Maybe I'm biased because I live here, but I have yet to visit a state that is more unique than Maryland. We have by far the coolest state flag, top-notch colleges, and seafood. Lots and lots of seafood. Those are the obvious things, but let's talk about something Maryland is really passionate about—sports. If you live in Maryland, you know you're a Ravens fan and an Orioles fan. You practically signed an agreement when you were born stating that if you were to remain in Maryland, you must be a die-hard Baltimore fan.
Football season is coming up on us quickly, so we should take this time to appreciate baseball. Unfortunately, people from other areas don't really understand us Orioles fans. That's because you have to be an Orioles fan to understand an Orioles fan. There are a few things that only we understand.
1. The energy at OPACY
When you look around the stadium, it's a sea of orange and anybody wearing any other color sticks out like a sore thumb. Everybody is cheering and chanting and nobody is afraid to get up and participate in the YMCA or act crazy to win fan of the game. The energy at other stadiums doesn't even compare.
2. Thank God I'm a Country Boy
You know all of the words and can't help but clap along. Even when we're losing, when this comes on everybody gets excited. Yes, it's played at other stadiums, but we enjoy it more.
3. The Esskay Hot Dog Race and Crab Shuffle
Not only did Maryland create the greatest seasoning on the planet, but they also earned the rights to have Old Bay sponsor their shuffle game. Something about the crabs shuffling is more entertaining than the normal shuffle game because why wouldn't it be? Not only that, but we're real serious about the hot dog race as well. If you're not rooting for ketchup, mustard, or relish, are you actually an Orioles fan? Oh yeah, and if you don't pick the right condiment you'll be ridiculed for the rest of the game. It's serious business.
4. Winning Streaks...Followed By Losing Streaks...
We never said we liked them because they were consistent. We all know what it's like to celebrate win after win...until that dread moment when the winning streak ends. And we don't lose just one game and then start winning again, we just enter our losing streak. But we know that for every losing streak we will have another winning streak. Maybe.
5. Hating The Yankees
You're not an O's fan if you have any kind of respect for the Yankees. Whether they are winning, losing, being nice, or talking trash; no play is a good play and we boo just about every player. It's not that we're being mean, we just really hate the Yankees.
6. The Urge To Scream "O" During The National Anthem
During every sporting event in which the National Anthem is played before the game, and if you're in Maryland you'll be singing along at some point as well— or shouting along. But when you're at a serious event like a graduation, for example, it's so hard to resist screaming that part. And when you can't resist, you end up being the only person doing it but really, it's okay.
7. The Oriole Bird
This one comes with numerous categories. First of all, the old oriole bird is bad luck. Always stick with the new logo. Second, and more importantly, our mascot is hilarious. You definitely follow FakeOrioleBird on Twitter and can't help but to laugh when he runs around with his broom or dances on the dugouts.
8. Being in First Place
I mean, did you expect us not to brag?
