your treats, too. Another honorable mention is the crab fries. Yum!
12. The fireworks
Every couple of Friday home games and on special occasions, Camden Yards has a fireworks display following the game, win or lose. Who doesn't love fireworks? Just another reason why it's great to be an Orioles fan.
13. Anyone is better than the Yankees
'Nough said.
