the Cal-Superhero collab we already had and forgot after 29 years
Sports columnist at The Baltimore Banner. Covering the Ravens, the Orioles and sports in Maryland.
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the Cal-Superhero collab we already had and forgot after 29 years
Digging around in my parents’ basement today in search of leftover Cal Ripken Jr paraphernalia. Left mostly with dust bunnies on my pants, but found this — circa 1996.
For Orioles starter Tyler Wells, this comeback is about more than just baseball
Why Orioles rookie Samuel Basallo decided now was the right time to sign an extension
Paul Williamson was the starting shortstop at St. Luke’s in Mobile, Alabama, in 2013 for all of one inning. Then he broke his ankle and eyes turned to a 12-year-old. On Jeremiah Jackson, a Wally Pipp moment and the pride Williamson feels being replaced: www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
I know he has to play third more/better to be a true utility man but I don’t see why Jorge Mateo is a better option than Jackson is.
There has got to be a spot for Jeremiah Jackson on this team somewhere next year.
A theory on why the Ravens add an undrafted free agent to the 53-man roster every year: It just feels so good. Training camp this year has been pretty low stakes. But Keyon Martin, Reuben Lowery and Jay Higgins are an exclamation point to the summer: www.thebanner.com/sports/raven...
The Naval Academy Midshipmen open their football season Saturday in Annapolis against the Virginia Military Institute Keydets, the first time the two schools have met since 2014. Both schools could use the diversion. www.thebanner.com/culture/thin...
Answered the critical Trevor Rogers question: Why is his middle name J’Daniel? It’s not. It’s actually J-Daniel, with a hyphen, and it was entered wrong by MLB and he never fixed it. But OK, why? Rogers’ paternal grandpa is JD. His maternal grandpa is Daniel. So, J-Daniel, a nod to both
By Sapna Bansil: Months after flood rescue, Westernport Elementary goes back to school. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Keegan Akin strands runners on the corners with no outs. He strikes out Roman Anthony and Alex Bregman and forces Trevor Story into an inning-ending groundout. That keeps the Orioles ahead, 2-1, heading to the bottom of the eighth
87 mph!
Samuel’s got a cannon, folks
In three short years, Kyle Hamilton has made anything feel possible when it comes to his ceiling. The Ravens signed the 24-year-old to a record-breaking extension that illustrates he’s as important to the defense as Lamar Jackson is to the offense: www.thebanner.com/sports/raven...
Kyle Hamilton on the importance of finalizing an extension before the season: “Yeah, I wanted to get it done, because I felt like it would have been a distraction and it’s human nature to think about those things even though I try not to.” (Charlie Kolar with an off-screen cameo)
would you say "Machín Out of Order"
"We’ve had a few players over the years become the highest paid at their position, and I think when you are the highest paid, that’s an important distinction." Kyle Hamilton is now the highest-paid safety in the NFL in a 4-year extension with the Ravens: www.thebanner.com/sports/raven...
Comeback complete: Kyle Bradish shines in return from Tommy John surgery
More like Sam-WELL WHAT A SPLIt
This was everything the Orioles could've hoped for from Kyle Bradish's return. Six innings, two runs, 10 strikeouts. He became the third Orioles pitcher this year to produce 10 strikeouts in a game, joining Cade Povich and Charlie Morton.
Granted that Bradish has allowed two solo homers on two misses, but he also has eight strikeouts through four innings.
First Major League inning for Kyle Bradish in more than a year: pop fly, strikeout, strikeout
Inside the Dugout: Enjoy Kyle Bradish’s return
just another day in the “hellhole”
The 2026 Orioles schedule is here. The big takeaways: - Opening day at home vs. Twins - Finale at Yankee Stadium - A triad of three-city road trips, including two in a grueling August www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
I’m not walking in DC right now because it’s filled with armed troops who have no reason to be there, but to each their own, I guess.
With the rise of sports betting comes the rise of threatening messages to Orioles players. “It gets scarier and scarier every day from a security standpoint for players and their families,” Tyler Wells said. www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
With the rise of sports betting comes the rise of threatening messages to Orioles players
Orioles starter Kyle Bradish to make his first start after Tommy John surgery Tuesday
Somehow, some way, an estimated 120,000 weaved their way in and out of rural Baltimore County for a PGA headliner event. Does this bode well for MLB All-Star or the NFL Draft? Of course it does. Column: www.thebanner.com/sports/bmw-c...
Trump threatens to revoke Key Bridge funds, send troops to Baltimore www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Will Félix Bautista be the same pitcher after shoulder surgery? The odds are low but not zero.
