Dear Teixeira Family
Dear Mark & Leigh,
Hopefully, you and the entire family enjoyed a peaceful and healthy Thanksgiving.
As the Holiday season ramps up around us it’s important to stay focused on all the important things; family, friends, happiness, peace, spirituality, good health and prosperity.
As sports fans we have designs on what’s important and personal “wants” and “needs”, but rest assured those are much farther down the list than the truly meaningful big-ticket items in all of our lives. It is in this spirit that we, Orioles Nation and the sports fans of the greater Baltimore area, are writing to you and your family.
Mark and Leigh, as you work through the myriad of options and information given to you during this most exciting time in your lives - it’s very important that you understand our position. We want to help you make the best decision and will support you regardless of the outcome. While we hope to unwrap a “6′2, 215lb., 28 yr. old, switch-hitting, native son, first-baseman” on Christmas morning; we realize the decision before you isn’t an easy one. Maybe by adding this open letter to the mix, along with all of our attached responses, we can be of some help in guiding you.
First, we must say for the record you DO NOT owe the Baltimore Orioles or our town a “home team discount”. You are blessed to be in a position to secure the fortunes of your family for generations to come and we recognize the importance of being in such a position. Mark & Leigh, do the right thing for yourselves and your loved ones. The Orioles are on the right track in so many ways and it’s time for them to play with the big boys again, on the field and off of it. They’ve shown positive movement with the addition of GM Andy MacPhail and his hand-picked team of front office executives; a real “baseball guy” in manager Dave Trembley and a team loaded with exciting young talent like Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts, Luke Scott and soon a fellow Yellow Jacket - Matt Wieters.
The organization has it’s own regional sports network up an running now (MASN) and is making tremendous strides in attempts to build better recruiting bases in the Pacific Rim and Latin America. The Orioles are awakening from a decade long slumber and seemingly putting all the pieces in place for a sustained period of franchise stability and competitiveness. Only time will tell, but the O’s have done more in the past eighteen months than the previous ten years - stuff that matters.
The Orioles need to show the baseball world that they are willing to toe-it-up with organizations like the Braves, Yankees, Red Sox and Angels by making a real offer to you. They owe that to you, to Orioles Nation and to themselves. Andy MacPhail said recently (during a radio interview) that you are a “priority signing”. Well, the Orioles need to follow through on this one and show everybody that when they set a goal and make it a “priority”, they can and will finish. It speaks to competition in general doesn’t it? If the O’s want Mark Teixeira then they need to step it up and beat back the Sox, Yanks, Angels, etc.. If the O’s want to compete in the AL East then they need to step it up and win more games. If the O’s want to be perennial playoff contenders then they need to step it up and earn it. If the O’s want to be World Series Champions - then they need to step it up and win. Mark, maybe you will be the next positive domino to tumble as the Orioles earn their way back to respectability. They say you are a “priority”, we’ll all find out together - right?
Mark & Leigh, you don’t owe the Orioles a home team discount. The Orioles owe you and Orioles Nation their best possible deal. A real, fair, market-value offer that says - WE ARE BACK! Don’t expect or accept anything less. We are behind you on this one.
Our second point of emphasis is simple. Mark & Leigh, it’s time to come home.
Where else can you score the winning run in the bottom of the 12th or strike-out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth; and look up in the stands and KNOW you are home? What other dugout can you really sit in and KNOW you are home? What other uniform can you wear and KNOW it’s the right one? Where else can you play where the wins will taste sweeter and the losses will hurt more? What other town will embrace you for more than just your OBP or SLG % or annual MVP credentials? What would mean more than having your name and face etched next to those like Palmer, Brooks, Frank Robinson, Ripken, Murray? If you earn your way to the HOF, which cap will be the right fit for that bronze bust and which town will it mean the most to?
In Boston you are just the next high priced piece-of-meat that better produce “like Manny did”. In New York you are just the next guy they want to “keep away from Boston”. In California-Anaheim-Los Angeles-Orange County-Whereverville you are just a set of “numbers” they can plug in on offense if they cant sign the “numbers” they want for their pitching staff. Those TEAMS might want you and will pay you, but they dont need you. This TOWN needs you.
Here in Baltimore you are so much more - in a word - you are- HOPE!
On Sunday, December 28th, the Ravens will play the Jacksonville Jaguars at home in the final regular season game. The game will be played a few days after Christmas and the team might need a win to secure a playoff birth. The Ravens are re-tooling around a young coach (Harbaugh) and a young quarterback (Flacco), but are relying on a veteran core led by Ray Lewis to light the path towards another Super Bowl run. The Orioles are similar and trying to do the same by building with youth - but they could use another veteran voice in their locker room and you would be the perfect fit. You would be the perfect fit in the batting order, the perfect fit in the locker room…and who doesnt want to see the TV ads running next summer of you standing in the middle of Oriole Park saying - “Hey, Baltimore, I’m home - come out and join me!”.
We cant think of a better set of holiday gifts for the sports fans in this town than another playoff run for the Ravens and having Mark Teixeira in the fold for the Orioles.
Mark, there wont be a bigger moment in recent Orioles history than watching you step to a podium to announce your signing, while wearing an Orioles uniform. Seeing you trot out of the Orioles dugout on the first day of Spring Training 2009 with “Baltimore” emblazoned on your chest will really set Orioles Nation on fire. On Opening Day, when you bolt out of the Orioles bullpen area and start your run across the bright orange carpet towards the infield area at Camden Yards - the crowd wont be cheering for you because you’re “the next Manny”, they wont be cheering because they “got you away from the Sox” and they wont be cheering because “you were the best high dollar option available”…
…the folks cheering for you in Camden Yards will be saying WELCOME HOME! and THANK YOU!
Mark and Leigh, have a wonderful holiday season. Make the best decision for you and your entire family. May you both land happily in the right place. We hope that the Orioles make you an offer you cant refuse and that you truly have a chance to play at home.
God bless and good luck!
Sincerely,
Orioles Nation
PS:…the genesis of this “letter” was an idea from a loyal and regular listener (Dan-Forest Hill) who asked that we reach out to you and your family asking you to “come home for the holidays”. After numerous follow-up e-mails and calls from dozens of fans, we decided to use this forum to share our collective thoughts and feelings with you. We’ve asked that our listeners attach their own thoughts and words to this letter and we have assured them that we will forward this to you for Christmas. We hope that you will see this as a positive statement from the fans here in Baltimore to a special native son - stay well.
Posted on Sunday, December 7th, 2008 at 2:58 pm.Categories: Bulldog's Blog.
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Dear Mark and Leigh….I know you have to do what is best for your family and this is something that everyone wants you to do….I am not asking you to give us a hometown discount, nor should anyone ask you to, but if you sign with us your dollar will go alot farther than if you sign with other bigger market teams…honestly how can anyone who cheered for the Orioles growing up even take being around the Boston and New York fans, they are just so crummy…If you can’t sign with us I hope you don’t sign with a AL East team….If you do sign with us you have my commitment to go to at least 15 games this year…I do hope you come home and you will be in a place were no other city will appreciate you more than we will………..Go O’s!!!!!!!!
December 8th, 2008 at 9:42 amI believe we will be the next Rays and Mark will help us. Please join us.
December 9th, 2008 at 8:53 amTex & Mrs Tex,
December 9th, 2008 at 8:55 amHere it is. You remember the days of Chris Hoiles, Brady,Alomar and Cal? How about the new generation of Weiters, Markakis, Roberts and Mark Teixeira. I am a college student and we all know how college students are low on funds but i’ve been going to 15-20 games a year since I was 18 and with you in that sweet Black and Orange I can say for a fact that I would be in the best Stadium in the world for a 29 game season ticket plan. Think about the cheers when you walk out on that field…. WEL-COME-HOME! Mark I hope you and yours have a great Christmas and New Years and I as I’m sure Baltimore wishes you a healthy and safe holiday. Thanks for taking the time. Hope to see you at the YARD!
Hi Mark,
Let’s cut to the chase…Baltimore needs you! We need your home town charm, your leadership, your bat, and your defense. After several subpar years the O’s are on the verge of taking off. There are several key holes that need to be filled. There is no other team where you will be as loved and appreciated as in Baltimore. I am already a 13 game plan holder and watch at least another 120+ games on TV. From one Marylander to another, be loyal to your roots. Hope to see you in Orange and Black for the 2009 season.
