The Eutaw Street Chronicles: May 5, 1992

Reimer draws attention with his bat and his glove; another former "O" visits the Yard

"Instead of an applause meter, they should have used the boo meter. I knew it was going to happen."

-Jeff Robinson, former Oriole, May 5, 1992

The Eutaw Street Chronicles: May 5, 1992

Hitter: Kevin Reimer.

Pitcher: Jose Mesa.

Distance: 403 feet.

When it happened: Top of the second, nobody on, one out.

Final score: Rangers 5 - Orioles 3.

The second Eutaw Street home run in Camden Yards history was but a footnote in the game's retelling: "The Rangers hit three home runs, including one by Kevin Reimer that missed hitting the warehouse in right field by 28 feet, 8 inches." It was Reimer's glove rather than his bat that attracted the most attention during a rain-delayed match-up between the Orioles and Rangers on May 5, 1992.

During a three-run first inning for the Birds, 6-foot-5-inch, 250-pound designated hitter Sam Horn drove a sharp opposite-field hit toward Reimer in left field. After briefly snaring the drive on the run, Reimer fell to the soggy turf and lost the ball, allowing Horn, in his 879th Major League at-bat, to record his first and only triple.

"I thought it was over his head and that I'd trot into second," said Horn to The Washington Times. "But after I saw what happened, I said, 'There's no reason I shouldn't take third.' I turned the corner and daylight was there."

In a game full of intriguing storylines, one of the most prominent tales, aside from Horn's jaunt around three-quarters of the diamond, was that of former Oriole Jeff Robinson. Robinson worked five scoreless innings in long relief of Nolan Ryan to earn the win, giving up two hits, three walks, and striking out none in front of a frustrated home crowd that booed the 30-year-old hurler, whom the club had released during the winter.

Robinson pitched just one season for the O's after the team acquired him in an off-season trade that sent Mickey Tettleton to Detroit prior to the 1991 season. (Tettleton hit the first-ever Eutaw Street home run on April 20, 1992.) Robinson was 4-9 with a 5.18 ERA for the Birds in 1991, a performance poor enough to frustrate any hopeful fan; however, it was more Robinson's attitude that drew jeers from the faithful in 1992. After being demoted to the minors on July 30, 1991, along with Jeff Ballard - a move that cleared room on the roster for 22-year-old Mike Mussina, the team's No. 1 pick in the June 1990 draft and future ace - the frustrated hurler attacked the proud organization that wrote his checks.

"They said they'd do everything they could to trade me because they realize I don't want to come back," Robinson said to The Washington Post following his demotion. "It's all the same to me: Baltimore, Rochester. They're both Triple A, as far as the way players are treated.

"I have no hard feelings toward Johnny, but the organization itself. . . . Like I told [Oates on Monday], I'd be willing to bet my contract for the next three years that this team is not going to be a contender unless they make drastic changes, and I don't mean just the players."

One year later, following the early season win with his new team, Robinson was a bit more diplomatic about his former employer.

"I have no hard feelings toward the people in [an Orioles] uniform," said Robinson after the May 1992 contest. ". . . It was an unpleasant experience [playing for Baltimore], and I didn't pitch very well either. . . . It's not like it makes me feel any better to do it against the Orioles. The bottom line is, I just didn't do the job they expected me to do."

Robinson picked up one more win with the Rangers in 1992 before the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired him off of waivers on June 10. After posting a combined 7-5 record with the two teams, he never again pitched in the major leagues.

Three years after Robinson's surly prediction about the O's, a strike-shortened 1994 season kept either party from answering the criticism. At the time of the strike the Orioles held a record of 63-49, good for second place in the A.L. East, 6.5 games behind the New York Yankees. The team sat 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians in what would have been the first-ever Wild Card race.

From the Far East to the A.L. East

by Matthew Taylor

O's sign Uehara

Call it the MacPhail Doctrine.

It's great to sign a player from the Far East, although the move falls into the category of "better late than never" as the O's are the last team in the A.L. East to do so. Nevertheless, it's another sign that MacPhail's "Extreme Makeover: O's Edition" is more than just empty rhetoric.

Baseball YouTube videos, especially those of pitchers, don't provide nearly the same excitement as do football and basketball videos that get forwarded around after the old alma mater signs a top-flight recruit. Nevertheless, the clip below shows one of Uehara's wicked pitches from the 2006 World Baseball Classic, during which he posted a 2-0 record and led the tournament with 16 strikeouts.





