I heard about Capt O before I actually got the chance to meet him. I had heard rumors of what appeared to be a Trojan in Orioles attire. When I finally got to meet the man, it was an overwhelming experience. Here is what he had to say:
First, what is your real name, age and what neighborhood are you from:
Clint Griggs, 39 , Hampstead, Md
Tell me a little about yourself (like 100 words or so):
I basically work anywhere that will pay me. I work on electronics and computers some. Also, I bartend at some places, currently at The Phoenix Emporium in Ellicott City. I try to cover a lot of ground so that I can continue my hobby of random acts of heroics! Making gadgets and keeping my ear to the ground is the staple tectonic of any successful fan (or hero?)! Oh, and I have a new tunic in the design stages!
How many games do you plan on attending this year?
Anywhere from 30 to 40. I have already put in 20 for the first half, in full Capt O regalia for about half.
Where do you normally hang out at games?
Before the game with the O’fantry for cheap beers at the THE BULLPEN. Once in The Yard I’m all over the Stadium. I love Baseball because of the players, employees and the fans that make up the whole experience, the subculture within a community, directly linked to the community. With that being said, you can find me in the flag court, behind the bullpen (some kind of rally mojo) and of course in the closest seats I can find!
What inspired you to be a crazy Orioles fan?
Us opening our season up at home on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball on April 4th 2004, first inspired the outfit. Capt O was a play on Capt. Defense that attends Ravens games. It was a pretty big hit back then, even though the crowd was the wine and cheese and the old heads. Then the dark days of being a die-hard Orioles fan came. Everyone wondered if it would ever change. I put the chest plate down. I’m sure some of the guys who dress up now would have a tough time believing this. People left the team. I didn’t do that. I still went to games (less, I will admit). But the community felt they needed to field a better product. So 2012 was another year filled with the promising cheer (especially after knocking the Sox out of the playoffs the year before). A group of friends wanted Capt O’s return. Being disappointed for years, I made them a promise – if the Orioles were over .500 for the year, I would bring back Capt O for 2013! We all know how that went! The culture has been changed. Thanks Buck!
What is your craziest experience from when you were dressed up?
I was at a friend’s wedding, a few of us attendees were talking, and we must have talked for 5 to 10 minutes. When the one guy in the group looks at me and says, “Wait a minute. I do know you! You’re Capt O!” He then proceeds to take out his phone to show me he had a picture of me as his wallpaper! That was cool!
And of course this year making Fan of the Game on June 12th 2013!
Who is your favorite Oriole (current or all time)?
Past: Eddie Murry = one of the best switch hitters ever.
Current: Jonesy = really hard to narrow it down, but Adam likes to compete and have fun!
All time: Brooks Robinson “I don’t want to ever call you fans again, I call you friends!” I never saw him play (that I remember) but every time I’ve met him he proves that he was a blessing to the game!
How many Orioles wins do you predict for THIS season?
94 but that could be little optimistic.
Anything else you would like to add?
My first Baseball memory is at Memorial on a work night for my Dad’s company with my parents. I couldn’t see over the seats at the time, all I could hear was the “EDDIE, EDDIE, EDDIE” chants every time he came to the plate. The power of it is something I will never forget.
Lastly, how can people find you?
Capt O on Facebook, oriolescapto on Instagram.
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