Rob Long: What A Start
Yes, there are 161 games remaining in the 2013 season but game number one reminded O's fans of the excitement of the 2012 "Buckle Up" campaign.
The game had it all. The O's got out to an early start against one of the top pitchers in the game, David Price. After Price settled down, it became a good ole fashion pitcher's duel between Price and Jason Hammel for the better part of six innings.
The greatest part of all of the excitement was the reaction from the fans back in Baltimore. Bars and other establishments resembled Sunday mornings in October not Tuesday in early April. The Orioles have captured the hearts and imaginations of sports fans in the Charm City. If they continue to win, Bird Land will be for the Baltimore Ravens as well as the Orioles.
Fans just want a winner. While some are loyal enough to get through losing seasons, we must remember that professional sporting events are exactly that, events. If your team is losing more than winning, it isn't very eventful. The O's have made baseball an event now. Names like Hammel, Adam Jones, Chris Davis and Nick Markakis have restored the faith in baseball fans. They've given them hope. More than anything, that's what fans want.