This second clip, from DoublePlayTV, provides a one-minute rundown on Uehara (starts at 2:30 mark). If nothing else, the prediction that he would sign with the Yankees for $12 million per year should make O's fans smile.

The Eutaw Street Chronicles: April 20, 1992

Former Oriole Tettleton makes first-ever visit to Eutaw Street; Horn vows to hit Warehouse

by Matthew Taylor

"When I hit one really good, I'll hit the warehouse. I may not be the first to do it and I don't want to talk too much, but I will be putting in my effort."

-Sam Horn, April 20, 1992

Roar from 34 begins its effort to tell the story of each home run at Camden Yards that has reached Eutaw Street, starting with Mickey Tettleton's 406-foot blast in 1992.

The Eutaw Street Chronicles: April 20, 1992

Hitter: Mickey Tettleton

Pitcher: Ben McDonald

When it happened: Third inning, nobody on, two outs.

Final score: Orioles 12 - Tigers 4

The third in a series of back-to-back-to-back home runs for the Tigers made Orioles history as Mickey Tettleton became the first batter to hit a ball onto Eutaw Street. Tettleton's home run, which followed round trippers by Alan Trammel and Cecil Fielder, came in the third inning of the O's seventh game in their new stadium and their 12th game overall that season. It was the former Oriole's lone hit of the game.

Tettleton's Eutaw Street home run on April 20 wasn't even the longest of the day. That honor belonged to Sam Horn, who deposited a ball 420-feet into the centerfield bleachers, which was the first home run hit to that area at Camden Yards. The drive led Horn to boast to The Washington Times that he would one day hit the Warehouse: "When I hit one really good, I'll hit the warehouse. I may not be the first to do it and I don't want to talk too much, but I will be putting in my effort."

The Washington Post's game story included the following:

"Along with a new ballpark, there is a new attitude in Baltimore. Undaunted by three straight Detroit homers that helped the Tigers build an early four-run lead tonight, the Orioles bounced back with a 16-hit attack for a 12-4 victory before 45,013 and a sweep of the four-game series.

...

Alan Trammell, Cecil Fielder and Mickey Tettleton hit consecutive home runs as the Tigers built a 4-0 lead against Ben McDonald in the third inning. Tettleton's blast over the right field scoreboard landed 406 feet from home plate and only 26 feet from the B&O Warehouse."

Tettleton finished the '92 season with a career-high 32 long balls, his second of three consecutive seasons of 30 or more home runs. He earned his third and final Silver Slugger award that year, tying him with Carlton Fisk on the list of 10 catchers to have won multiple Silver Sluggers during their career. Tettleton was the first Tiger to win the award since Matt Nokes did so as a rookie in 1987, when he likewise hit 32 home runs.

Eutaw Street Trivia

Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Eutaw Street?

by Matthew Taylor

A holiday visit home allowed me the opportunity to visit Camden Yards and take a stroll down Eutaw Street, where I photographed each of the 41 bronze baseballs marking home runs that landed there. It's a task that I've wanted to complete ever since I realized how difficult it is to locate a detailed accounting of Eutaw Street home runs.

Here are some trivia questions related to my archiving efforts. Scroll down for the answers.

Eutaw Street Trivia

1. Who hit the first-ever Eutaw Street home run?

2. Who hit the longest Eutaw Street home run during game action?

3. Who hit the shortest Eutaw Street home run?

4. Which Oriole players, past or present, hit a Eutaw Street home run for a different team?

5. How many of the 41 bronze balls on Eutaw Street are for Oriole players?

6. Which Oriole has hit the most Eutaw Street home runs?

7. Which visiting team has the most Eutaw Street home runs?

8. Which visiting players have had a home run land on Eutaw Street multiple times?

9. Who is the only visiting player to hit a Eutaw Street home run for two different teams?

10. How many National League players have had a home run land on Eutaw Street? Name them.


Answers

1. Mickey Tettleton, Detroit Tigers, April 20, 1992. Two others accomplished the feat that season: Kevin Reimer, Rangers, May 5, 1992, and Lee Stevens, Angels, May 27, 1992.

2. Henry Rodriguez, Montreal Expos, 1997 - 443 feet.

3. Johnny Damon, Yankees, 2007 - 370 feet.

4. Mickey Tettleton, Tigers, 1992, and Aubrey Huff, Devil Rays, 2003.

5. 16.