Dean Kremer said there's "gonna be some learning curve" to pitching to rookie Samuel Basallo. "But you miss pitches down the middle and you get hurt, and that's on me. That's not on him."
Jeremiah Jackson keeps hitting, because of course. His two-out RBI single brings the Orioles within one run of the Astros in the eighth, 9-8. By the way, Craig Kimbrel is warming for Houston
Was a cool set-up for the night between Basallo’s contract and Jim Palmer’s jersey giveaway. A bit of a dampener as Dean Kremer has given up three homers in the first and still has an out left.
David Rubenstein had a firm message today at Samuel Basallo’s press conference: The Orioles want to do more of these long-term extensions and have the money. It was surreal hearing this while I was sitting next to Gunnar Henderson, an obvious candidate: www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
On the Samuel Basallo press conference, during which David Rubenstein said more extensions are possible. “We have the resources to do these kind of deals.” www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
Gunnar Henderson declined to speak in specifics regarding his contract situation, but he said if the Orioles approach him, “I will definitely look at it with my team and be happy to look over it.”
Orioles owner David Rubenstein: “The Orioles ownership group is really well capitalized. We have the resources to do these kind of deals. It takes two to do deals, but we thought this was the perfect one for the first one of its type.”
A whole lotta Orioles just walked in for Samuel Basallo’s contract extension press conference
We’re going to hear from Samuel Basallo and Mike Elias at 2 pm.
That’s about enough preseason for everybody.
It took Adley Rutschman years to master game calling behind the plate. Now Samuel Basallo will start that same process. www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
Per source, Samuel Basallo contract by year: 2026: $1 million 2027: $1 m 2028: $1 m 2029: $4 m 2030: $7 m 2031: $11 m 2032: $15 m 2033: $15 m 2034: Club option for $18 m, buyout for $7 m. Signing bonus of $5 million
Tony Mansolino: “Sammy wants to be here in Baltimore. There’s hopefully in the future other guys who would like to be here as well. It’s a big deal for the organization. Hopefully it’s a big stepping stone for us.”
Samuel Basallo has his extension. What does that mean for the rest of the Orioles core?
Signing one of its homegrown players to an extension wasn’t just a long-awaited move by this Orioles leadership group — it was a necessary one. It’s not a leap into the future, but a step into the MLB’s present. At least for a day, fans can finally feel heard: www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
From Jon Meoli — Samuel Basallo is worth every penny of the deal he just signed. We’re about to see how different he is: www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
From our first column on the Birdland ticketing changes -- the biggest gripe I heard from fans is that they were being asked to spend more and not seeing the same commitment from ownership with long-term player contracts. Literally already hearing people might now buy tickets.
The Orioles and catcher Samuel Basallo are closing in on an eight-year contract extension worth $67 million with an option for 2034, per source. Escalators based on awards and playing time at catcher max out at $88.5 million, source said
Ravens media poll: Standouts and surprises as training camp wraps up
Dylan Beavers hit his first MLB homer in his first Camden Yards at-bat tonight. He recognized the change-up out of Jason Alexander's hand. As he rounded the bases: "I kinda blacked out. I was just running. But when I got back in the dugout, it was one of the cooler things I've ever experienced."
First Camden Yards at bat, Dylan Beavers sends a ball to the flag court. Welcome home, rook.
From the other place: Expect Samuel Basallo to catch 5-6 days out of the upcoming 8-game home stand.
During an event at Pimlico this morning, Gov. Wes Moore turned his attention to President Donald Trump, who has recently criticized Baltimore. “If you are not willing to walk our community, keep our name out of your mouth.” @pwoodreporter.bsky.social www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
NEW: Federal prosecutors charging a Baltimore County man with resisting or assaulting ICE officers revealed in a court filing that one of the officers lied to a gathering angry crowd of onlookers about having a warrant, among other details @thebaltimorebanner.com www.thebanner.com/community/cr...
i remember when jd vance blamed the haitian immigrants to springfield for rising home prices. well, the prices will come down, because a mass departure of haitian workers will crash the local economy.
Talking Orioles tickets and fan engagement with @lockedonorioles.bsky.social — thanks for having me on: youtu.be/-uLMDknZQeE?...
Jon Meoli: Samuel Basallo is the first Orioles’ international product in the big leagues. Who’s next?
Samuel Basallo and Manny Machado are the only players in Orioles history to record five RBIs in their first three career games
we’re going streaking outside Fenway
The Orioles are offering discount tickets for the weekend series, enticing them with the promise of Dylan Beavers and Samuel Basallo. After watching them the last few days, smart strategy!
