by Roy Firestone
As this team staggers to the finish line, in this, the worst season in franchise history, and among the worst season’s in modern baseball history, I’d like to take a few lines to say what I miss most, and whom I miss most in recent Oriole past.
I miss Delmon Young’s bases clearing double in the playoffs against the Tigers…with J.J. Hardy barely safe at home as he hobbled round the bases.
I miss Joe Saunders gutting out a start to beat Darvish in the playoffs.
I miss sweeping 3 consecutive former Cy Young winners in Price, Verlander, and Scherzer to beat the Tigers in the playoffs.
I miss Mark Reynolds clubbing the Yankees with 3 HR’s in a crucial showdown.
I miss that Manny decoy fake throw and tag against the Tampa Bay Rays in a game we needed.
I miss Jim Johnson and Zach Britton when they were at their best closing games in clutch performances.
I miss Nick Markakis with a diving catch saving a run in RF…or saving the game to open a season in Tampa with a brilliant catch.
I miss Brian Roberts coming back from months of concussion protocol to deliver key hits in his first game return.
I miss Nate McClouth making an amazing catch in left or delivering a crucial double to right in another important game.
I miss the Chris Davis that gave us 53 and 47 HR’s in 2 out of three seasons…
I miss Adam Jones blowing bubbles and making a spectacular catch in CF, and his leadership and fire.
And Adam’s pie in the faces when it was really funny and appropriate…and not just obligatory…
I miss Wieters and his walk off hits and Home Runs and throwing out runners with precision…
I miss Wei-Yin Chen, and Jason Hammel, and a rejuvenated Bud Norris, and Chris Tillman’s curveball, and unexpected heroes like Steve Johnson and Kevin Millwood making considerable contributions.
I miss Jon Schoop with his home run power and 1000 watt smile and the joy he played with.
I miss Robert Andino, and Nolan Remold finding a way to end the Red Sox playoffs hopes to end their season.
I miss (yes I do) Ubaldo when he suddenly “got it” for a month or so and dominated with off speed and wildly deceptive splitters…
I miss Miggy Gonzales coming out of nowhere to become a force in the rotation…Tommy Hunter with his blazing fastball and good ole boy spirit.
I miss 2012, and 13, and 14..and the years when watching the Orioles was worthwhile and relevant, and fun.
Carole King said it best:
There’ll be good times again for me and you
But we just can’t stay together, don’t you feel it too
Still I’m glad for what we had, and how I once loved you
But it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late
Though we really did try to make it
Something inside has died and I can’t hide
And I just can’t fake it, Oh no no no no no
Heres to better days ahead!
Go O’s.