6. Rafael Palmeiro (5). He is followed by Brady Anderson (3) and Jay Gibbons (2).

7. The Red Sox (4), followed by the Yankees (3), Rangers (3), Rays (2), Indians (2), and Blue Jays (2). Teams with one Eutaw Street home run: Tigers, Mariners, Angels, Dodgers, Expos, Twins, A's, and White Sox.

8. Jim Thome (twice, both with the Indians) and Lee Stevens (twice, once with the Angels and once with the Rangers).

9. Lee Stevens (Angels, 1992, and Rangers, 1998).

10. Two. Shawn Green (Dodgers, 2002) and Henry Rodriguez (Expos, 1997).

O's Draftee to Play in Bowl Game

N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson was drafted by the Orioles in 2007 but chose to play college football instead. You can catch him on Monday afternoon when the Wolfpack face Rutgers in the Papajohns.com Bowl.

Do any bit of research on Russell Wilson and what immediately jumps out is his
versatility. He's on scholarship to play quarterback at North Carolina State,
but his performance on the baseball diamond in high school earned him a draft
selection by the Baltimore Orioles in 2007.

ESPN told Wilson's two-sport story this past summer.

Though he now plays for a different football coaching staff (former Boston
College coach Tom O'Brien supplanted Amato), Wilson is still permitted to play
two sports. He is on scholarship for football, but baseball is likely where his
future lies. Already taken by the Baltimore Orioles in the 41st round of the
2007 Major League Baseball draft, Wilson instead elected to fulfill his dream of
playing two college sports while pursuing a degree.

"I was leaning towards [entering the draft]," Wilson says, "but a college education is
something you'll always have."

When Wilson chose college, major league teams backed off -- the Orioles eventually selected him late in the draft as a just-in-case. "A lot of scouts said Russell could have been taken in the third or fourth round [of the '07 MLB draft] and were making calls trying to get him to sign," Avent says. "I have no doubt he'll make it to the big leagues."

Wilson's career goals aren't limited to baseball, however. A sports fanatic his
entire life -- "I was never a cartoon guy," he says, "I was always watching
ESPN" -- Wilson hopes to one day become a "SportsCenter" anchor after his
playing days are over.

The Night Before Christmas

The latest headlines:

Teixeira sold out to the highest bidder

The Nats are holding an O's reunion in D.C., signing Patterson to a Minor League deal.

Some holiday cheer:

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Yard,
Not a free agent was stirring who could earn the Wild Card.
The numbers we hung on the Warehouse with care,
Like Cal and the glory days no longer are there.

Yankees fans are nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the playoffs dance in their heads.
The Steinbrenners run wild without a salary cap,
Leaving fans other of teams to just say "Ah, crap."

When on ESPN there arose such a clatter,
More Hot Stove discussion that's just idle chatter,
Cause no matter how far the stock market may crash,
Baseball's free agents will still chase the most cash.

Old Buster did appear on the SportsCenter show,
But couldn't admit that he just didn't know,
In what uniform Teixeira would appear,
And whose fans would be left with something to cheer.

When it comes to the O's, this must be done quick,
In a New York moment, please go and sign Nick.
Because we just can't seem to win this free-agent game,
Even when a player mentions our city by name.

Now Peter! Now Andy! Let the rebuilding quicken,
Do it as fast as Ponson did get blitzened.
Whether by trade or by market, let's get on the ball,
And sign them, sign them, sign them all.

Please give the fans some reason to whistle,
Send us some form of a positive epistle,
Or else in the stands you'll find no one in sight,
And this proud franchise can call it a night.

Our Long National Nightmare

Daniel Cabrera is a National. How's he gonna get there from Baltimore? My guess is he'll walk.

The Cabrera signing will become either a great punchline at the Nats' expense or a nightmare at the expense of O's fans, namely Cabrera finally realizing his potential just down the Beltway.

Should Cabrera turn it around and Teixeira sign with the Nats, the baseball gods will officially have cursed our beloved franchise. You'd have to be a pessimist, even by local standards, to believe both things will happen.

Mark Teixeira is Baseball's Middle School Crush

And Curt Schilling wants to be the school's bully

by Matthew Taylor

One important lesson taught to aspiring journalists is to consider a source's motivation when he or she wants to provide information without attribution. Approach such a situation with caution, the thinking goes.