December 9th, 2008 at 8:56 amSigned… “Bleeding Orange and Purple”
Hello Mark and Leigh. I just wanted to take a minute and say how hopeful I am that you and the Orioles can come to an agreement. I am a lifelong Oriole fan and grew up watching Cal Ripken. I want my son to be able to grow up watching a local, respectful ball player. This is where your home is and where you are most familiar. Have faith the Orioles are headed in the right direction and you can be a major part of doing what Tampa was able to accomplish last year. I personally will attend 2 more Oriole games than I did last year! Best to you and your family. We will be more than just fans, we will be your neighbors and friends.
December 9th, 2008 at 8:58 amHappy Holidays to the Teixeira Family,
December 9th, 2008 at 9:00 amMark,
I am writing this to let you know how much we would love to have you come home to the Orioles. I have been a very frustrated fan up until this past year. We have a young, exciting team with lots of young pitching in the minors. I now believe our team management is headed in the right direction finally, and I think if you came here we could be in the running for the pennent rather quickly. I would love to come to the ballpark to see you and the other Orioles play this season. I have not been to a game in 8 years, but would be willing to come to some games this year, even though I would have to give up some other things, or work extra hours to do it. I believe the O’s are close to being good, and a player of you caliber could put us over the hump and would like nothing better than having a local guy be that person. I would not expect any hometown credit from you, just a fair chance to sign you knowing that the Orioles would be winning with you here very quickly.
Thank You and Good Luck wherever you decide to go,
Gordon
Mark,
I played baseball in the baltimore metro league the same time you did. I pitched against you one time, and you hit a ball off of me (will never forget it) that to this day has not landed yet. It is this reason that I think you would be a great fit at Camden Yards. It definately is a hitters ballpark. Imagine how many HR’s and RBI you could end up with each season. You just might make a run for the triple crown. Well, Mark, I hope you and your family have a great holday season. Hope to “See You at The Yard” in 2009. I know I would come to 8-10 more games next season if you were a Baltimore Oriole. Have a great day!
Dan (Ellicott City)
December 9th, 2008 at 9:07 amTo the Teixeira family:
As parents of Mount Saint Joseph students, we know that the mission of the school is to teach each young man to think with a critical mind and to use his talents in service of the community. To Mr. And Mrs. elder Teixeira - as an alumnus of MSJ like your son Mark, I ask you to use your influence to challenge him to do both of these and sign with the Orioles.
The Orioles and the Baltimore community need Mark more than Mark needs them, that’s for certain. But Mark has been blessed with the talent to unite this community with its baseball team again. He can be the cornerstone around which the franchise builds. Like another hometown hero, Cal Ripken, saved baseball after the 1994 strike, Mark can save the Orioles from this decade of bad baseball that has alienated the community from the team. Teixeira in an Orioles’ uniform brings instant credibility to the team, much like Frank Robinson did in 1966. The trickle down effect will be enormous for the local businesses and the community spirit. And Oriole Park will become home of the Orioles again, not Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium South.
Business is business, all us Orioles’ fans realize that. But if all things are equal, here’s hoping that Mark uses the critical mind developed at MSJ to understand that his value to this organization and this community will mean so much more than to any other organization in Major League Baseball. It will be the ultimate use of his talents for the benefit of his community!
Merry Christmas to you! Go O’s!
December 9th, 2008 at 9:13 amMark,
Please come home. If you can’t or won’t come, I will understand and will still go to the park to see the O’s. But, if you come here, I guarantee I will go to 15 or more games. Many other fans are prepared to do the same. Bulldog is right, Baltimore needs you, and you would be so happy here. Just ask Cal.
Charles
December 9th, 2008 at 9:29 amDear Mark and Leigh…I have been an Orioles fan since the day my parents had me. Here in Baltimore, we bleed the colors of our sports teams even when the times get tough and we don’t do as well as we think we should. When those times comes (and they have, for a long time!) we still stand behind our teams looking to a brighter and better future. You would be a HUGE part of that brighter future. The Orioles are SO close to becoming the team we all think they could be. You would be a breath of fresh air, the one who could bring this team together to go far. No one would appreciate you more than we would. You’re not just a dollar amount to us. You’re a baseball player full of talent that would be cheered on the moment you step onto that Camden Yard green. Please make the right decision, though if you don’t come here I’ll cheer you on anyway.
Let’s Go O’s!!
December 9th, 2008 at 9:36 amSomeone who isn’t me said it perfectly: “Help us turn this franchise into a winner again, and you’ll be immortalized in Baltimore sports folklore. In New York, Anaheim and Boston, you’ll be a mercenary. In Baltimore, you’ll be legendary.”
December 9th, 2008 at 10:23 amMark and Leigh,
Go wherever makes you happiest.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:27 amHey Mark, My daughter teaches Chem at Mt. St. Joes and her husband was a jock there and at Marquette (Chris Czyryca).
The Oriole fans in Maryland need to fill the hole in their hearts left by the retirement of Cal Ripken.
A native of A.A. Co. would be just the thing to fill the stadium to the point that Yankees fans would be hard put to find ONE ticket, much less two or three together.
DO what is right for your future, but realize this -
WHAT YOU DO NOW MIGHT JUST BE THE START OF A BASEBALL DYNASTY IN BALTIMORE.
We would absolutely LOVE to have you here …..
Season ticket sales will skyrocket, t-shirt and game shirt sales would far and above be the largest demand ….
WOW! The future with Mark is a shooting star!
Come home!
Big Eddie
December 9th, 2008 at 10:33 amCome home Mark! A potential line up that would include Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, YOU Mark Teixeria, Aubrey Huff, Matt Weiters, and Luke Scott would be a dominating force to be reckoned with. Not to mention that plethora of amazing pitching talent that is on the cusp of propelling our team back into contention.
Hope to buy your Baltimore Orioles jersey later this winter!
December 9th, 2008 at 10:34 amDear Mark and Leigh,
It would be so wonderful to have you come home. As you know, our town LOVES Orioles Baseball. In the last 11 years we have had it rough as fans. We have so many young players that are in the organization now and are showing real progress. The next step for our excitement level would to bring you HOME.
Let’s face it…..Your heart is in Baltimore. The Orioles are your team! You could make a HUGE difference in bringing back THE RESPECT. I’m sure that it has crossed your mind how cool it must have been for Cal, being a local boy, to have been to be the face of Baltimore. That same opportunity is waiting for you.
You could sign with that Yankees, Red Sox, or Abgels, but like this letter said earlier, you would just be another player or number. Here, in this town that we both love, you would be an ICON. You have the opportunity to lead us back as CHAMPIONS. It can be done, but we need YOU, to lead the charge.
Mark, Please come HOME and tell the rest of the baseball world that Baltimore is YOUR TOWN and the ORIOLES are again a force to be reckoned with.
God Bless you and your family!
Come on Home your town is waiting to embrace you!
Jason
December 9th, 2008 at 10:36 amDear Teixeira Family, First off I would like to wish you all a very happy holiday. As it is well known, the Oriole fans would like you to come home. I know this is asking a lot because you could go to any team and be able to compete now. All we are asking is that you come here and be ready to help in 2010, or even 2009! We need you to be the new Ripken, someone who will bring the fans back to the nest and bring an excitement that has been missing, some Orioles Magic! We need you to save the Orioles; you are probably one of the only people who can do it!
Please Come Home
December 9th, 2008 at 10:37 amJosh
Brooks Robinson…Cal Ripken…Mark Teixeira. You can’t get what that means anywhere else.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:51 amDear Mark:
Please give me a reason to continue to take my 9 year son to Oriole games. Even a 9 year little boy has had enough of the losing.
Please help us and the Orioles.
Thank you
December 9th, 2008 at 10:57 amHurry
December 9th, 2008 at 10:59 amMark and Leigh:
Forget Boston, NY or anywhere else. Become an icon and make Baltimore great again - that’s a legacy!
December 9th, 2008 at 11:00 amMark & Leigh,
The O’s are building towards something special and we would love for you to become the face of their re-emergence! Hopefully you will come home.
