1997.
That's the last time I followed Major League Baseball with enthusiasm. Born and raised in Northern Virginia in a post-Washington Senators era, Baltimore was my team. Cal Ripken, Jr, Brady Anderson, Mike Mussina... the mid-90's were heady days to be an O's fan.
For two magical seasons in '96 and '97, they were competitive with Davey Johnson at the helm. He led them to the post-season each year but it wasn't without turmoil. Johnson never got along with hands-on owner, Peter Angelos. With future Hall of Fame second baseman, Roberto Alomar, serving as a catalyst, Johnson was forced out the day he was named AL Manager of the Year.
All of this came on the heels of several strikes and lockouts and many baseball fans were getting fed up with the sport already. Add to that the beginning of a 15 year stretch of losing for the Orioles and I just lost interest.
But I have to admit, two decades later, I get the feeling the ice might be starting to melt. I've mentioned before that I drive for Uber in Washington. One of my new experiences coming with that is becoming acutely aware of baseball in DC. The Nationals are hot right now and I don't go a day without giving a ride to at least one fan.
Business-wise, it'd be foolish of me NOT to listen to the games on the radio while I work. For one thing, it gives many of my riders entertainment with something they enjoy. But just as importantly, if the Nats are at home, it gives me a way to know when the game's about to end so I can head to the ballpark to be available.
What's all this mean? I think I might be becoming a "curly W" fan.
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