Apparently this concept doesn't apply to sports reporting. Baseball writers run wild this time of year with all kinds of unattributed statements that are so clearly motivated by agents and competing ball clubs working to manipulate the free-agent market. Thus we have reports on Tuesday that Mark Teixeira has an "enormous attraction" to the Orioles; 24 hours later we learn just the opposite, that the Orioles are "out of it, unless Teixeira really, really wants to play there." (Just check out the headline of the latter story, where these anonymous voices get top billing in the headline: "Sources: Teixeira to Orioles unlikely.")

Alas, this system of sending anonymous messages through the media works as the O's have responded in kind to "sources" with word that the team's "bid for Teixeira could go up." Isn't that what was supposed to happen? Agent sends message through the press, "You're out of the running." Team responds, "But what if we give you more money?"

It's hard to believe, but this actually could be a good thing for the O's if they really want to sign Teixeira, the equivalent of the girl who actually likes you flirting with another guy at the bar just to make you jealous. Even if that's the case, it's frustrating for fans to follow (see, for example: The Loss Column, Oriole Post, Dempsey's Army, Weaver's Tantrum, Oriole Central).

As silly as the whole thing may be, I understand that reporters have little choice but to be pawns in this ridiculous game. They've got space to fill and, on most days, no real advancements in the story. Somehow I can't picture Buster Olney going on the air and saying the following: "Nothing to report again today, guys. Still don't know what's going to happen, and no one will talk to me on the record." He would earn praise for responsible reporting from journalism professors everywhere, which would be quite useful considering he'd need a new job.

Ultimately, the whole thing has the feeling of middle school courtship... "Hi, Mark, this is Andy McPhail. Listen, I was just wondering, do you like any team on the free-agent market more than a friend?" Imagine McPhail, Theo Epstein, Jim Bowden, Tony Reagins, and Brian Cashman sitting across the table from Scott Boras and passing him notes that read, "Do you like my team? Check Yes or No."

In other news, Curt Schilling puts in a good word for Baltimore in his analysis of the Teixeira sweepstakes: "I understand Mark is from the DC/Baltimore area and can speak first-hand to the allure of that place. I’m talking Baltimore though. Fantastic city, great fans and you have your pick of big city apartment or house in horse country. Not sure D.C. offers that second option or whether or not that matters, but I know going back to Arizona felt like ‘coming home’ and that was a huge draw for me."

However, Schilling's praise comes in a posting titled "Why Boston Might Be Best" where he describes Red Sox baseball as "Packer football, Cowboy football, Yankee baseball, Penn State football, ‘Bama football, all rolled into one."

It's nice to know that Schilling considers Baltimore a fantastic city with great fans (and here I thought he might just call it a "horses--- town"); however, I still have trouble taking his opinions seriously. After all, he continues to pile on Manny Ramirez (we had four physical run-ins!) after the fact. This is the same guy who as recently as June was praising Ramirez and hoping that the guy would hit home run No. 600 "here at Fenway."

Schilling must be from the Colin Powell school of character analysis, where the strategy is to share your "honest," potentially controversial feelings about a guy after public opinion has already sailed so clearly in that direction. There's nothing quite like kicking with the wind at your back.

If baseball's GMs are akin to loverlorn middle schoolers experiencing their first crush, Schilling is the aspiring bully who picks on the little kids and talks about what he would've done to the big kids had they not already walked away.

Boswell on Teixeria

The Cliff Notes version: he wants him in D.C.

by Matthew Taylor

Thomas Boswell tends to veer from his traditionally strong, objective baseball analysis into more of a boosterism role when it comes to writing about the Nationals. In Friday's edition of The Post, Boswell makes an only vaguely surreptitious case for Mark Teixeira to sign with Washington.

After outlining what he considers to be the three things most important to Teixeira - family, business, and winning - Boswell notes that no team offers him all of those elements at once. However, he strongly hints, there is one N.L. East franchise that can satisfy two of the three and potentially provide the third in the near future.

"Sometimes, there's a perfect fit. Usually, there's not. The future of franchises is murky. Mike Mussina left Baltimore to be a champion Yankee. Last month he retired after eight years and many millions, but without a Series win. Maddux turned down the Yanks, went to Atlanta for 11 years and never finished anywhere but first.