Mark
December 9th, 2008 at 11:00 amDear Mark and Leigh,
I hope that you will give great consideration in coming to the Orioles. The Orioles have made one of the best decisions in bringing in Andy MacPhail. he has such a great baseball mind and I have no doubt in a very short time will be able to do with this team what no other GM has been able to do with the Orioles in the past 10 years. We have a lot of potential in both our young players and our farm system and I think if you came to Baltimore it could be the catalyst we need to become a very big contender in the league. Add to all that, Baltimore loves you and misses you and wants you to come home. Camden Yards is known not just in Baltimore, but throughout the country as one of the best stadiums to play in. Wouldn’t you love to play 81 games at Camden Yards? If you do sign with us you have my commitment that I will go to at least 15 games this year. Good luck with everything you do and I hope you have a great holiday!
GO O’S!!!
December 9th, 2008 at 11:04 amPlease come home, Mark!
December 9th, 2008 at 11:05 amThere are plenty of pratical and sound baseball reasons to come on home, but I’ll give you one more. I am only a few years younger than you, but I can imagine that you had a similar experience. I distinctly remember going to see my O’s in ‘93 intent on one thing: getting an autograph from my perosnal hero Cal Ripken Jr. The game was rainy, went extra innings, and my poor father wanted nothing more than to go home, but to his credit he stuck with me after the game. And to Mr. Ripken’s credit, he went the extra mile for that group of fans huddled there waiting for him, and made me the extremely proud owner of a Cal signed ball. With people like Marion Berry ruining sources of civic pride we as a generation turned to Cal as an icon; not just because he was a great ballplayer, but because he played the game right. Since his retirement there have been some great players and great guys, but no one that my little cousins would get that excited about. I think, in your heart of hearts, you want to win a WS, but more than that you probably want to do it on your own terms. Please come home and do it right, we’ve been waiting for you.
December 9th, 2008 at 11:06 amMark,
I can’t speak for a ‘nation’ of fans, but I can speak for myself and my local community…IF you are presented with an opportunity to come home, i.e. a fair market offer, please know that you have a fan that will share in your professional victories and defeats. A fan that will be proud of you because, at the end of the day, you are a Maryland boy and we support our own through thick and thin. We have a spot in the middle of the line up just waiting for you…This is your heritage this is your home team.
December 9th, 2008 at 11:15 amIt’s time to come home Mark.
December 9th, 2008 at 11:21 amMark,
I am a Mount Saint Joseph Alumni, class of 94 and played baseball all 4yrs there. It would be awesome to see you play for the O’s. I can tell you that I would goto alot more games if you played here. It would bring some much needed electricity to the city if you signed with the O’s.
Thanks
Mark M.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:04 pmMark,
I am sure it is a great feeling to win a world series, but can you imagine the feeling of winning a world series in Baltimore?!? You would be a HUGE help in turning around this franchise. The fan base will support you no matter what, because you give the game your best. Come back home!
December 9th, 2008 at 1:08 pmMark,
December 9th, 2008 at 1:56 pmFirst of all, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. I would love to see you playing for the home team. We have owned season tickets since the mid-seventies. I’m doubling our seats this year, b/c I think more people should support you in the O’s colors. We will always support you. So, please become an Oriole.
Mark,
December 9th, 2008 at 3:53 pmAs a life long Orioles fan, I have been through some very dissapointing seasons as of late, and have had to endure countless losing seasons.
I can honestly say that I have been hopeless that my O’s would return to the glory days of old…until recently. I have been extremely pleased with the steps this organization has made over the course of just one season. Better days are just ahead, and this franchise will be returned to being one of the most respected in all of baseball.
With your help, this could happen even sooner. You are the one person who could help speed up this process and bring Baltimore back to respectability. I am sure that if you bring your conciderable talents to Baltimore, it will elevate this franchise and set us on a course back to the top, where the Orioles belong.
I hope that you are up to the challange, and accept it. You would be a hero to the young children of Baltimore in much the say way Cal Ripken was, and still is. Growing up in Baltimore, I am sure you know how highly we regard our own, and you would be no different.
Not only do you have a chance to come to Baltimore and be THE face of the franchise, but you also have to opportunity to let the baseball world know just how talented you are, by showcasing your skills and turning this franchise around…with the help of Mr. Wieters, Mr. Markakis and Mr. Jones of course. (I get goosebumps just thinking of that neucleus) And you will also go down in Baltimore sports lore and be forever remembered by this city and Orioles fans…much the same way as Cal.
Please consider coming home to your Baltimore Orioles.
MARK,
HOPEFULLY YOU CAN COME HERE IF THE MONEY IS RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. JUST THINK ABOUT YOU, MARKAKIS, AND ROBERTS STARTING A FOUNDATION IN YOUR HOMETOWN, WHERE YOU GREW UP.WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FREINDS AND THE HOMETOWN ROAR WHEN YOU STEP TO HOMEPLATE. IT COULDN’T BE BETTER THAN THAT. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOUR FAMILY.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:46 pmMark -
It would be truly a thrill to have you play for the O’s. Please give this team a chance and bring the excitement back to a beautiful baseball town.
Best wishes to you and your family during the holidays.
Timmy
December 9th, 2008 at 4:55 pmMark-
I’ve followed your career since you were drafted. You’re a hell of a ball player and I would love for you to be a Baltimore Oriole. The tide is changing, so come home and help take us to freedom.
-Dan
December 9th, 2008 at 5:01 pmMark,
You are going to be a very rich man in the near future. You are going to be loved and appreciated wherever you sign. Your family is from Baltimore and Orioles fans want you as a member of their family. We all have dreams of wearing an Orioles jersey and running out on the field on opening day, but you actually have a chance to make that dream a reality for all of us who never got the chance. It’s hard to put a price on a dream. In this case you can become a very rich man by reaching your dream… and mine. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Josh
December 9th, 2008 at 5:02 pmMark,
Us Oriole fans would love to have you on the team. You are an all around player who can hit for batting average, home runs, and you have Gold Glove defense. Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to Baltimore? I know L.A is nice, but people really respect you here and want you to come to Baltimore as an Oriole. The franchise has a great core of young talent, and some great hitters in the line up who can get on base, and you can drive them in with your great batting skills. Wherever you go, I will understand and still be a fan of yours. Fans in Baltimore would appreciate it if you came here, but you decide, not the fans. The best choice would be to go where you are happy. Baltimore may be that place, or you may be happier with another team that offers you lots of money. I wish you the best in finding a new team.
December 9th, 2008 at 5:19 pmMr. and Mrs. Texiera,
I would love to be the first to welcome you to Baltimore after you sign the richest contract in Orioles History. Please show us the light by signing and putting all of the chips in the center.
Pat
December 9th, 2008 at 5:20 pmMark,
Please come home, we need you, we want you. This is your chance to do something truely special. Please make the right decision.
Andy
December 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pmBe our new hometown Hero Tex, make Cal proud. Go O’s!!
December 9th, 2008 at 5:27 pmMark and Leigh,
As a teenager who lives and breathes Baltimore baseball, from the bottom of my heart I am writing this. The letter says it all. Frankly, the city of Baltimore NEEDS you. A redeemer. Baltimore Baseball has not been the same since the ’80’s, and the tradition died in the wake of Cal’s departure. Please, for the city of Baltimore. The team needs the centerpiece. Our outfield is on its way to being one of the best in the league, a remarkable (Georgia Tech!) catcher is on his way, and there are promising pitching prospects on the rise. Be the leader, the veteran presence, and the face of the franchise. Please come home, and please give the city of Baltimore a chance again. I’m sincerely asking you to take a chance and roll the dice. “The Teixeria-led Orioles defeat the free-spending Red Sox and Yankees to capture their first division title in over a decade.” It’s music to the ears. Please, please, please. Come Home.
Chris
December 9th, 2008 at 5:39 pmPlease sign with the O’s!!!
December 9th, 2008 at 5:43 pmMark–
Do what you think is right, but we would love to watch you return greatness to the Orioles.
December 9th, 2008 at 5:44 pmMr. and Mrs. Texeira,
I wish you would sign with the orioles and bring some excitement back to the orioles franchise.You would be like the Cal Ripken of this organization if you would sign with us.Everyone in Baltimore is hoping to have you on the team and dont turn on us by signing with the Yanks,Red Sux,or the Nats.Come back HOME,you know where home is,right in BALTIMORE!!!!!!!!
December 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pmMerry Christmas Teixeira Family, and good luck with your big decision this offseason!
