No. 3 Takes the Mound

Jax on the Mound
Arundel High School, Odenton, MD
April 2, 2025

Last evening, I was privileged to attend an Arundel High School Varsity Baseball game in which my grandson was the starting pitcher. He is a junior and it was his first varsity start. Although it was cold--very cold, both Chris and I were excited to be there. We did not know he was the starter until we arrived just as he was finishing his warmup for the first inning.

He pitched a gutsy and great 5.2 innings. He actually pitched 6 innings, but a dropped ball at 1st base cost him the final out of the 6th and also the win. He allowed 2 hits, 1 unearned run, walked 4 and struck out 2. The team went on to win the game 2-1 with a 7th inning walk-off single to score a run. 

Why gutsy? Well, it was cold and there was a biting wind. But, more importantly, he did not have command of his best pitch, yet figured out how to get outs using his other pitches and that is really tough on a cold day when the team is depending on you to turn the fortunes of the season around. The team has suffered some tough late-inning losses and their record is 2-5.

On the Bump
Arundel High School, Odenton, MD
April 2, 2025

This was his third appearance of the season and he has been solid in the other two. Although he got tagged for a blown save in his first appearance, he was victimized by a nasty error which allowed the go ahead runs to score on what should have been the final out of the game. He was lights out in his second appearance, also in relief, pitching 2.2 innings of 1 hit baseball while recording 5 strikeouts. That game was the team's only other win.

I wish we were staying in Maryland longer so that I could see him pitch again, but the warmth of Florida is calling to me!

Good job Jax! 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Long-distance Baseball

Watching GameChanger
Tequesta, FL
July 19, 2024

 Our grandson Jackson is playing in a Maryland state-wide American Legion baseball tournament this weekend. Chris and I looked hard at flying to Maryland to be there in person, but the crazy pricing for last-minute airline seats made that financially irresponsible and it was too far to just drive up for the weekend.

The miracle of modern technology almost makes it as though we are there at the game, however, using an app called GameChanger. We can access the realtime video of the game on my laptop, or phone, and project it onto a larger TV. It is not the same as a big league game but we can follow the action in realtime almost like we are there. Of course Nicole, our daughter and mother of Jackson, gets peppered with questions about things happening that are not clear. She seems to take it all in stride, however, and I appreciate her timely responses. 

The team seems to be doing well. They are playing again today after two games on Friday and one game yesterday. I think that means they are likely in the semifinals, which is really cool. I hope they get to play the team from Boonsboro again who gave them their only loss so far. 

I wish we were there in person, but watching the game live is a close second.

Gotta love baseball!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Night with the O's

OPACY (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)
Baltimore, MD
May 1, 2024

 Chris and I were blessed to be able to attend an Orioles game, Wednesday night, with many of our family members. I say blessed because it was a truly great experience even though the O's dropped the game to the Yankees.

Pre-game at Pickles
Baltimore, MD
MAy 1, 2024

I had not been to OPACY since the 2022 season. It was good to be back in my favorite ballpark and to see for myself the new, last year, Great Wall of Baltimore. 

We dropped in at Pickles for some pre-game adult beverages. That was something that we almost always did when we had season tickets. It is a good way to transition from fighting horrific traffic to getting in a baseball frame of mind. It is fun to interact with the other fans, even those rooting for the wrong team. 

View from Our Seats in Section 55
OPACY, Baltimore, MD
May 1, 2024

As can be seen from the images, it was an idyllic evening for baseball complete with clear skies, bright sun, moderate temperatures and a lot of fun. 

I was treated to a great pitcher's duel. Although the O's lost 0-2, I enjoyed the game as each at-bat brought a new opportunity to win the game. 

I enjoyed a Boog's BBQ--wow, I forgot how much roast beef they put in a sandwich! I walked the stadium and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of the ballpark. 

It was good to be back, even for a night.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Take Me Out . . .

Jax at the Plate 9th Inning
Broadneck HS, Annapolis, MD
April 29, 2024

 I had the opportunity to enjoy a junior varsity baseball game between Arundel and Broadneck. Jax was playing and there was a bit of revenge in the air as Broadneck had soundly defeated the Arundel Wildcats during their previous meeting.