Since free agency began, one pattern seems clear. Some players can be happy anywhere; they should go where they think they'll win. Others know the place that will make them happiest. Go there. Win eventually. And get to smile while you wait."

You can't really blame Boswell. His job would become a lot more interesting with Teixeira in town, and the boosterism would be that much easier to provide.

On a related note, it would be greatly ironic and once more revealing about the business-above-all-else nature of baseball were Teixeira to sign with the Red Sox, the team that, in the player's own words, "spoiled me for everyone else" during the 2006 draft.

If Teixeira is going to sell out to the highest bidder, he should go to the Yankees, a team built on the practice (although the Yankees may just be driving up the numbers for the Red Sox).

If Teixeira is going to "come home," he should sign with the Orioles, the franchise that existed while he was growing up in Maryland.

More Hot Stove Quick Takes

Teixeira to the Nats would change the whole ballgame

by Matthew Taylor

Yankees back in on Teixeira sweepstakes; Boston Globe handicaps the finalists; Nats offering $160 million

Sure, you'd hate to see Mark Teixeira sign with the Yankees. And the Red Sox would be no better. But admit it, you'd be most upset if Teixeira became a National. Consider this line from Oriole Post: "If the Nationals for some reason acquire Teixeira, I shudder to think what will happen in Baltimore and amongst Oriole fans nationwide."

Up to this point there's be no real rivalry to speak of between the Orioles and Nationals. The Washington Post was pushing hard for one since before D.C. even got a team. Major League Baseball wants the same thing, which is why the teams face off in Interleague Play each year. But ultimately "The Battle of the Beltway" is as silly as it sounds. (What is it about sports marketers' fascination with mass transit, by the way? Subway Series ... Battle of the Beltway ....)

Ultimately, there's just no real steam to the O's - Nats "rivalry." Send Teixeira to D.C., though, and you might finally have the flame that ignites local passions. The Nats have a much easier climb to make in their division, but I can't imagine that will be enough to attract Teixeira. If he's staying local, he's coming to Baltimore.

Brewers-Yankees deal to include Cameron

"The Yankees have found their center fielder for 2009, as they are set to send Melky Cabrera to Milwaukee for veteran outfielder Mike Cameron on Thursday, according to two major league sources. The Yankees have been saying that Cabrera and Brett Gardner would compete for the center field job, but the acquisition of Cameron gives them a veteran presence at the position. (New York Daily News)"

This move greatly disappoints me, if only because it deprives me of the opportunity to hear Rick Dempsey refer to Melky Cabrera as "Milky" during the MASN post-game show following Yankees - Orioles match-ups.

Mets acquire Putz

"One day after signing closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets have acquired J.J. Putz in a three-team, 12-player trade with the Indians and Mariners. The Mets ship right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez, lefty Jason Vargas and three minor leaguers to the Mariners for Putz, center fielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green in the first trade by new Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik."

Does this mean the J.J. Putz bobblehead I got at a Mariners game last season will go up in value or down in value?

On the face of it the Mets seem to be doing the right thing by shoring up their bullpen, but O’s fans know all too well that assembling a high-priced bullpen is a tricky deal that doesn't always turn out as expected. In this case, it's not so easy to shift a closer to a set-up position and get the same results. It's like using George Sherrill in a non-save situation; he just doesn't pitch as well without the pressure.

The Mets should take a look at what happened with the Birds' $42 million bullpen during the 2007 season.

Hot Stove Quick Hits

by Matthew Taylor

Some tongue-in-cheek instant analysis as the Hot Stove, um, heats up. (Certainly that must be the most overused off-season cliche? Any other nominees?)

Aubrey Huff named top DH

An Orioles player topped a Red Sox player at something? Now that's news. I'd be excited if Aubrey Huff beat David Ortiz in a game of checkers much less at DH.

How about selling high? It's too bad Tampa Bay hasn't come knocking for a trade as Huff loves the Tampa nightlife.

If the Rays are going to consider Giambi and Griffey, why not Huff? As long as they're going to make a bad move, it may as well benefit Baltimore in the process.

Ramon Hernandez to the Reds

Apparently it’s not just football where players “hear footsteps.” Matt Wieters is creating thunderous echoes for any and every Baltimore catcher as he marches toward Charm City.

With the multidimensional (read: not overly talented at any one position) Freel in the fold, the O's are going to have back-ups for their back-ups in the outfield. May as well grab Felix Pie while we're at it.

