An Orioles-Yankees series at Camden Yards always brings a unique energy and excitement to the park, and I witnessed that and more in the first visit to Baltimore by the Bronx Bombers in 2008. The first thing that struck me is what appears to be a new, open relationship between the O’s and the Baltimore Ravens. I don’t recall ever seeing such open acknowledgement of the football team in town, but they were strongly present for the Yankees series. Recently retired quarterback Steve McNair was honored with a highlight video played on the centerfield video board before he threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the series opener. In the Sunday series finale, new Ravens coach John Harbaugh did the honors, tossing to Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. On Saturday night, quarterback Kyle Boller was in attendance surrounded by offensive lineman Adam Terry, Jason Brown and Marshall Yanda who were all seated near the press box. In a classic “Hollywood” moment, Nick Markakis hit a screaming foul ball back toward the Ravens seats, and Boller got a hand on the sizzling shot, but failed to make the catch (left me wondering whether Boller might have injured himself…now that would be a classic mishap, wouldn’t it?). Other sightings for the Yankee series included Cal Ripken and son, movie director Spike Lee (who sat in the front row near the Yankee on-deck circle wearing a number-two New York jersey to show his allegiance to Derek Jeter) and Bob Ferry (former Baltimore Bullet player, ex-GM of the Washington Bullets and father of Danny Ferry). I had the opportunity to sit with former Oriole Ken Singleton (who now calls Yankee games on TV) and Suzyn Waldman of the Yankees radio team (here’s a “bet ya didn’t know” tidbit: Waldman ran the 1982 NY Marathon).

Beyond the peripheral stuff, the O’s stole the show by winning 2 of the 3 games from the Yankees. Far outplaying them in the first 2 games, winning 8-2 and 6-0. The Yankees are riding an impressive streak of 12 straight playoff appearances that looks to be in jeopardy. They looked to be a step slower than the O’s at times. The best pitching performance they got in the series was by 35 year old Andy Pettitte. The Yankees may somehow find a way, but the O’s are showing signs of coming to life. They’re not likely to end their run of 10 straight losing seasons this year, but there’s noticeable improvement. All noted in a lively weekend at the Yard.

Posted on Sunday, April 20th, 2008 at 9:06 pm.
Categories: Opinion.
Track comments to this post: RSS 2.0.

POST A COMMENT  |  TRACKBACK