The warm temperatures, in the 80s, and the crystal blue sky coupled with a nice breeze made the afternoon game a very pleasant endeavor. 

While the game was a loss for Arundel, I witnessed a lot of good baseball with some exceptional plays. Arundel turned two double plays but could not score more than 2 runs, finally succumbing to Broadneck 9-2, with 3 of their runs coming in the bottom of the 6th inning as the pitchers pitch count started climbing. Jax had one of Arundel's 5 hits, a solid shot into right centerfield. Earlier in the game, he got dinged up a bit sliding into second base as the infield dirt was very hard. 

It was a great afternoon of baseball.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Finally--the World Series

 What a very different MLB playoff season it was. But now the teams are set for the finale--the World Series. 

After the wild card and division playoff series were mostly blow-outs, both the ALCS and NLCS went seven games with the winning teams taking the final two games from the home teams. That was a first in baseball history I learned while watching the game last night.

Based upon their recent performance, the Arizona Diamondbacks should have the advantage since they will play four of the seven games on the road! Texas only won road games during their ALCS series. 

But no matter--it begins Friday night in Texas as Arizona faces the Texas Rangers in the best of seven game duel. 

Can the snakes strike before the Rangers unholster their bats?

It remains to be seen.

I am rooting for Texas. It is a thing. I tend to cheer for the team which eliminated my team to win the championship, because if we lost it had better be to the eventual champions!

Go Texas.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Baseball Banquet and the Week Begins

 

Jackson and His Coach
Waugh Chapel, MD
June 5, 2023

Last evening I was honored to attend the Baseball Banquet for Jackson. He was a contributing member of the Arundel High School JV Baseball team and last evening was the recognition for the entire program, varsity and junior varsity.

He was recognized not only for his contributions to the team, but also as a scholar athlete.

It was a fun evening watching the team accept awards and accolades, from freshmen to departing seniors.  

This banquet kicked off a week of celebration. 

This morning we are off to Ethan's graduation. And the activities associated with graduating high school have already begun in earnest. 

But, last evening was devoted to Jax and baseball, and rightfully so!.

BTW, Happy D-Day!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Pollen and Baseball

Pollen on the Pond
Odenton, MD
April 14, 2023

 I was shocked yesterday as I looked at the pond near Nicole's home and noticed the thick layer of pollen floating on the water. It is no wonder my allergies are running rampant. The incredible amount of pollen in the air is a good reason to stay inside, but the problem is that the weather has been so idyllic that I want to be outside. Thankfully, Claritin keeps my allergies in check so that I can be outside. 

Jackson gets a Hit
Glen Burnie, MD
April 14, 2023

I was outside in the pollen attending the Arundel Junior Varsity Baseball Team's game in Glen Burnie last evening. It was the third game of the week, but fortunately the weather has made attending the games very pleasant. 

Last evening's game was a rout, sadly, as Arundel pounded the undermanned Glen Burnie team, 25-1. I felt very bad for the Glen Burnie team as they were clearly outmatched. Even though the game ended after 5 innings due to the mercy rule, it still took well over 2 hours to complete. I was impressed with the Arundel coaches who recognized during the 5th inning with the game in hand that Glen Burnie was out of pitchers. With the bases loaded, as they had been for most of the top of the 5th inning, and a 24-run lead they allowed Glen Burnie to get an easy third out to end the inning and the bleeding. I actually heard the Glen Burnie manager yell "Thank you" after the play. Long before that, during the inning, Arundel had stopped aggressively running the bases to keep from running up the score. Glen Burnie was retired quickly in the bottom of the inning to end the game. It was demoralizing for the Glen Burnie players who only had 11 players compared to Arundel's 19. Not a deep bench.

The entire Maryland family, along with a family from Ithaca attended the game and were treated to Jax getting a hit and playing in the field. I am getting a bit better with my camera and recorded the hit. It was good that everyone made it to the game. Since we have moved to Florida, we have had fewer opportunities to gather together to celebrate. 

After the game many of us gathered at Nicole's and enjoyed pizza while watching, of course, the Orioles once again come from behind in the late innings to win a baseball game. The Orioles are tied for third place in the AL East with the Yankees. The are also tied for 5th place in the American League with the Yankees and the Guardians.

And what is on tap for today? 

Baseball! Outdoors! Pollen! And Happy Hour with friends.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Springtime Projects and an Update

 

Electric Mower
Odenton, MD
April 11, 2023

I live in a condo community and so I do not have yard work. I must travel to have the opportunity to get out into the yard with a mower and create the dust and pollen to which I am allergic. The other day I mowed the lawn at Nicole's townhome. It is much smaller than the lawn I used to mow on my tractor and I used a self-propelled electric mower. I was good to be in the yard doing work. I did need to boost my allergy medicine afterwards--I am very allergic to Maryland. Funny, I don't need allergy medicine in Florida. 

I actually enjoyed getting out in the yard and doing one of the first mowings of the season. Chris and I used to compete to do the first mowing at our house in Elkridge. 

As an aside and a follow-on to yesterday's blog about the Arundel Junior Varsity Baseball Team, Chris and I attended a home game last evening. The Arundel team spotted the visitors 10 runs in the top of the 1st inning, but over the course of the remaining innings of the game outscored the visitors 14-2. Final score: 14-12 Arundel! Jackson did not get into the game, but it was thrilling to see the boys claw back into the game by tying tie the score at 11-11 in the 4th inning and then press on to win. It was a long almost three-hour game, but it was full of action and drama.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Baseball Afternoon

Jax on the Mound
Southern High School
Harwood, MD
April 11, 2023

 One thing that both Chris and I are experiencing during our visit to Maryland is junior varsity high school baseball. And it is great to be at the games we otherwise would be tracking on GameChanger. 

Yesterday we traveled to Southern High School for an afternoon game. The weather had warmed since the weekend and was absolutely perfect for baseball. 

We had comfortable seats, in the shade, for the game. I have to admit, I was thankful that I brought a sweatshirt to ward away the cold which began to sink-in about mid-way through the contest. 

Jax was not in the game as a position player, he often plays an outfield position. As the game wore on, into the third inning, the score began to get more lopsided and we were hoping that the contest would end after the fifth inning by mercy rule--a ten-run advantage for the Arundel Wildcats. 

Then, to begin the bottom of the 4th inning, who should appear from the dugout and stride to the mound? Jax! We were very excited to see him pitch in person. He had only posted one other appearance this year--two solid innings of work combining for a shutout. Today, however, was another day and we held our breath as he took the mound. 

When the game was over, Jax had posted two solid innings of work. Two hits, one unearned run and two strikeouts. He threw 27 pitches to 8 batters, 20 of which were for strikes. He also demonstrated a great pick-off move which caught the runner leading too far off first base leading to a rundown which ended when the runner was tagged out. He held the more than 10 run lead and the game was mercifully over 2 hours and 15 minutes after it had started.

Since we have been in Maryland we have seen Jax play right field, pinch run, and now pitch! Oh yes, and bat!

Today, we will be attending a home game!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

80s in Maryland

Arundel High JV Baseball Team
Crofton, MD
April 6, 2023

 Chris and I landed in Maryland just a few hours ago and we are already at a junior varsity baseball doubleheader enjoying 80 degree temperatures. 

The Orioles canceled their home opener due to the threat of thunderstorms, but the skies at 2 PM were partly cloudy. 

We had an early morning flight from West Palm Beach which went smoothly. The plane was packed. 

Of course this is a holiday weekend and we are back in Maryland for Easter. 

Sitting here, I am amazed at the number of kids on the team that I have had the honor to coach with my son-in-law Mike in the past. They are so big now and still using the fundamentals of the game we taught them. Wow! 

- Bob Doan, Crofton, MD

Spring Training Continues

Lecom Park
Bradenton, FL
March 17, 2023

 I drove across Florida to attend a Spring Training game at the Pittsburgh Pirates facility in Bradenton, Florida, yesterday. The drive across Florida for three hours on a two lane road is very interesting. My route, since I'm going to the Sarasota/Bradenton area, takes me just north of Lake Okeechobee and then straight across the state to Bradenton. The landscape is very flat. I passed cattle farms, palm tree nurseries, a turf farm, and lots of just open space. I note that the road is a two lane road. And the road in places is just straight and flat. 

