Mis-Guided Perceptions Of Opening Day

On a day when the clouds parted and spring returned right on schedule, all things were right again in Camden Yards.

There has been much written about the last 10 miserable years in this baseball town.  None of it hopeful, or flattering.  Inept front office shenanigans (see Sid Thrift, Mike Flanagan), mismanaged farm systems, and a team going through the motions.  All courtesy of a egocentric, meddling owner, to recite popular opinion.

Suddenly, a new GM (Andy MacPhail) comes to town with a bonafide three year plan.  Trades are made, aging veterans are gone, young stars are signed to long term contracts and younger stars loom on the horizon.

In Baltimore, where tradition begins with memories of Cal Senior, the Earl (Weaver)of Baltimore, Brooksie, Boog, 'Cakes and Cal Junior; fans long for the days of The Oriole Way. 

Days when the farm system supplied the future and stars played out their careers in the Orioles uniform.  The most successful franchise in baseball from 1966 until 1983.  In Baltimore, those days loom like the proverbial black cloud over the last ten years. 

On Monday, there appeared the promise of an end to those days.

Although the loudest fan reaction on Opening Day was the obvious disapproval heaped on Mark Texeira, many have missed the point entirely.  This day was as much about new beginnings, where hope springs eternal. 

Yes, the hated Yankees are in town, along with the hated arrogance of the Yankee fans that accompany them.  Yankee fans write of comparisons to their team, yet they forget their not so long ago past of long summers of unfulfilled promise. 

Just as they righted their fortunes, the Orioles are finally on the track to winning ways.  Not this year, but with the heart of a team on the field and Matt Wieters, Chris Tillman, Jake Arrietta, Brian Mutusz in the near future.

The point is not in comparison with the large market Yankee philosophy of "the best that money can buy."  The point is in comparison to the home grown Orioles of years past that flirted with 100 wins year after year. 

With old school manager Dave Trembley and a MacPhail once again in the front office, the future looks bright indeed.  Spring has finally returned to Camden Yards and the Orioles are 3-0 in openers against the Yanks.