Most of the time, when we focus on the Birdland community, we are talking baseball or associating it to baseball in some capacity.
But there are moments within Birdland, where baseball might not be the topic, but the reason we find a feel-good story that isn’t being talked about as much as it should.
That’s what this new series for The Baltimore Battery is all about: highlighting important, feel-good events around Birdland regarding players, coaches and, most importantly, the Birdland community.
It’s about more than just baseball. Let’s get to it.
Recently, Baltimore Orioles prospect Kyle Brnovich, who is battling his way back from Tommy John Surgery, has been one of those under the radar feel-good stories.
At 25 years old, Brnovich, like many, had heard of people coming together and helping others in a time of need. Not being in a situation to experience or provide before, it was something the young prospect would step into with both feet.
Brnovich, who is from Englewood, Florida, was one of the many Floridians who would experience Hurricane Ian, a devastating category four storm that hit in September and left many communities in Florida ravaged with damage.
Brnovich, who has family in the surrounding areas of Englewood, jumped right into action.
“It was just one of those things where you don’t even ask questions. It’s just like, ‘What can I do? When can I do it? How fast can we get through this so we can help somebody else?’”
– O’s pitching prospect Kyle Brnovich on the need for help due to the rath of Hurricane Ian
Brnovich would partner with non-profit organizations to conduct wellness checks on people who had not been reported safe from the storm while also helping to distribute goods and cleaning up debris.
The Orioles would also pitch in to help in the clean-up efforts. With the club’s spring training and team facilities in Sarasota, it made for an easy jump into the efforts.
Minor League Equipment Manager, Jake Parker, along with team staff, would gather cases of water, gas tanks, ice and other supplies, where Brnovich would drive up from Englewood and distribute the goods and supplies to people in need around the communities.
Even though a couple of months have passed, it hasn’t stopped Brnovich or the Orioles from continuing their efforts in the rebuild and recovery.
As recently as Thanksgiving, the Orioles’ annual “ThankFull” Thanksgiving Turkey distribution event took place at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. More than 2,000 turkeys have been given out since 2020, being especially helpful this year as families try to get back on their feet.
The Orioles partner with All Faiths Food Bank to provide food for the holidays for families in need.
Joining Brnovich were minor league first baseman Jacob Teter, Minor League Fundamentals Coach Christian Frias, Senior Vice President of Community Development and Communications Jennifer Grondahl, Community Ambassador and former second baseman Brian Roberts, Senior Director of Florida Operations Trevor Markham and Community Engagement specialist Shelby Thorpe.
“The feedback you get from those people when you see them smile and light up, and just how appreciative they are, that’s everything, you know?”
– O’s pitcher Kyle Brnovich on giving to his local community
With the help of Brnovich and the Baltimore Orioles, families in Florida are experiencing good will and kindness in a time of need. Where hope sometimes seems so far away, it’s nice to know that players and teams don’t forget the people who support them.
“All of a sudden, you have neighbors like you’ve never seen in your life, and you’re like, ‘Oh hey, how are you?’ That was pretty neat.”
– O’s pitcher Kyle Brnovich on meeting members of his local community
It’s players like Brnovich that remind us of the good the world still carries and a reminder to Birdland that baseball is not the only way we can connect.
What do you think of Brnovich and the O’s impact on the state of Florida? Let us know in the comments below! And make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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