I enjoyed the game. The Pirates defeated the Rays 6-2, but it was almost more about being in the sunlight, the warmth, and with my friends from Maryland.

View Across the 5th Fairway
Bobcat Course, The Plantation
Venice, FL
March 18, 2023

This morning I awoke in a condo on a golf course. I ams sitting here watching the sun come up and wondering when the first group will pass by. I can remember being one of the first groups on the course heading out into the dew covered grass watching the ball kick up a rooster tail when it rolled over the green. I am told this course hosts an LPGA qualifying event. 

I am looking forward to some fun this morning and then a drive home later tonight.

-- Bob Doan, Venice, FL

Baseball Returns

Roger Dean Stadium
Jupiter, FL
February 25, 2023

 The first Spring Training games of the brand new MLB season were played yesterday.

Chris and I along with our friends visiting from Maryland were in attendance as the Washington Nationals came to town to play the St Louis Cardinals!

Baseball is Back!

Jupiter is a baseball city. Two MLB teams conduct Spring Training here and there are two Minor League teams that play here after the MLB teams head north. 

Yesterday's game was exciting and enjoyable. The only real problem was the two teams playing both wore red and so it was Red on Red. The only visual difference in the uniforms was their pants. The day was blessed with beautiful weather, 80s and clear. The game was close, but I have to admit the crowd seemed somewhat subdued. The game felt more like a late season MLB game with both teams out of contention for the playoffs. 

There were two distinct parts to the game. The Cardinal starters beat the National starters 2-1 during the first 5 innings, but the Nationals Spring Training invitees defeated the Cardinal invitees 2-0 for the final 4 innings, making the final score 3-2 Nationals. I took the image of the scoreboard before the game was complete, but it accurately depicts the final score.

It was baseball and I was there to enjoy it. 

Roger Dean Stadium did have some opening day security issues. The lines were over 20 minutes long to gain entrance to the stadium. We missed the first half inning and the National's first run because of the lines. I am hopeful that the security processing issues will be solved as the season progresses. 

In other Spring Training news, it should be noted that the Orioles defeated the Twins 10-5 in Sarasota. 

Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

A Beautiful Night for Baseball

Padres vs Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
August 12, 2022

 

The sky was stunningly clear and the temperatures moderate after stifling heat and humidity. Jeremy secured some prime seats at Nationals Park for the game between the visiting San Diego Padres and the local Washington Nationals. 

It was not so much about the game, I spent much of the evening watching the Orioles scores as they defeated Tampa Bay to move into third place in the division and actually take sole posession of the third Wild Card spot. Of course there is a lot of baseball remaining, but that the Orioles are third in the toughest division in baseball is no small feat.

But, back to the game. I was able to see some of the Padres superstars--Manny Machado--a former Oriole, and Juan Soto, a former Nationals. The Nationals were never really in the game once the scoring began and the Padres piled on the runs, winning 10-5, but three of the Nationals runs were gratuitious in the bottom of the 9th inning. 

The game was fun to watch, but there was a problem with the scoreboard and we did not have live pitch counts or scores after about the 6th inning. Fortunately, we were able to keep up with the game on our cells.

I thank Julie because she accepted the task of driving in the ferocious traffic; allowing me to enjoy the game more because I could just be a passenger.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

10 Straight

A 10-game winning streak has not happened for the Orioles since a 13-game streak during the 1999 campaign. 

All of the teams in the AL East are OVER .500.

American League East Standings
As of Play on July 14, 2022

That has happened before, but not very often. More importantly, despite the Yankees being the untouchable team of the season, the O's are just 1.5 games out of the Wild Card position. They actually gained a half-game last night because both Boston and Toronto lost.

The Orioles are on a road trip and head into the Trop (Tropicana Field) tonight to face the Rays.

The O's no longer are tied for the longest win streak in baseball as the Mariners played last night and extended their streak to 11 games, but so what, the O's have played themselves into contention and now begin a stretch, broken up by the All Star Game, of 10 games--7 against the Rays and 3 against the Yankees! It is time to see what this team is really made of!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Magic Returns

As the Game Begins Angels vs O's
OPACY
July 9, 2022

 It has been over a month since I attended an Orioles game. The team has matured significantly and has become a force. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak and they are fun to watch. 

