It’s done. The trade deadline has come and gone. The Orioles got their starter in Jack Flaherty. Whether you loved, hated or were indifferent on what the Orioles did at the deadline, there’s something else we as fans can focus on as this team makes it‘s postseason push.
I’ve stated before that I’ve been a season ticket holder for a while. I’ve seen it all. I was there for the nice run from 2012-2016. I was there in 2018 when the Orioles were major sellers. I was there during the years of 100 plus losses.
The on-field product may have taken some roller-coaster-like ups, downs and loops, but I would argue as the Orioles window of contention opens, there is one key piece still missing: The fans.
To give you some context about truly experiencing the ups and downs, I have seen both extremes. I have attended Opening Days, playoff games and major giveaway weekends. Sold out, loud, energetic spectacles. I was also there on September 8, 2021, when the Royals came to town in front of a record-low 4,965 in attendance.
Birdland gets a pass for the years 2019-2021. Unless you’re a sicko like me, I can absolutely understand not wanting to spend your hard-earned money on the likes of Rio Ruiz and Pedro Severino, respectfully. It’s only logical to want to enjoy going to a game, and I can confirm firsthand that some of those days were not exciting.
Now, however, this team is extremely different. Most of the young core is here and not just here but contributing in a big way. To tell you something you already know, the Orioles are one of the best teams in baseball, and it would take a monumental collapse for that to change before October.
This past weekend, in the series against the Yankees, we did it. Saturday, specifically, there was a crowd of 42,829. That was the first sellout outside of Opening Day this year. That weekend drew over 114,000 fans, which set a recent record.
However, for a team that is the best in the American League, only 1.1 million fans have come through the gates of Camden Yards this year. You may laugh when I say only, but when you find out that ranks an astonishingly low 23rd in baseball, the laughs may die down.
So far, the average attendance in 2023 is just over 21,000. For context, Camden Yards holds 42,000 plus. I’m not a math major, but I believe that is half. This team deserves better, especially in the final months of the season.
Now, as a caveat, I know it takes planning, time and not a small amount of money to do this. I took the average of four different studies, and that got me to the conclusion that to take a family of four to an Orioles game, it is going to run you about $160. I know that is not extremely cheap.
The Orioles have programs like Kid’s Cheer Free, the Monthly Ballpark Pass (O’s Unlimited) and other ways to help knock down the cost. Starting here and now, this team needs to feel and keep the energy Camden Yards held this past weekend.
If the Orioles are to remain one of the juggernauts in the American League and all of baseball, packing The Yard is going to have a major impact. So is leaving it empty.
As the O’s have extremely pivotal home series coming up with the likes of Houston, Toronto and Tampa Bay coming to town, I emplore you to pick a game and go see what this team is doing for yourself. I know I’ll be there. Come say hi and get a high five. If that’s not enticing enough, come see one of the best teams in baseball with your own two eyes.
Which games will you be attending? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment