“Something magic happens…”
This is a phrase that has been emblazoned into my life, much the same as the Pledge of Allegiance. I grew up singing it in my sleep. I never understood it as much as I did last year during the 2012 season.
I endured the hate from other Baltimoreans, proclaiming that I shouldn’t love them because they are losers. That Pete was the downfall of Baltimore and they would never win. Ever. There are about 6000 (maybe slightly more) die-hard Oriole fans in this state. Some go to every game; some can’t but wish they could. They are few and far between but they do exist. I don’t claim to drink the Orange Kool-aid; I get mine intravenously. It has been flowing in my blood for the better part of 30 years, and it was never as proud as I was when Joe Angel said, “Baltimore you’re in the Playoffs!”
“The Roar from 34…”
This was a tribute to a great fan that will truly be missed. He was the ugliest cheerleader I ever had the pleasure of meeting, but he loved this team and this city so much he became a part of the Magic. It was his jubilance that ignited a city, which gave them back what was missing for a few years. The same magic that I was taught about, that I am passing on to my children. The same Magic that is still alive today. Even if only on life support, the Magic is back. The 2013 season should be a continuation of the Believe campaign by the Ravens that took them to a World Championship.
Adam Jones felt it last September.
Ed Reed took it to a Super Bowl.
During the Parade it was still apparent with Orange in M&T Bank Stadium.
There is Magic in this town; we just have to Believe in it.
The culture is changing and more of the younger generation is beginning to see it. There is a reason the fire hydrants in Baltimore are Orange. There is Magic in our hearts that we can show the team. If you believe, then they will win. It’s hard to do a wave with no water around the boat. If you don’t show up you can’t complain that nobody is in the stands.
“Something Magic happens, Every time you go, You Make the Magic happen…”
These are the words that mean the most. If you don’t go there is no magic. I don’t expect the Orioles to sell outs every night as they did with the wine and cheese crowd of the 90’s but I do expect them to fill about ¾ capacity most of the season, and that is what will bring the Magic back. There are a lot of young guys in our organization that are learning that we can win and how to do it.
There is nothing but upside for this team and the Pennant is the limit.
I look forward to feeling the Magic all summer long.