Yesterday afternoon's game was played under gray skies with intermittent rain, but Orioles Park at Camden Yards (OPACY) was as full of screaming Orioles fans, all dressed in Orange, as I have seen it in many years. In fact, the paid attendance was over 32,000. That was , I believe, the highest attendance since Opening Day when over 44,000 paid to see the Orioles begin the season. 

After the Victory
Sea of Orange
OPACY
June 9, 2022

The Orioles are actually in the playoff hunt! They are just 3.0 games out of the a Wild Card playoff spot! They are also 42-44 on the season, sitting at just 2 games below .500. Not only that, but the O's are on a seven-game winning streak for the first time since August 2017!

It was a close game, with the Orioles defeating the Angels 1-0. I guess it was a pitching duel, although it did not seem that way. I did see some great defensive baseball and was treated to a rare 5-3-5 double play. That would be a ball hit to the third baseman and thrown to first for the first out and then back to third to tag the runner for the second out. Inning ending double play!

Unlike my last outing to OPACY, the magic is definitely back. And the crowd stayed until the end of the game.

I noticed a few things about the park, however. They were not prepared for the crowd that came to see the O's. Concession stands ran out of food and drink. Also, there was a lack of police and traffic control on the streets which resulted in some of the worst traffic tie-ups I have seen. I did get my Orioles Aloha shirt, which was the giveaway for the day.

I had fun and the team is fun to watch. 

Being part of a surging throng yelling, "Let's Go O's" was something I did not expect, but yesterday it happened and I loved being part of the noise and fun of Major League Baseball. I was reminded of playoff baseball and victories past at OPACY. Maybe, just maybe, the team is ready to compete again.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

1-2-3-2 Triple Play

 It was a baseball evening for the Severn Seminoles 14U last evening. The Pasadena Eagles were the opponents for the final game before the season ending tournament. 

It was a beautiful evening for baseball. The team has really come together as the season has progressed. They are generally solid in the field, although at the plate there is still some weakness even though I have seen every member of the team crack the bat on the ball.

The game was a close game for all of the scheduled 7 innings. 

As the line score shows, the teams were fairly evenly matched. Being a scrimmage, both coaches decided to use pitchers for only one inning as a tune-up for the weekend tournament. All of the pitchers brought their best stuff for the evening. Although it would seem that the 1st inning was the pivotal inning where Severn won the inning by outscoring Pasadena, the play of the night, and perhaps the season, occurred during the 4th inning. 

To start the 4th, Severn sent its lefty pitcher to the plate to face the Pasadena line-up. It was a rough start as he walked the first three batters. He took the 4th batter of the inning to a 3-1 count before the game changing pitch and play occurred. On what looked like a possible ball 4 to walk in a run, the batter swung and hit a solid drive back to the pitcher (1), he threw to the catcher (2) for the force out at home. The catcher fired a bullet to the 1st baseman (3) getting the out on the batter, but that was where the real magic occurred. The 1st baseman continued the play and fired the ball back to the catcher (2) who tagged out the runner who was trying to score form 2nd base. That friends is a beautiful 1-2-3-2 inning ending triple play--with two outs being made at home plate.

It was a fantastic way to get out of the inning!

And Severn ultimately won the game, 5-4.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Late Today

Jax at the Plate
Lakeshore Athletic Complex
June 1, 2022

 I had an early departure this morning for a baseball game. I was on the road at 7:30 AM and so I didn't get the blog done in the morning. 

It turned out that because of lack of umpires, the baseball game became a scrimmage and I became an umpire in the field. It was my first time as an umpire since college and fortunately lately the parent from the other team was a real umpire in another league and helped me through. 

It was fun!

I learned a lot. I had always noticed the umpires using hand signals between each other, but except for ensuring they knew the number of outs I never could decipher them. Well, that changed. There is a lot of communication between umpires to ensure they each know what is happening. I believe in my heart, I made all good calls today. As a scrimmage, there was no time limit and the seven inning game went almost three hours in the developing heat of the day. I was dog tired after.

But, I knew that I had projects to do at home, like taking hazardous materials to the landfill including some lithium batteries. They only accept hazardous items and liquids on Saturdays. Chris and I also managed to clean out the pool house attic and crossed another room off the list. Most of the stuff in that attic went to the landfill, with the exception of pool toys and floaties.

