Obligatory Baseball Post

Just finished watching "For Love of the Game," and it got me to thinking. And no, not about how I actually like that movie, overly sentimental chick flick disguised as a baseball film that it is (sue me). No, about how one of the most embarrassingly awkward things in sports fandom is to be at your teams park and be no-hit/perfect gamed.

I was there, April 4th 2001, when Hideo Nomo no hit the Baltimore Orioles. Considering the overall career of Nomo, that was pretty much the pinnacle of the low point (I know, I know) of the O's ineptness these past 9 seasons. But beyond being a little buzzed, and taking care of my VERY drunk college buddy in the upper decks of Camden Yards (he actually fell down the aisle stairs at one point. Not too far, but enough), I remember it pretty clearly. In fact, I had to wake my friend up to what was going on around the 7th inning, since he was too drunk to notice the magnitude of the situation.

Part of me hates that it happened. The other part is happy that I saw a no-hitter in person in my lifetime. Even if it was against a division rival on the second bloody day of the season...sorry, there's the hate I was talking about. I'm sure there are other accomplishments that invoke that same feeling, that sense of "I was there for history, even if it was at the detriment of my team" but damn if I can think of them.

In the spirit of the upcoming season, here are a few pictures of my favorite current Orioles.

Starting pitcher Erik Bedard. This could be the year he becomes elite. I sure hope so.
Second basemen and resident "aw, look how small he is and all the women fans love him" guy, Brian Roberts.
Right fielding sophomore hoping to not hit that sophomore slump, Nick Markakis. If only he hadn't started slowly last year, he could have been a stronger contender for RotY.
Now ex-right fielder, former first baseman who can't seem to get the hang of playing there, maybe a DH but also maybe gonna be in LF some Jay Gibbons. Looking for all the world like he's hurt himself in this picture. Which is possible, since he should have "oft-injured" permanently added to his name. But I have a soft spot for Rule V'ers that actually build a halfway decent Major League career.
And last, Miguel Tejada, who managed not to whine this off season. Way to go Miggy! I like this picture of him leapfrogging Gary Matthews, Jr, while wearing an '83 throwback jersey. I wish we'd get that cartoon bird back...though I do prefer the solid black/orange bill of the 60s and 70s to the 80s white face version.