Jason
December 9th, 2008 at 6:03 pmMr Texiera,
Most of us don’t even know you, but we miss you. We miss someone like you on our team, we miss what you represent. We are yearning to see that something special return to Baltimore, return home.
Best of Luck
Colin
December 9th, 2008 at 6:07 pmMark,
We will imortalize you if you let us. Come home, live your dream, be an Oriole.
Ryan
December 9th, 2008 at 6:17 pmCome home and become an icon.
Craig
December 9th, 2008 at 6:38 pmI’m just a kid who has never seen a winning team play in Baltimore. I would really like to see a winning team. Mark, you would be a big help to our roster. You would hit a lot of homeruns, hits,and knock in RBI’s. We need you.
December 9th, 2008 at 6:59 pmThe Orioles are finally moving in the right direction to once again be one of the top teams in baseball. It would be even greater if we get there with you, someone who grew up cheering for this team. Have a happy holiday season, and good luck to you wherever you end up.
December 9th, 2008 at 7:19 pmThere is nothing better than a Baltimore Guy Playing for a Baltimore team. If Mark joins the Orioles it would be a great boost to the lineup, the team, and the city of Baltimore. Nowhere will you find a more loyal following than Baltimore rooting for one of it’s own. Come home and be part the Oriole revival and I will buy Teixeira jerseys for all 4 of my kids.
December 9th, 2008 at 8:10 pmMark,
Baltimore hasn’t had an iconic player since Cal retired, but that will change if you sign with the O’s. The team is finally gathering some good young talent. Come back home and be the hometown hero. The fans in this city are waiting to embrace you and your family. You’d be immortalized here.
Ripken, Palmer, F. Robinson, B. Robinson, Murray, Weaver. That’s a special a group of names to any Orioles fan. In 20 years, I think Teixeira could be added to that special group.
Heather
December 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pmCome on home slugger !
December 9th, 2008 at 8:58 pmMark,
You have to do whatever you feel is best for you and your career, but do you think any other cities like New York, Boston, Anaheim, or Washington would put together something like this where the fans would put a petition together for you and your family on just the chance that you would sign here? I understand wanting to play for a contender, but with you in Black & Orange, we will be contenders. You would be the next Oriole legend.
Mike
December 9th, 2008 at 10:09 pmHappy Holidays to you and your family. I grew up watching Brooks, Palmer, Cal and Eddie and I attend about 5 games a season with my wife and 2 sons. What my sons lack is that 1 local superstar player for them to identify. Someone they can collect baseball cards, buy shirts with your name on the back and all of those things that make a boys childhood memorable. I would take them to an additional 5 games just to see you play. Hopefully the O’s will offer you fair market value and we will see you Opening Day in the orange & black.
December 10th, 2008 at 8:30 amMark:
We have waited for you to be the face of this city, franchise, and fans for a long time. Remember when you were a kid watching Cal roam the infield? Remember when Cal retired and everyone was on the edge of their seat watching their icon retire with such dignity and grace? My man, this can be you. Oriole fans have been waiting for you to come back home so we can see you play at home. The interest in this team you will spark is something you would never have imagined when you were a kid like I was watching this team dreaming of playing at that jewel of a ballpark. Maybe you forgot what it was like to live in Baltimore after years in Texas, Atlanta, and Anaheim, but remember when you were a kid—-and Baltimore was your playground. It can be again: Only you WILL BE WEARING THE BELOVED ORANGE AND BLACK. WELCOME HOME MARK!!
December 10th, 2008 at 8:34 amDear Mark & Leigh, I have been a life long Orioles fan, And have enjoyed so many childhood and grown up memories with the Orioles organization from being a Junior Oriole to a season ticket holder. I am writing to you today as a true fan to hope you would seriously consider coming home to Baltimore and follow in the footsteps of the legend Cal Ripken and continue the true Oriole way. We have watched you mature as a Professional athlete and have made a name for yourself in your profession which is every kids dream. Mr. McPhail has done a wonderful job in the past 18 mos and he gets it. He knows what it takes to build an organization from top to bottom and Mr. Angelos is letting him do his job. Nothing would be more appealing then seeing you come to bat in New York or Boston in our new road (Baltimore) Jersey’s and bring that pride back to our Orioles. Cal Ripken saved baseball after the strike. Mark you can bring respect back to this town as Oriole Nation is dying for a winner in this town and you my friend would represent everything of what the Orioles are about. Mark & Leigh, I hope that you and your families have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I will be writing to Santa Claus next and putting Mark Teixeira & Leigh on top of my list to come back home to Baltimore and look forward to many years of exciting Oriole baseball and the Oriole way. Godspeed and Good luck!
December 10th, 2008 at 9:07 amMark, not only do we need you here we want you here. Of course the likes of the yankees, redsox will try and pay you way more then the ORIOLES will but you will not be admired, like you will be here i have been a season ticket holder since 1995 and i have thought about giving them up I am holding off to see what happens with you. If they and i mean the ORIOLES do not make you there number 1 priority and make every effort to sign you i will not get my tickets this year. Do what makes you happy, just really give us the ORIOLES fans some hope and come home.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:14 amTex;
December 10th, 2008 at 9:17 amWe Oriole Fans need you more than any other team. I was at the 66.69,70,71 79 and 83 world series and those were my greatest moments as a sports fan please help me and millions of other long suffering Oriole fans return to those glory days. I still attend 5-10 games a year but if you sign here I and many others will double our attendance. There is nothing like the ‘yard” full of Oriole fans going nuts. You can make it happen!!! Thanks for you time.
Old time fan,
Elliott Polansky
Mark,
It would really be exciting to get back to the park and cheer on a home town hero. I could only imagine how amazing that would feel. The thoughts of you coming home to Baltimore has been talked about for the last couple of years, knowing you would be a free agent. We have been waiting for the day that you would come and help turn this team around!!!
December 10th, 2008 at 9:29 amMark, Hope to see you in ‘09 wearing the hottest uniform in all of MLB…The Orange and Black. Hope to see you back home.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:39 amDear Mark,
December 10th, 2008 at 9:44 amThey say that hope springs eternal but here in O’s land that flame has been barely flickering for many years. MacPhail has been hired to “do the right thing”. But you can’t blame us out here for feeling just plain skeptical. So we hope that you will see that signing here will be more than just playing baseball. For us it will go along way to restoring our hope and belief. Baltimore wants you more and needs you more than anyone else. So come on home and be part of the next great O’s run!
Hello, Mark
I am a life long O’s fan. As a young kid I always wanted to play baseball for the Orioles. Here’s your chance to play for the O’s. Oriole fan’s have been waiting for this day for many years now. This town would be crazy for the Orioles again. If you were to sign with the Yankees or Red Sox I would be sad, I would understand. The Orioles haven’t been a winner for many years. Thanks for reading
Greg
Go Orioles Go
December 10th, 2008 at 9:52 amAs a long time Orioles fan, I am excited about the direction that Mr. MacPhail is taking this organization. Last year was a huge step is regaining that competitive feeling. Having you anchor first base for years to come would allow this plan to proceed in a positive manner. While I realize that offers from other organizations will be most attractive, I can honestly state that WE NEED YOU!!!
May God continue to bless you and your family
December 10th, 2008 at 9:57 amHelp me turn this franchise into a winner again, and you’ll be immortalized in Baltimore sports folklore. In New York, Anaheim and Boston, you’ll be a mercenary. In Baltimore, you’ll be legendary.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:59 amTo the Teixeiras,
As a resident of this warm wonderful city that I call home, I ask you to give the Baltimore Orioles a chance to shine again. The fans have such a love for the Orioles and they are finally being rewarded with steady leadership, top talent, and wise decisions. Things are looking up for this team and this city. Join us here and be a part of something special.
I wish you all the best,
December 10th, 2008 at 11:47 amJulia
Come Home Mark!
December 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pmMark-
Do what is best for you. I’ll just cross my fingers that that will be in Baltimore.
Good luck,
December 10th, 2008 at 12:42 pmJason
If the Orioles do not offer an acceptable offer, it is your job to prove to them over and over again about their mistake. And I will cheer for you while you do it! Just don;t be a Yankee or Red Sock! Be an Oriole or play for the Angels.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:58 pmMark,
The chills that Oriole fans all over this city and area will have the day you sign with and stand up there with your new jersey will be nothing compared to the chills we will have on Monday, April 6th, when you jog out on that orange carpet. We will not only know that we have a great player, defensive and offensive, but more importantly, we will realize that the O’s have just about turned the corner. By coming back home, we will realize that you have a great amount of confidence in the team and its fans, because you want to win, and deserve to. Do whats right for you and your family, but you know what I’m hoping for.