It was a beautiful day for being outside and we were.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Split, the heat, and the cool pool

 

Jax In-between Games
Bowie, MD
May 21, 2022

On a hot Summer-like day it was time for a baseball doubleheader.

The Severn Seminoles 14U baseball team played two solid games in the 90 degree weather and split with the Bowie Bulldogs. Had the Seminole bats warmed up during the first game, it could easily have been won. 

The official high for the region, taken at BWI Airport was 91 degrees yesterday, but the "feels-like" was over 100 degrees due to the humidity. The team survived and played some great baseball because the dugout was covered and the boys were able to stay out of the sun when not on the field. The coaching staff, and parents, also encouraged everyone to drink water at every opportunity. I actually felt bad for the umpire, there was only one yesterday instead of the usual two, he was in the sun constantly for each game and he called consistent and fair games. 

Game 1
Bowie, MD
May 21, 2022

Game 2
Bowie, MD
May 21, 2022

Unlike major league baseball, we get to switch between home and away when playing a doubleheader. The success for the games was really on the shoulders of the pitchers who minimized walks and pitched out of some tough jams, but also on the entire team for hanging together in the heat and playing generally rock-solid baseball. Winning, or losing, is a team effort and everyone contributed yesterday. 

An injury suffered by a Bowie player that took time to resolve was the reason that the second game only went 6 innings (actually 5 1/2) since the home team (Seminoles) was ahead as time expired. Fortunately, indications are that the Bowie player will be OK, but he had to leave the game. Baseball injury time is not added to the time limit, unlike soccer. 

The picture of Jax between games really shows the hard part of playing a doubleheader. His uniform is dirty from sliding back into base, he is hot, and yet he was the starting pitcher for the second game. He posted a solid line: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, 14 BF, 49 P - 27 S. I can also write that in English: 3 innings pitched, 2 runs allowed, 0 earned runs charged, 2 walks, 2 strike outs, 14 batters faced, 49 pitches thrown - 27 of those were strikes.

As for the pool--I was hot after the game. I consumed a great amount of cold water during the drive home, which fortunately was not excessive. But, when I got home to the "ready for Summer" pool, I admit to falling into it to fully cool off from the heat. Even though the 70-something degree water was a bit of a shock when I first dove it, it really did the trick and returned both my body temperature and mind-set to the proper temperature. 

Who says a pool needs to be 80 degrees to be enjoyed. Oh wait, that was me! I am corrected.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Doubleheader Saturday

 

Sumner arrived almost exactly a month early yesterday. 

I looked at my watch just after 3 PM yesterday and the reported temperature in Elkridge was 90 degrees! I was outside and loving it! Officially, the actual high was only 89 degrees, but the heat of the day was sufficient to raise the pool water temperature 5 degrees. It is now 70 degrees and should climb even more today. I am seeing projection for the expected high of between 93-95 degrees!

My plan for the day? Coaching a baseball doubleheader! Yup! In the heat. We will be monitoring the boys carefully and are planning to bring home two wins! I am more excited about playing in the heat than I was about playing baseball in 30 degree temperatures. The ball should be flying today because our boys can really hit. 

And the good thing? After the game I can come home and fall into my pool to refresh from the heat and dust! Maybe that is the part that excites me most. 

BTW, the official first day of Summer is June 21st, but with Memorial Day next weekend and the heat continuing today and tomorrow before a respite it feels like my favorite month of the year: July!

Play Ball!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Three Game Winning Streak?

 This is just shocking and exciting. 

American League East Standings
May 11, 2022

The Orioles just won their first game of a road trip against the Cardinals with a rookie pitcher on the mound that threw 11 strikeouts and completed 7 innings. 

That win gives them three wins in a row. 

The win also propelled them into 10th among the 15 American League teams. They are also in 4th place in the AL East with Boston below them. 

Just a note--they are also now tied for 19th among the 30 MLB teams.

This is so different!

I have become accustomed to the team being 28th, 29th, or 30th among the MLB teams and at the bottom of the division. 

This is exciting and different; I am happy that I have already been able to attend two games this season. My game attendance record if 1-1.

Let's Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD