Pitching, Defense and the 3 run homer...that was the theme for the Baltimore Orioles of the 70's and 80's. A gritty team that always found its way into the thick of it every year. Then in 1992, they built the first of many great ballparks in America (Camden Yards) and had some more success through the 90's.
To me the Orioles were a team you wanted to cheer for:
They played in a town sandwiched in between DC & Philly (and to a lesser degree NYC) and for the longest time only had the Orioles to cheer for.
Their packaging was always really good (good uniforms, nice stadium, great fan base, players you wanted to cheer for...Brooks Robinson, Ken Singleton, Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken, and Eddie Murray).
They played in the AL East vs. the Yankees and Red Sox and always seemed to compete. From 1967 to 1986 they never had a losing record (as a Twins fan in that era I believe I saw 4 winning seasons).
Their fans are remarkable. I've been to 4 O's games and I left each of them shaking my head at how good their fans are. On one occasion they gave Ken Griffey, Jr. a standing ovation (he hit 3 dingers, and while rounding third on the last one the fans stood to applaud the effort).
The O's haven't made the playoffs since Clinton was in office (and they have as much chance of making them this year as a Clinton making the oval office ever again).
Are there other Baltimore Orioles out there (don't confuse the O's with a dynasty, I'd say they were just a consistent winner for a long time and now have fallen on hard times)?
If so, I'd love to hear them.