Thanks
December 10th, 2008 at 1:35 pmDave
Please come home Mark, with your addition it should make us a playoff contender. We are one hitter and one pitcher away from contending. I attend about ten ball games a year and if you come play for the Orioles I will double that.
Thanks ,
December 10th, 2008 at 2:10 pmBill
I think you would be a great acqusition to our team as well as our community. Wont you please consider coming “BACK HOME” and getting your records and setting your sites for the Hall of Fame. Thank you for YOUR time.
Barry
December 10th, 2008 at 2:23 pmMark & Leigh,
First of all I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. This is an extremely important time in your lives. I know baseball isn’t all about money but if the Orioles want to be true they have to meet the market demands and you deserve that. It would be such a pleasure to have a home town hero like yourself in oeange and black. The city embrace you and the rebuilding effort would go to another level with you on board. This team was not far from competing last year. You add yourself and a couple young arms and we are close. If the Yankees, Red Sox, Yankees and Braves continue to get all the big names then baseball is never going to change. It would sure be nice to be able to compete again in the American League East. Well, I hope to see you at the Yard, but wearing Orange and Black!!!! Mark, you and your family belong back home!!!!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:29 pmWally Booth - Pasadena
We would love to have you here in Baltimore. My family and i would definitely love to see you play here. Up until last year we usually attend about ten games a year plus opening day (which means a day off work). Your presence here would definitely get me coming back to Camden yards. i will pledge 15 games including opening day if you sign with the O’s. everyone here knows you want to play for a winning ball club. i would just like to say i think a winning attitude will come (back) to Baltimore. we are on a upswing you being here will definitely help.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pmYour addition to the Orioles would be a great Christmas present. Make Baltimore proud of Baseball again-Bring your family home!! I can guarantee that watching you play in Baltimore would make the trip to Camden Yards an exciting one. Go O’s!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:56 pmMark,
Come home!
Jeff
December 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pmMark,
Hello how are you. I think that you would love to play at Oriole park at Camden yards because it is the furture of all baseball ballparks.. Plus it has eutaw st. Which I think you would hit a lot of Homeruns onto. Please come back to Baltimore!!
December 10th, 2008 at 6:15 pmfollow in the footsteps of CALVIN EDWIN
December 10th, 2008 at 6:38 pmWe’re building towards something special. Nothing would be more special to have a home town boy be the center piece. Please come HOME!!!
December 10th, 2008 at 8:14 pmtex, i played ball with you at mount st joe, i was the second baseman all 4 yrs. come home brother
December 10th, 2008 at 9:12 pmWe need you. Point blank
December 10th, 2008 at 9:14 pmThis is the longest letter ever bulldog, but I like the idea!
Tex would be the cornerstone of the franchise moving forward (whether it be side by side w/ brob- hopefully– or not). They will name stadiums in severna park after him, and he will go to the hall of fame after playing for his home town team, as an oriole. Thats the picture I hope to see at least.
The money will be big no matter where he goes, but if it’s here, he will be a local legend/role model. It’d be great to have him.
Kevin Gracie, ellicott city
December 10th, 2008 at 10:02 pmMark & Leigh,
First of all I wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours. We here in Baltimore have had a tough decade when it comes to baseball. When the Orioles hired Andy MacPhail this decade of losing and bad times seems to be turning around. Andy has made a huge impact already bringing in big names like Adam Jones, Luke Scott, Troy Patton, Matt Albers, etc. He has given Baltimore baseball fans hope. We have great young players on this team and with you returning home would take this franchise back to greatness. We are so tired of looking up at New York and Boston. You would be just numbers to teams like the Sox, Yankees, and Angels. Here in Baltimore you will be a home town icon. I have been a die hard fan all of my life and would give anything to have the opportunity to wear the Orange and black. Go back and pretend you are a kid saying here I am in the bottom of the 9th at Camden Yards with the bases loaded and you hit that game winning grand slam. That dream is within your reach. There are not many who can say this. Mark we will love you back here in Baltimore. We will respect any decision that you make. Please do what makes you and your family happy. Just imagine, “Now batting for the Baltimore Orioles, First Baseman Mark Teixeira!!!”
December 10th, 2008 at 10:31 pmMark and Leigh,
December 11th, 2008 at 7:25 amHappy Holidays to you and your family. It is always every little kids dream to get the final at bat in the World Series, you know the scenario; bottom of the 9th, two outs, bases loaded, and the hit wins the game. But doesn’t that little kid also dream about doing that for his hometown team, the team they grew up watching? Mark, you know better than most the young talent we have on our roster and in our minor leagues, the city of Baltimore has been hoping for years to welcome you home and making you the cornerstone of the franchise. Come home and help restore the Oriole Way!
PLEASE COME TO BALTIMORE!!!!!!!
December 11th, 2008 at 8:12 amMark, come home and be the player that you always cheered for at Memorial Stadium/Camden Yards growning up.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:16 amMark.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:37 amI just want to say Happy Holidays, and i hope you have a Good News Year.. I am 26years old, and been a fan of the Baltimore teams. The problem is, my friends in other states laugh at me for being from baltimore, because we aren’t a winning team. Mark i ask you to please come to Baltimore and help both the older Folks and the young generation be proud of our team again. We have the young talent around you, and with you we have a chance to take on those NY’s and Bostons. So please come to Baltimore and help turn this team, the attitude of Baltimore around…
So please come and help this team turn it around, and help the fans smile again.. We have football, but we need baseball again…
Thanks, hope to see you in Orange and Black!!!
Mark & Leigh,
PLEASE come to Baltimore. I was a season ticket holder for ten years (yes, the Orioles were never had a winning season with me as a season ticket holder), and finally gave them up after the ‘07 season, as I just couldn’t find anyone to even GIVE the tickets to! If you come to Baltimore, although I’m not sure I can go the season ticket route, I will definitely increase the number of games that I go to. I used to go to 20-25 games a year, and only made it to about 10 last year - with you on the team, I’ll get back up to the 20 games a year, and will likely get back to being a season ticket holder in ‘10!!!
December 11th, 2008 at 8:49 amFrom one St. Joe alum to another - B-More needs you!
Andy
December 11th, 2008 at 8:57 amIf Mark decides to come to Baltimore, I’ll have a reason to return to Camden Yards. The first time since Cal Ripken played we will have a reason to return.
December 11th, 2008 at 9:00 amMark, this sure isn’t your problem but I believe you can understand how hopeless O’s fans have felt for the last decade. I gave up going to O’s games 4 years ago, but if you come I will go back. I am sure that you will be great for our team and your home town, and seeing you in black and orange would restore the optimism that has been beaten out of us in a decade of futility.
December 11th, 2008 at 9:04 amMark,
On behalf of O’s fans everywhere, I really hope you decide to play for the hometown team for the next several years. Even though I am a CHC baseball alumnus and we had some battles on the diamond over the years, I truly get excited for fellow MSA/MIAA baseball players and follow their careers. You and your family belong on the east coast. I believe your presence in the Baltmore area will rejuvinate the Little League, Metro, and High School programs in the area and once again pack the seats at Camden Yards. Come home where you belong. Have a great holiday season and I wish you and your family the best.
December 11th, 2008 at 9:05 amMark,
Let’s go man, come aboard!!! Excellent lineup when Trembley puts your name down. We need some lovin here back in Baltimore, your the man for the job. I have a 6 year old son who loves baseball and the O’s and with you here I can be guaranteed that he’ll have fun going to the O’s games like I did when I was a kid with Brooks, Frank, etc etc. We went to 4 games last year, we’ll be at 10 this year, hope to see you there. I just can’t imagine that you would want to go to Boston, Baltimore needs you.
December 11th, 2008 at 9:09 amMark and Leigh,
I have a 3yr old daughter who is starting to get into baseball and a son on the way. I dream of them seeing the Orioles win as I did growing up in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Please do what is best for your family but just think, you could be the next reason a little kid in Baltimore dreams of the game winning home run in his hometown ball park. Good luck Sir. Please come home!