Jordan Westburg has spoken as candidly as anyone on the reality of the Orioles this year. In a recent conversation, he dove into the leadership "void" and how he thinks the addition of an outspoken veteran would go far in assisting a young core. Story: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/oriol...
Samuel Basallo thought he had cleared the Green Monster on his double, but he learned something tonight. In English, he said: “It’s just a big wall.”
Then you remember what the bullpen is
Ok these last few weeks could really be fun.
Thought for sure Basallo was going over the Monster there, lol
Jordan Westburg is exiting this game in the first inning. As he rounded second, he put on the breaks and scrambled back to the base. He tested his legs but couldn't continue. Luis Vázquez enters.
just feels like something we need @edsbs.bsky.social to weigh in on somehow
brutal. i lost my MRIs a few computers ago but my surgeon was shocked that i had lived with the pain that my discs were causing for months 😂
If you've ever had a slipped disc before (🙋♂️) you know how much this sucks -- much less needing to pitch 90+ mph with one. For me, surgery was an enormous relief from a ton of pain. Best of luck to Zach as he recovers.
“Yeah, it was definitely nice to see that one go in.” Nice? NICE?!?! Scottie Scheffler, give yourself some credit, brother. How an 81-foot miracle chip shot lifted the finish of the BMW Championship and created an unforgettable moment: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/schef...
“Yeah, it was definitely nice to see that one go in.” Nice? NICE?!?! Scottie Scheffler, give yourself some credit, brother. How an 81-foot miracle chip shot lifted the finish of the BMW Championship and created an unforgettable moment: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/schef...
V solid endorsement from Rockville native Denny McCarthy for Thames Street Oyster House. McCarthy finished 2-under in his final 18 today at Caves Valley. Worth a try to see if Fells Point dining enhances performance imo
Little late on the shot, but Gov Wes Moore just shared a handshake with Scottie Scheffler (-12) who is pursuing Scotsman Robert MacIntyre on the last day of the BMW Championship.
In a span of two days, the Orioles ushered in the future by promoting two hot-hitting prospects to the major leagues. With it, there’s intrigue added to the final months of a season that has unexpectedly gone awry. Samuel Basallo, come on down: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/oriol...
Kyle Goon: Akshay Bhatia’s hole-in-one at BMW Championship might change a life — and not just his own
When Dylan Beavers called his parents to tell them the news, the emotions flowed. He's a big leaguer. “Just tears of excitement, joy,” Shanlee said. “Just so proud. This has been his goal his whole life." www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/oriol...
me, watching the preseason
“My caddie was pointing at the car and I’m like, don’t even know what to do. I couldn’t even feel my body.” Akshay Bhatia hit the shot of the BMW Championships on Saturday, with a hole in one that got him a car – and will change someone else's life, too: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/bhati...
Good day for BMW leader and Scotsman Robert MacIntyre, who is at -16 and gave just one stroke of his lead to Scottie Scheffler(-12). MacIntyre reacted to a fan shouting at him on hole 14: “I’m in America where I’m playing against their sweetheart. … You give me crap, I’ll give you crap back.”
After weeks of speculation and the continuation of his torrent form in Triple-A, outfielder Dylan Beavers is being called up for what will be his major league debut: www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/oriol...
The Orioles have promoted outfield prospect Dylan Beavers
Imagine if Brandon Young had an immaculate inning and a perfect game in the same season. Wild ass year.
Too perfect for this world
ET TU, RAMÓN?!???!
and yet somehow,,,,,,
Time to check into the game y’all
Orioles owner David Rubenstein came to Houston to see the team play
Fans, cooling towels and sunscreen: BMW Championship heats up, literally
Robert MacIntyre continues red-hot play at scorching Caves Valley
By @darreonna.bsky.social: From the streets to second chances: How Roca is changing the lives of Baltimore’s young men. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Why can we not all be bonhomme travelers on trains with secreted truffles that we grate liberally onto every one of our dishes?
You are probably the wrong person for this recommendation but the Montreal episode is maximum comfort television for me.
Posted this on The Other Place — The Orioles indicate that there is a waitlist of full season ticket holders who want access to seats currently held by partial plan holders. I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to those people but would certainly want to!
That’s my understanding. The Knables had relatively comparable seats in Memorial Stadium that translated to where they were seated in Camden Yards. Stephen told me he had been to Cal’s 2131, postseason games and a whole host of memories.
Tough summary by @mjmoser.bsky.social on her experience:
