Orioles Declare Monday 'ReOpening Day' In Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For the first time since the curfew forced the Orioles to reschedule games and leave town, the birds are back in Baltimore. Monday night's home game being called "ReOpening Day," as fans rally around the O's.
Marcus Washington with the special pride at the game.
This was all a grassroots effort from people who missed out on the Orioles after games cut off in Baltimore.But Monday, fans say they saw the rise of Orioles magic.
It's the atmosphere fans say they have missed--baseball in Baltimore, met with a little Orioles magic.
"It's perfect. It's Camden Yards. It's my hometown. It's the greatest place in the world," said Stacey Wrobel.
Monday was the first home game since the Orioles played to an empty stadium and then moved the next home series to Florida. It all came after a protest became violent outside of Camden Yards on April 18.
During ReOpening Day, fans came and celebrated throughout the day.
"Things are getting back to seemingly normal. It's good," said Levi Smith, O's fan.
The fan excitement was acknowledged by Orioles manager Buck Showalter.
"It doesn't surprise me. Instead of putting the orange carpet in center field, we should have the orange carpet at the gates because it's their Opening Day as much as anything," said Showalter.
And while everyone didn't make it to Camden Yards to enjoy the game, a lot of people celebrated ReOpening Day throughout the city.
O's fans took part in activities at Pratt Street Ale House as part of the ReOpening Day in Baltimore. While back at Camden Yards, fans were cheerful.
"I think everybody's spirits are high and everyone's here just to support the Orioles and support Baltimore," said Dale Knight.
ReOpening Day partnered with the Maryland Food Bank. Fans were able to make donations at Camden Yards and some of the bars around the stadium.
