The City of Baltimore's Top 10 Moments of 2008

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2008 has been an up and down season for Baltimore teams.

The O's lost for their tenth consecutive year, finishing 68-93. The O's made what could be good moves and may get Mark Teixiera.

The Ravens, led by Joe Flacco, are 10-5 and look headed to the playoffs.

What are the top 10 moments?

We had many good things happen. Chris Waters' amazing debut, both teams playing the finales at legendary stadiums, a depressing streak snapped, good beginnings, an odd play, a record setting return, the Battle of the Beltway, the change of a year, and the future being chosen in 15 minutes.

What could that mean?

No. 10—Orioles Take Part in Last Game at the Cathedral

It was a low moment as an Orioles fan and baseball fan, but it was a moment in itself. The Cathedral known as Yankee Stadium would be taken down after a game that would be forever remembered. Rookie O's pitcher Chris Waters was beaten by Yankee Andy Pettitte, 7-3. Fittingly so, Mariano Rivera pitched the last half inning. Unfittingly so, the last home run hit in Yankee Stadium was hit by at the time by .221 hitter Jose Molina.

I'll miss you, Cathedral.

No. 9—Sunday Win Snaps Streak

One Sunday win. Then a loss. Then another loss. Then another one. And another one. Then 11 more. At one point, the Orioles lost 15 straight Sunday contests. Until July 27, Garrett Olson outdueled the Angels Ervin Santana—on Sunday! It was a 5-2 victory. Olson allowed two runs over six for a win, and Guillermo Quiroz was 3-for-4 with three RBI.

No. 8—First Hit Is Always a Big One

Mention the name 'Luis Hernandez' to an O's fan. Chances are, he'll puke. But I'll remember one thing. On April 6th, the O's were playing the Seattle Mariners in the third of four games. Luis Hernandez was 0-for-6 going into the at bat and had a reason to bat ninth. Hernandez singled to center, giving the O's a 3-2 win.

No. 7—Chris Who?

In 2007, did anyone know the name Chris Waters? No. But on August 6th, the whole world did. In his major league debut, Chris Waters threw in eight innings, one hit shutout against an Angels lineup that included Mark Teixeira, Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, and Torii Hunter.

No. 6—Good Starts

The Ravens, who were swept by Cincinnati last season, got off to a great start with Jon Harbaugh and Joe Flacco. Joe Flacco was 15-for-29 with 129 yards in his first start and ran for 38 yards on a touchdown. Rookie running back Ray Rice ran for 64 yards as the Ravens started 1-0.

No. 5—Did That Just Happen?

Joe Flacco and Troy Smith both line up in shotgun. Joe Flacco takes the snap hands off to Troy. Flacco runs a wheel route about 43 yards. Smith makes a perfect throw and Flacco makes the catch, taking it to the Oakland six-yard line. For my reaction, see headline.

No. 4—Same Old, Same Old

Ed Reed, Ed Reed, Ed Reed. Best ballhawk. Possibly the best safety. But that's all.

Ravens are already leading the Eagles by a considerable margin. Donovan McNabb is on the bench, and Kevin Kolb is under center for Philly. Kolb throws it in the end zone to none other then Ed Reed. Reed returns it 108 yards for a TD, an NFL record.

No. 3—Ravens Beat Skins in Battle of the Beltway

In a game I've been waiting to happen for years, the Baltimore Ravens beat the Washington Redskins at M & T Bank Stadium, 24-10. Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass, Ed Reed picked off two passes (what else is new?), and Clinton Portis was completely shut down. The Ravens own bragging rights on the Skins (fortunately for me).

No. 2—Turn of the Tide

Last year, the Baltimore Ravens were 5-11, and the Cowboys were 13-3. The 'Boys were led by amazing seasons from Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Terrell Owens, and Marion Barber. The Ravens were devastated by anyone and everyone. But Saturday night, the Ravens bested Dallas, 33-24. The Ravens are a game better than Dallas now.

No. 1—Ravens Draft Future

April 2008. One of the best months in Baltimore history. Why? They drafted their future. Who? Quarterback Joe Flacco (pictured, signing) and running back Ray Rice. Led by the rookies, the Ravens are 10-5 and are a win away from a playoff spot a year after going 5-11.