When I started following sports and becoming an actual fan I was only five; that was the year I went to my first Orioles game. Unfortunately, it was also the first of a fourteen year losing streak for the team I first fell in love with as a fan. Since I am the only one in my family born in Baltimore I have adopted a couple of their teams but my brothers and father had made it clear that if I’m related to them I have to like the Eagles (through their training they are my football team in hard times like this year and in good times hopefully next year). But I can honestly say as a fan I will never abandon any team I root for even if the Eagles don’t win another game, the Maryland Terps get crushed in the big 10 every year, the Capitals blow it in the playoffs or even if the O’s regress back to their usual standard of mediocrity. So here is what I’m thankful for this year.
Courtesy: J. Meric/Getty Images
*Buck Showalter. I am so grateful that the Orioles were willing to let this man take control of this organization and sticking with him, giving him a chance to make the players believe that they are winners. It turned out pretty good for them hopefully they can do it again, either way I’ll be going to another twenty games this year.
*Trading Robert Andino. I have heard Andino is a great guy and I have no grudge against him on a personal level, I just couldn’t stand him being the everyday second baseman next year once Roberts gets hurt again.
*My First Playoff Game. The Orioles finally made the playoffs and I went to my first professional sports playoff game. That game was when I was proudest to be an O’s fan. (Especially because we won)I cannot describe how I felt. but you could sense the city was just energized.
*The 76ers acquiring Andrew Bynum. I know the move hasn’t panned out right away but he is only 25 and the 76ers were never going to progress with their current roster, they would always be a bubble team for playoffs and never go deep if they did make it. Bynum gives them a chance make a championship run.
* Mark Turgeon. I love the way he coaches and hey, the Terps kept up with the defending National Title Champs all game. I believe he will be the key to getting them back to a National Title, and In the Big Ten I think this young team will flourish.
*I’m Grateful that Brian Dawkins was able to come back to Philadelphia and retire. I can only imagine how it felt to be home again for his retirement ceremony. Especially knowing Jim Johnson was looking down on him smiling as “Weapon X” came out one last time.
*The Andy Reid Era. I know this has been one rough last year for him but I’m grateful for Andy because he turned a bad team into a playoff contender virtually every year. In football we tend to forget what matters and the attitude of what have you done for me lately has taken over. Most of fans forget Andy Reid had to bury his oldest son this year. The absolute worst thing for a father is to outlive his children, so for once I think football may have taken a back seat in his life. After this season it’s time for him to move on but that will not stop me from appreciating what he accomplished in his tenure in Philadelphia.
*Mr. Bill Hunter. My next door neighbor, Billy Hunter is the only living Oriole from the original 1954 team, their only All Star that year, a coach for the Orioles during their Championship years and the former Athletic Director for Towson University. I am very grateful to know this man and his wife Mrs. Bev. They have always been very kind to me and Mr. Bill has always been willing to take me to a Towson game and share his Knowledge of baseball with me.
*My Brothers. Brett and Kirk have always looked out for me and influenced me in my love for sports. I am so grateful that to be their little brother in so many ways, taking me to games, last minute Christmas shopping or even helping them with laborious tasks when they ask for it. I want them to know I love them.
*My Parents. In my entire life my parents may have missed only two of my games in any sport I was playing whether it was Soccer, Rugby, Basketball, Baseball or Football. I’m so thankful for everything they have given me and they have always been there when I needed them. I love them so much for all they have done.
For the rest of you reading this have a Happy Thanksgiving.
