6 NL Teams Baltimore Orioles Fans Can't Wait to Play Every Year

Stuck in a division with powerhouses like the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, interleague play provides relief to Baltimore Orioles fans.

Five teams render hope of a series sweep.

The other is just a good old-fashioned rival.

Here's a look at six National League teams that Orioles' die-hards love seeing lose at Camden Yards.

San Diego Padres

Baltimore Orioles fans—take comfort in the San Diego Padres' equally bad record.

At 69-93 in 2011, the Orioles find a comparable opponent in the 71-91 Padres.

There's nothing better than heckling lesser-known foes knowing there's a considerable chance your team will back your boos.

Chicago Cubs

Because every baseball fan outside of Chicago loves to pick on the Cubs.

Seriously though, these two franchises provide a matchup that extends beyond one game or series.

Two of the most historic clubs in the league, the Cubs and Baltimore Orioles are rich with memories of yesteryear.

The fact the two are similar in talent makes it a game worth attending.

Houston Astros

56-106.

That was the Houston Astros' record in 2011.

Anytime an Astros series is on the schedule, Baltimore Orioles fans should do backflips.

Bring a broom to the final game. 

New York Mets

The New York Mets are a fun team to root against as a Baltimore Orioles fan for a few reasons.

First, the Mets beat the Orioles in the 1969 World Series.

Now look at them.

Their financial situation is a mess, they lost Jose Reyes, they'll likely trade David Wright and Johan Santana has been injured an awful lot.

It's not nice to kick a team while they're down, but it feels good to better than the Mets.

It's a subtle way to get back at New York for years of pounding from that other team.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Baltimore Orioles lost the 1971 and 1979 World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Both times in Game 7.

Today it's a race between the two for who can restore the glory first.

Both teams have up-and-coming talent.

A regular season series makes for a great, even-handed match.

When they wear their throwbacks, the nostalgia is amazing.

Washington Nationals

Two words: Beltway Series.

Every team has their interleague rival. For the Baltimore Orioles, it's the nearby Washington Nationals.

The Battle of the Beltways commenced in 2006. The series stands at 19-17 in favor of Baltimore.

Last season though, the Nationals drubbed the Orioles to the tune of a 17-5 loss.

Orioles' brass wasn't happy with the relocation in the first place, so continuing attendance wars remain heavy fuel to the already-raging fire.