Bob Haynie: Orioles Celebrate A Glorious Weekend
There was plenty of action in downtown Baltimore over this past weekend with the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner being celebrated. Tourists, locals and even President Obama were getting their groove on in the Charm City until the dawn's early light (See what I did there?)
Another celebration was taking place at Camden Yards as the Orioles won three of four games from the New York Yankees to reduce their magic number for clinching the AL East to three. Two of those wins came in the walk-off variety over a club that has brutalized the Birds over the years.
On Friday morning, Baltimore manager Buck Showalter found out that 1B/3B Chris Davis had been suspended for 25 games for violating MLB's drug program. Obviously, if you're Showalter, it's not the news you would like to get on the eve of your last home stand of the regular season.
However, staying true to their resilience, the Orioles went out and swept Friday's doubleheader over New York and set the tone for the rest of the series.
By the way, I enjoyed Friday's opener from the stands and what a gorgeous day it was. The Blue Angels were in the sky and it was a festive atmosphere at Camden Yards.
On Sunday night, the Orioles beat the Yankees on national television as future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter played what was probably his last game in Baltimore.
Jeter has been a great player but, this is the year of the Orioles in the AL East. Hopefully, the Birds will clinch their first division flag since 1997 within the next couple of days and they can celebrate that accomplishment.
Of course, there is plenty of October baseball to be played and the Orioles will be one the clubs playing.
As we have seen all season, despite the setbacks with players whether it's injuries or otherwise, they are going to be a very dangerous bunch.
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