The Orioles announced the hiring of Dan Duquette as their executive vice president for baseball operations

The Orioles announced the hiring of Dan Duquette as their executive vice president for baseball operations

The Orioles announced the hiring of Dan Duquette as their executive vice president for baseball operations, replacing Andy MacPhail. The 53 year-old former Red Sox general manager (1994-2002), who inked a three-year deal with the Birds, takes over a franchise that has suffered through 14 successive losing seasons.

The Baltimore Orioles become the first team in American League history to lead off the game with three consecutive homers

The Baltimore Orioles become the first team in American League history to lead off the game with three consecutive homers, as Ryan Flaherty, J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis go deep to open the bottom of the 1st; it has been done three times in the National League. The last team to homer in its first three at-bats was the Milwaukee Brewers on September 9, 2007. Hardy also was the middle man in that spree. Colby Lewis, who surrenders the three longs balls, exits with an unusual pitching line: 7 innings pitched, 5 hits – all home runs – one walk and 12 strikeouts. Adam Jones and Wilson Betemit also homer off Lewis, the latter following the lone walk, issued to Matt Wieters. Baltimore wins, 6 – 5, with Wei-Yin Chen getting the win over Lewis.

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Matt Wieters becomes the first Baltimore backstop to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award

Matt Wieters becomes the first Baltimore backstop to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The 25 year-old All-Star catcher, who appeared in 132 games behind the plate last season for the Orioles, was voted by the American League managers and coaches as the best defensive player in his position.

The Orioles sign free agent DH Vladimir Guerrero

The Orioles sign free agent DH Vladimir Guerrero

The Orioles clear a spot on their roster for free agent DH Vladimir Guerrero, whose contract is finalized today, by placing P Alfredo Simon on the restricted list. Simon is still in custody in the Dominican Republic following a shooting death on New Year’s Eve, but the O’s are now cautiously optimistic that he may be released within 10 days as a result of developments in the investigation into the shooting that could clear him as a suspect.

Twins suffer first rainout in 30 years

Twins suffer first rainout in 30 years

The Minnesota Twins suffered their first rainout at home since 1980, being forced by weather to re-schedule today’s game against the Orioles as part of a day-night doubleheader on May 8th. The Twins played indoors at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome from 1982 to 2009, before moving to outdoors Target Field this year. However interestingly enough, they also did not have a rainout in 1980 or 1981 before moving indoors.

After a moving ceremony celebrating the history of the 85 year-old ballpark, New York beat the Orioles in the last game ever played at Yankee Stadium, 7-3. Julia Ruth Stevens, the Babe’s daughter, throws out the ceremonial first pitch, and at the end of game, team captain Derek Jeter, standing in front of the mound, surrounded by his teammates, bids farewell to ‘House Ruth Built’ in an address in front of the 54,610 fans who attended the Bronx finale.

After a moving ceremony celebrating the history of the 85 year-old ballpark, New York beat the Orioles in the last game ever played at Yankee Stadium, 7-3. Julia Ruth Stevens, the Babe’s daughter, throws out the ceremonial first pitch, and at the end of game, team captain Derek Jeter, standing in front of the mound, surrounded by his teammates, bids farewell to ‘House Ruth Built’ in an address in front of the 54,610 fans who attended the Bronx finale.

After a moving ceremony celebrating the history of the 85 year-old ballpark, New York beat the Orioles in the last game ever played at Yankee Stadium, 7-3. Julia Ruth Stevens, the Babe’s daughter, throws out the ceremonial first pitch, and at the end of game, team captain Derek Jeter, standing in front of the mound, surrounded by his teammates, bids farewell to ‘House Ruth Built’ in an address in front of the 54,610 fans who attended the Bronx finale.

Manny Ramirez becomes the 24th and 12th-youngest major leaguer to hit 500 career home runs

Manny Ramirez becomes the 24th and 12th-youngest major leaguer to hit 500 career home runs

Interested in exploring FRANCHISING? We will help you through your journey visit us @ www.franchisingconnection.com May 31, 2008 In front of many visiting Red Sox fans at Camden Yards, Manny Ramirez becomes the 24th and 12th-youngest major leaguer to hit 500 career home runs. The historic ball, thrown in the seventh inning by Orioles right-hander…