Luke Scott must indeed have strong faith if he thinks he'll have a full-time role in 2009.

C.C. to the Yankees

The Yankees appear to have settled on a new organizational philosophy. Rather than overpay for old, injury-prone pitchers, they’re now overpaying for youngish, injury-prone pitchers.

With this new Yankee free-agent philosophy in mind, could A.J. Burnett be far behind?

How long do you suppose it will be before Sabathia changes the “About" section of his web site (pictured above), so it no longer reads as follows: “Baseball is his passion. Family is his life. The Brewers are his team.”

C.C. should also consider re-working his even-more-dated bio: “When all is said and done, there’s no reason not believe that CC can continue to pile up the wins in front of the amazing fans on the lake. Sabathia is spearheading the Indians’ resurgence in one of America’s great baseball cities. CC knows what’s at stake for the city and for his team and yearns to be a part of a championship with the organization where he started his career. So he puts every bit of his 6’7”, 290 pound frame into every pitch that he throws.”

It Ain't a Crime to Cheer for Your Team ... Or Is It?

by Matthew Taylor

A recent news item making the rounds reveals that cheering "O" during the national anthem in Baltimore actually violates a city ordinance. Thankfully, City Councilman James Kraft is on the job.

"Baltimore Orioles fans could soon be able to shout "O" during the national anthem without breaking the law.

A little known city ordinance requires that "The Star Spangled Banner" must be sung without altering or embellishments. Violators could face a $100 fine. The ordinance was adopted in 1916 and is one of several laws that City Councilman James Kraft hopes to erase from the books."

Perhaps those cell phone fans who invaded Camden Yards following the stadium's construction in the early '90s were just ahead of the curve with their apathy.

I'll admit to having taken a certain satisfaction from hearing the "O" at the few Nats games I've attended. The cheer also pops up occasionally at other non-Camden Yards events, including minor league games. When do you cheer "O" during the national anthem? Vote in the Roar from 34 poll.

Speaking of Shortstops - Evolution and Solutions

by Matthew Taylor

Tom Verducci's "Inside Baseball" column on SI.com holds many items of interest for O's fans, particularly for those concerned with the team's search for a viable, everyday solution at shortstop. Verducci focuses on the glut of undersized, underwhelming free-agent shortstops and views it as a sign that the "big hitting, big bodied shortstop revolution" never truly came to be.

"It's hard to remember a time when more teams needed a shortstop and more are available, though almost none of them are very good.

The used-shortstop lot includes free agents Orlando Cabrera, David Eckstein, Adam Everett, Rafael Furcal, Cesar Izturis, Edgar Renteria and Omar Vizquel and trade options Khalil Greene, Jack Wilson, Bobby Crosby and Julio Lugo. Outside of Furcal, it's buyer beware. The Orioles, Tigers, Cardinals, Dodgers and Blue Jays need somebody to play the position and six other teams already have made changes.

What happened to baseball's glamour position?"

Verducci also considers a possible correlation between the age of a team's everyday shortstop and that team's playoff chances, nothing that "None of the past 56 playoff teams and only two of the 112 playoff teams in the wild card era used someone 34 or older as their regular shortstop (Omar Vizquel of the 2001 Indians and Cal Ripken Jr. of the 1996 Orioles)."

A final item of interest in Verducci's column is his discussion of less-considered aspects of Mike Mussina's Hall of Fame resume, which lead him to conclude (rightly, in my humble opinion) the following: "When you judge Mussina against his peers, he never had the peak of Maddux, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson or Roger Clemens. But his durability and elite consistency in a hostile environment makes him worthy of Cooperstown."

Literary Love for the O's

Writer's Almanac features a poem about the 1988 Birds

by Matthew Taylor

On Nov. 25, Garrison Keillor's Writer's Almanac featured Baron Wormser's poem, "The O's," an ode to a dying father holding out for an Orioles win during the 1988 season. Much like Doris Kearns Goodwin's classic memoir "Wait Till Next Year," Wormser's poem offers a literary take on family relationships as seen through a baseball lens.

"My grandfather is lying in the hospital bed
Listening to the radio every night.
It's the second week of the season; he's an Orioles fan
Ever since the O's came to Baltimore
In 1954—but it's 1988 and they lose game
After game after game after game after game ...."