Kevin Goglia
December 11th, 2008 at 9:13 amTheres not much i can say that these other people have not already said. i just want to say if you can’t come here for whatever reason thats cool. just DO NOT go to the official bandwagon of MLB (Boston). i hate them so much. Go O’S!!!
December 11th, 2008 at 9:15 amTex, do you truly understand the kind of rabid support that will follow you in this town? You would go from potential regular all-star to MD icon only matched by Cal and Michael Phelps. We’re working on a new era in Orioles baseball and I hope your a part of that. Merry christmas and Happy New Year.
December 11th, 2008 at 9:21 amMark,
December 11th, 2008 at 9:25 amSince my move to South Carolina I’ve lost touch with the Orioles. For you to sign with your hometown team would certainly bring alot of fans back. Ive watched you with the Braves, since in S.C. thats the team most covered, your style of play reminds me of some of the former Orioles I grew up watching and rooting for. Guys like Brooks,Frank,Cal and others who loved the game and not just for the money! Baltimore is a special sports town that feels close to their sports heroes. Do what is best for your family but Oriole fans would love to welcome you home,and with the mix of talent we have now, finally give us a chance at being a winning team again. GO O’s
I hope you read this letter and you come back home. I’m a MSJ Alumni (’94) and I’d love to see you live the dream. COME BACK HOME! We will love you in Baltimore. No amount of $$$ will buy you the memories you can build here!
December 11th, 2008 at 10:29 amMark & Leigh,
Well First I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas. I am 21 years old and I have lived in Baltimore all of my life. When the Oriole’s made the playoffs in the late 90’s I remember most of it, but I was also around 11 years old at the time. So I have not really experienced a winning baseball team in Baltimore. My dad talks all the time about how good the Orioles used to be and I really wish the the orioles could be relevant again. I really think that you would be a very important piece to the puzzle here in building a winning franchise. We may not be a winning team the minute you arrive, but we are on our way to being a serious contender. You grew up in Baltimore and an Oriole fan! So if you would go to the red sox it could break everyones heart here in Baltimore. I really hope that you come back home!!
December 11th, 2008 at 10:50 amMark
Please choose Baltimore! Here you will be treated like a king! You will be the hometown guy coming home to play for his hometown team. You have no idea how special that is for us fans, your family and for you. I grew up cheering for Cal and it made it some much more special cause of his links to the town. We NEED you here in Baltimore Mark. Those other teams have gotten World Series titles recently. It is time for the Orioles to get on that path. And with your help and the other guys on the team already that is a strong chance.
December 11th, 2008 at 11:01 amCome play for your favorite team, the Orioles!
December 11th, 2008 at 11:27 amWhat a great final piece of the puzzle you would be mark….with you in the fold i think we would have no trouble getting one or two frontline pitchers and solidify this lineup for years…yes we were adrift for quite a few years but we have found our captain in macphail and with you in the lineup we will have our engine to put us on the plus side for many years to come….good luck with your decision…hope to see you in ORANGE and BLACK next season…merry christmas and happy new year to you and your family…..
December 11th, 2008 at 12:03 pmMark,
We need you. Help make the Orioles an important part of Baltimore again!
Stacey
December 11th, 2008 at 1:12 pmYou should of course do what is best for you and your family. We in the metro Baltimore area (we live in Arnold) believe that Andy McPhail and the rest of the front office have started a serious re-building of the Orioles. There are good core players on offense and defense. Pitching is being addressed. This team will be in contention in 3 years (two, if you’re aboard) What ever you decide, we wish you success and only the best!
December 11th, 2008 at 3:17 pmplease become an oriole we need you
December 11th, 2008 at 3:25 pmMark,
I envy you and your situation. Primarly to have the talent you do and the BENEFIT to be so well compensated for that talent. I just hope you understand that you have the potential of being not only a superstar(which you have already achieved and will continue to do) but an ICON. Baltimore needs the Orioles to be contenders again, I need the Orioles to be contenders again. I understand there will be more needed then just signing you but damn thats one hell of a start. Sign with the Orioles and you will sign into a contract of BALTIMORE IMORTALITY.
P.S. the first new away jersey I buy I hope will have Teixeira on the back.
Matty
December 11th, 2008 at 5:56 pmMark, It would be great to see you in an Orioles uniform, playing for your hometown. I currently go to 3 to 4 games a year and I would buy more tickets to see you play here. You would be a great addition to our originaztion. Hope to see you at the yard. Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Thanks for your time,
December 12th, 2008 at 9:41 amDan
Mark -
As you know, it’s been tough being an O’s fan for the past ten years or so. Now, with Andy MacPhail running the team, it looks like we’ve turned a very big corner. The organization has shown noticeable improvement at every level. The minor league teams are becoming stocked with top-notch arms; the major league team is fielded with players who have all-star caliber skills and potential. The team is headed in the right direction.
Some will say that you shouldn’t sign with the O’s because they’re not ready to compete. If you sign here, though, the timeline for success is immediately pushed forward. Yes, there is still work to be done. Your presence in the lineup will make the team competitive now, and set the table for long-term success over the course of the next decade.
I grew up watching the O’s win. Quite frankly, I took it for granted. I truly hope that my kids will be able to experience the joy of cheering on a winning team. If you come to Baltimore, the odds of that happening increase exponentially. I grew up pulling for Murray, Palmer and Ripken. Hopefully my kids will be able to say the same about Markakis, Roberts, Jones, Wieters and Teixeira.
Come to Baltimore, Mark. We need you here — and this town is ready to embrace you.
Mike
December 12th, 2008 at 10:12 amBel Air
Mark,
We need you back home. You have a very special opportunity. You can go somewhere else and be a hero or you can come back home and become a legend. Remember, heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Good luck in whatever path you take. Baltimore will always be behind you all the way! Everyone knows Teixeira looks best in black and orange.
John
December 12th, 2008 at 10:23 amMark,
One must do what makes them happy in life. If winning makes you happy, winning here in Baltimore as an Oriole would be a sweet thing in life. Come home buddy and you will be welcomed with arms wide open. It’s time to make a legacy. GO ORIOLES!!!
December 12th, 2008 at 12:34 pmDear Mark and Leigh
I hope you remember the glory days of Frank, Brooks, Boog, Palmer, Ripken, Murray ….I can go on and on…Baltimore is waiting to embrace the O’s again…Finally, the organization is turning around and we need a hometown hero to cheer again. You can not imagine the excitement you will pump into Baltimore…PLEASE follow your heart and come home….
December 12th, 2008 at 12:48 pmMark & Leigh,
December 12th, 2008 at 3:59 pmCan you hear it?
The roar of your friends, family, childhood friends and Orioles Nation cheering for you from Camden Yards? Boy I have been dreaming for a long while for the Orioles to bring back Orioles Magic! Each and every day my dreams are becoming more vivid! We have Andy a true baseball guy, we have Dave, have you seen what he has done to this basement dwelling team? Ohh did I mention the assets already here? B-Rob, Nick, Adam, and Matt? Or how about the Orioles Nation begging for the front office to put Baltimore back on the away jerseys! It’s time to feel that Magic again Mark!Come home son and stand among Baltimore’s best Cal, Brooks, Eddie, and Phelps. You mean alot to us and there is no place you will be appreciated more! Mark come home, and I will once again be a season ticket holder. My self and friends will be in the stands every game cheering you on! Come home to where you belong! Come home………please!
Kindest Regards,
Chris Garrett
Mark and Leigh,
Flacco gave us hope for the Ravens. Please come home and
December 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pmgive us the centerpiece of hope for the Orioles. We are building a brighter future, and would love for you to be part of it.
Mark & Leigh,
Oriole fans live outside of the Baltimore area also.This note comes from South Central Pennsylvania. Mark…come home, we need you!
December 12th, 2008 at 7:01 pmMark & Leigh,
As you read over these many pages of comments appealling to you as a native son, please allow me to offer a different perspective. I am a Pennsylvanian. Every summer we come to Camden Yards by the thousands. Our local sports radio affiliate airs Orioles games. The local mall has an Oriole Store. Although we don’t live in Baltimore or even Maryland we are part of a the family. A family we very much want you to be part of. I work in the Baltimore area so I was aware of this “petition”. Please understand that however many fans respond and send their comments- there are another times that many across the state line waiting to see you at a press conference announcing that you are coming home. Come spring we hope to be making the trip more often to see you in an Orioles uniform.
December 12th, 2008 at 7:21 pmMark,we need you.This is a huge step in the right direction for the O’s.I hope you give us a fair chance. I can honestly say I would go to atleast 5 more games next year if you sighned.You really could go down in history a baltimore legend ,I hope to see you at the yard this spring.
Best Wishes,
December 12th, 2008 at 8:11 pmRob
Mark,
I just want to say I have hoped and pray for a ray of light with the Orioles. I bleed Orange and Black and Purple I am A hometown boy i grew up in Baltimore and it’s surrounding areas. I used to look forward to the spring with the O’s some friends and some Natty Boh. But here lately we have’nt had much to look forward too we have went to lss and less games cuz they just arent interesting anymore, untill last year when Andy McPhail started to really make a splash and got with the younger guys and actually make it exciting again. I guess what I’m trying to say is, ” NO, we might not win a world series right away but I know in my heart of nearts when you come home and play for this Hometown team of yours it wont take long.” I mean look at the Rays they had the worst record in baseball and the next season they were playing in the World Series. Just goes to show you I dont care who you have on your team money doesnt buy championship and it doesnt buy happiness either your hometown and your family bring you happiness and heck while your at it with your help they WILL bring us a championship home too. Please, come home.
December 13th, 2008 at 4:43 amMark–
In ‘58, Johnny U. was the difference that put the NFL & Baltimore football on the map.
Frank Robinson was the catalyst in ‘66 that reshaped Baltimore baseball forever.
Brooks became a hero with his unbelievable prowess with the glove in the early 70’s.
Cal Ripken saved baseball at a tough time, thru his lifetime dedication and belief in doing what’s right.
BE THAT LEADER for Baltimore that puts us back on top. Our kids will look at you in awe, and we’ll be talking for generations about Johnny, Frank, Brooks, Cal & Tex.
December 13th, 2008 at 7:58 amDear Mark,
Andy McPhail has come here and put a plan in motion and it would be great for you to be the centerpiece of the O’s return to the top. We have 3 top of the rotation pitchers(Tillman, Arrieta and Matusz) that will be here within 2 years. He went and got Adam Jones and drafted your fellow Yellow Jacket Matt Wieters. If you sign I’m sure Brian and Nick will get extended and then anything is possible. Please come home and lead us to the playoffs in the tradition of Brooks, Palmer and Cal.
December 15th, 2008 at 7:49 amHappy Holidays.
HEY MARK,
December 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pmWE ARE THE SAME AGE AND YOU PLAYED BALL WITH MY COUSIN JOE MANALANSAN. WE LOVED WATCHING THE ORIOLES GO TO PLAYOFFS AND WE HATED BEING THEIR WHEN WE GOT ROBBED BY A LITTLE KID. I THINK YOU PROBABLLY WENT TO THESE PLAYOFFS TOO. THAT WAS A TIME IN YOUR TEAMS YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER. I REMEMBER GOING TO THE 2131 GAME AND WILL NEVER FORGET THAT. CAL RIPKIN IS A KING IN THIS TOWN, YOU COULD BE THAT ALSO
Mark and Leigh,
I wanted to add myself and my family to this petition-letter to encourage you to come home to Maryland again and play for our Orioles, your Orioles.When I think of you on our team, I get that warm fuzzy feeling, like when I read all of these comments. Please make the warm fuzzy feeling last for the next 5 to 10 years. You will be loved and respected.Merry Christmas to you and your families. God Bless
December 15th, 2008 at 9:48 pmDear Mark and Leigh,
December 16th, 2008 at 3:56 amI just want to add my thoughts to this plea from the Oriole nation.This is a hungry town of baseball fans.For years,as I am sure you remember growing up,we were used to a tradition of winning baseball..”The Oriole Way”…Orioles Magic… ,we want to feel that pride again.Having you in Orange and black will help bring that pride back to Baltimore.We are all your family and will let you know that each time your name is called to come to bat at Camden Yards.This team is teetering on the brink of becoming a respected force again in the American league and having you on board is just what we need to bring it all together.Make the best decision for you and your family,I hope The Orioles make you an offer you cant refuse,but know this,if you come here…YOU ARE FAMILY!!!
Dear Fellow Marylander
December 16th, 2008 at 8:45 amWhen thinking of Maryland and what we are all about I often think of a quote in a famous movie, “The Wedding Crashers”, “crab-cakes and football, cause thats what Maryland does”. But, that is not entirely true because since the 50’s we have been about “crab-cakes, football and ORIOLES BASEBALL”. It just so happens that over the last 10 years much of the Oriole Fan base has gone dormant. These dormant fans have just been waiting for that one signing, that one guy that tells them we are BACK! That the ORIOLES and the rich baseball history of Baltimore is back! I honestly believe that you are that guy. You are the chosen one, the one to give all of us here in Baltimore and all over Maryland the reason to believe that the O’S ARE BACK. Your mission if you choose to accept it is to bring back the Orioles to where they should be, a significant team, a significant city back to its righteous and rich history in Major League Baseball.
Best Wishes Fellow Marylander
Mark, Bottom line is…you could save baseball in Baltimore!! We need you back in Baltimore to give our fans something to cheer about. Let’s face it, how long has it been since we have had a winning season. The O’s have kept the fan base for only a few reasons, (1) gitting the new stadium (the Yard), and Cal. Will Tex be the next reason fans are buying tickets?? I hope so. With the new talent this team is developing, Tex, and some pitching, I think we can be competitve. I look forward to you comming home, and watching you at the Yard in NOVEMBER!!!!
-Ryan (MSJ ‘96)
December 16th, 2008 at 9:12 amMr. and Mrs. Teixeira,
We all know that you will make the right choice for you and your loved ones. This letter is to show you just the beginning of the love and support of the fans in Baltimore. We all dream about it and we know that you do as well, can’t you already see all of those fans walking down Eutaw St. coming to the ballpark on opening day, with those brand new (Baltimore proud) Orioles uniforms with TEIXEIRA embroiled on the back in that true Orioles Orange bordered by the rich black thin lines surrounding your name. Doesn’t that put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. We here in Maryland know that you want this, we here in Maryland want this, we need this, please come home and do us proud and really enjoy and be proud of your home team and be proud of the team you are playing for. Thank you so much for your time and passion for Baltimore. God Bless! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I can’t wait to see you in Camden Yards this year on opening day hitting the game winning home run onto Eutaw St. -Alyssa, North East, MD
December 16th, 2008 at 9:28 amMark,
I had the pleasure of meeting you right after your rookie sesaon when you came home to Severna Park. You came out to Kinder Park on a Friday night and talked the young players of the Green Hornets. It meant so much to the players and parents to have you come and talk with us knowing that you as a kid ran the same bases in SP that they do. You worked on the same fields they do. I am currently the coach of the Severna Park American Legion team. I say with a great amount of pride that I am lucky enough to coach a team that you played for. Words could not describe the pride and joy that you becoming an Oriole and coming back home would bring to Maryland, Baltimore, and most of to all us Parkies in Severna Park. Good luck to you and your family in making this choice and I hope no matter what you get everything you deserve. Happy Holidays and God Bless.
Tim Stevenson
December 16th, 2008 at 10:55 amDearest Teixeira family,
Please consider what you would mean to the fans of Baltimore. You would be the next Cal and no where else will you get the accolades for just “doing your job” then here in Baltimore. We need a player of your stature and you belong in Baltimore. You need to go to the hall as an Oriole. Thank you for taking the time to accept and read this letter. Take care and be well.
December 16th, 2008 at 12:04 pmDear Mark & Leigh,
December 16th, 2008 at 12:08 pmI have been a loyal Orioles and Ravens Fan for all my life. I can’t express to you the gratitude and love I have for players like Ripken, he stands with only a small number of players when it comes to dollars, loyalty, passion, and giving back. I don’t even know who you are really, but all the talk I hear tells me my addition to Mark’s letter is in line. I know things change when you make the money proffessional atheletes do, and I guess I will never know how I would respond to the offers generated thus far for your abilities. Somewhere inside of me I feel I would want to be nearest to my Dad and Familybe a part of something as special as the rebirth of my beloved O’s. I believe our time has come to turn around and get this town fired up in orange and black again. I also believe you could be that special player that helps to get this done. Please come back home and be a significant part of our 2009 Orioles Magic !! Look forward to seeing you play, wherever your heart takes you and your family.
Wishes for you and your Family to have a beautiful Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year
HEY MARK, JUST THINK,81 DAYS EACH SEASON IN YOUR HOMETOWN INSTEAD OF ABOUT 9! THE ORIOLES NOW LOOK VERY COMMITED TO WINNING WITH THE PROCESS WELL STARTED WITH ANDY MC PHAIL. CURRENT PLAYERS LIKE MARKAKIS,ROBERTS,JONES,AND UPCOMING WIETERS AMOUNG OTHERS WILL BRING THE GLORY DAYS BACK! HOW GREAT FOR BALTIMORE WOULD IT BE TO INCLUDE “TEIXEIRA” ALONG THE SIDE OF BROOKS,CAL,PALMER,MURRAY AND ALL THE OTHERS AT CAMDEN YARD!! WE SURE HOPE SO! THANKS FOR LISTENING!! MAC
December 16th, 2008 at 4:16 pmI watch almost every Orioles game on TV. I haven’t been to the stadium in years. If there were a Teixeira in the lineup, I’d be in the stands. Come on home!
December 17th, 2008 at 6:29 amMark & Leigh,
I hope you come home for Christmas and be part of the Orioles. Mark, you will be the big peace of the puzzle to send us to the top. You can be the next generation’s Cal Ripken. Mark, I am also 28 yrs old, I played baseball growing up and played highschool baseball at Woodlawn High from 94-98. You are living a dream that so many of us have.I never got the chance to do that. I know you will get the money, because you are worth it. However, this is more then the money. It’s about playing for the team that grew up watching, wishing as a kid that you were part of. Well , now is your chance. As a kid, I bet you would had played for the Orioles for free. Well, here is your chance to get paid for your Dream. I know you want to win. We all do. Just imagine how sweet it will be to win the championship with the words BALIMORE across your Jersey. Mark, you have a chance to bring back Orioles Magic. Our Kids can grow up and be proud of the Orioles again. You will be a big part of that.
Thank you
Rob Davenport
December 17th, 2008 at 7:43 amI have been an O’s fan all my life. I hope you can find it in your heart to help end the pain in your home town area. Please help us you’re our only hope Mark Help Us Please.
December 17th, 2008 at 1:11 pmDear Mr. Teixeira and Mrs. Teixeira,
First of all, I would like to say that I agree with everyone elses sentiments. You DO NOT OWE baltimore anything. And no one knows what is in your head or your heart, but if you are like the rest of us baltimore boys, and you grew up loving the orioles I am sure the you dreamed of playing in camden yards in an oriole uniform. While we may not have had the great winning tradition the past decade that the orioles had when we were growing up, I do believe in Andy Mcphail and the brain trust that they are finally going in the right direction. I know that the word is you want to win now, and coming to baltimore you are not going to win a whole lot right away, but I feel that we are making the right desicions and that you would get your “ring” here and bring baltimore back to prominence in the east.
What would be more sweeter then watching this team grow and blossom and start to compete with boston and new york and then watch them grown into the “beasts of the east” again and beat down the redsox and yankees on the way to the pennant and then the world series.
Its late december and the ravens are making a playoff run, and you and where you are gonna sign is still a top story everyday. Thats the passion we have for our orioles here. They may not be the best, they may not win alot, but we still love them and have a great deal of passion for them that we are waiting to pour all over them. Come home and hope us return to greatness and be that next big step forward.
In the past I try to get to 3 or 4 games a year. That being said, with your commitment to baltimore returning to greatness, I promise that I will commit to atleast 1 game a month regardless of standings. Even in september if the Rays have run away with it again and the twins have the wildcard, I will be in the stands wearing my Tex jersey cheering you and the rest of the O’s on.
I hope that you have blessed holiday and wonderful new year.
December 18th, 2008 at 7:31 pmChristopher Murray
Dear Mr. Teixeira, I have always thought that one of the many signs of the Orioles abandoning the Orioles way was their failure to draft you right out of high school. You come from this town, you remember going to opening day on a student ticket. Sitting in the bleachers watching the Orioles chanting for Dempsey to appear during rain delays. Or Eddie when Murray came to the plate. How about the Ripken brothers and their father? Or eating crabs and watching an away game. Here in Baltimore that has been gone long time, too long, and you signing with the Orioles will be a major step to bringing that Oriole magic back here to Baltimore. Please come home and give us some hope for the future.
December 19th, 2008 at 5:38 amDear Mark and Family,
I think you should know that you have the support of us O’s fans regardless of your decision. With that being said, we would appreciate having you here. It’s hard to watch O’s games some days, but I have a 7 year old son that loves the O’s with a passion. He watches every game and when they last past his bed time or the west coast games, he has me TIVO them so he can watch them the next day. He gets his Orioles Yearbook each year and looks at it over and over again. He has me read it to him at night and the little guy memorizes every little detail about the team. He doesn’t understand why the Orioles aren’t competing in October because to him the Orioles are the best team ever and no other team is as great as they are. We attend a few games a year and last year we actually made it to one where the O’s won and he was ecstatic. He wants to be a baseball player and he wants to play for the Orioles. He goes outside every day and puts his ball on a cone, hits it runs the bases and goes picks the ball up and does it all over again. O’s have some terrific players, but they aren’t the O’s that we grew up watching with Cal on it. I would love for him to have that feeling and for the O’s to be winners again. Having you on the team could help O’s fans become proud again. We appreciate your consideration and hope you choose us and the O’s.
December 19th, 2008 at 8:26 amHi Mark and Leigh,
I’m a long time Oriole fan. My Dad watch many of the Orioles games with his Orioles hat on. My Dad is a cancer survivor. Thanks Johns Hopkins and God, my Dad is still alive. Also my parents work with “Meals on Wheels” program. I’m very proud of them. It is a prayer of my heart that one day, I will take my Dad and Mom to a Orioles playoff game. The Yankees and Red Sox fans are so used to going to the playoffs, that it doesn’t quite have the same significance to an Oriole fan. Honestly you are the best chance to make those dreams happen. Whatever you decide, good luck and God bless to you and your family.
Thanks,
December 19th, 2008 at 3:57 pmJim
Hi Mark and Leigh,
We need you ! Please come home to play.
Jeff
December 20th, 2008 at 9:22 amMark,
December 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pmPlease come home we need you.
Just think, you could be the foundation in rebuilding our Baltimore Orioles! We need you so please come home.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:37 pmDebbie
Dear Mark and Leigh, I would love to be able to welcome you and your family to the Baltimore Orioles! Mark, please consider playing for our team and if you do, I will buy more tickets to see you and the Orioles grow into a dynasty! We have great offence and with you added would be even greater!! I know our team has not been in the hunt for many years but I’m sure you can tell we are working twords getting back to the series!!
Regards,
Ed…
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:06 pmDear Mark,
December 24th, 2008 at 3:35 amIt is obvious that you and Mr. Angelos have a lot in common mainly getting as much money as you can. You will hold out for the largest contract possoble and Angelos will not bend to give you a contract that will cut into his growing profits. So good luck in New York I hope you can live up to the expectations. We here in Baltimore will continue to suffer under an owner who cares more about increasing his wealth rather than shelling out a few extra bucks to increase the popularity and productivity of his team. As for me I am not even sure I’ll turn on the TV to watch the Orioles this year let alone go to a game. The unfullfilled promises of 10 plus losing seasons, the overwhelming one sidedness of a few teams to grab all the availble players has dragged me into a position of not really caring one way or the other of what happens in baseball. So go play for your extra 2.5 million a year. I’m sure you deserve it. I’m sure it will make you happier. Angelos hey that an extra 20 mill you get to keep in your pocket. Me I just gotta figure out what to do from february to August. I’m pretty sure it won’t be watching your pathetic team tank after the All star break Again.
Teixeira,
I take back my previous post. You will never be a sports icon. You are just going to be another Yankee. The Orioles don’t need you to be a winning team. Mr. MacPhail is going to make this team into the Orioles of old, and we WILL win without you. So good luck to you and your World Series buying team. Mr. MacPhail, Oriole fans believe in you and trust in your judgment.
Go O’s!!
December 24th, 2008 at 6:42 am