Stephen Heckman

Extra Mayo, please!

Coby Mayo is making his way up the O’s prospect rankings, powering his way through High-A so far in 2022! Stephen Heckman reports:

O’s make minor league moves for second straight day

The O’s had made another set of minor league roster moves, their second straight day of transactions. Stephen Heckman reports:

Tides slay Knights in near sweep: Weekly Recap 5/17/22 – 5/22/22

The Tides had a much-needed series win against the Charlotte Knights, taking five of six. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:

Orioles meet Yankees for 3 in Bronx: Series Preview 5/23/22 – 5/25/22

The O’s are headed north to the Bronx to play the Yankees in a three-game set. Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:

Aberdeen loses first series of season to Rome: Weekly Recap 5/17/22 – 5/22/22

As hard as it is to believe, the Aberdeen IronBirds lost their first series of the season this past week against the Rome Braves. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:

Scrappy O’s walk-off Rays twice in series win: Series Recap 5/20/22 – 5/22/22

Orioles Magic filled Oriole Park at Camden Yards this weekend, as the debuting Adley Rutschman and the rest of the never-say-die O’s won their series against the Rays, two games to one! Stephen Heckman recaps the series:

O’s, Means agree to 2-year deal, avoid arbitration

The Orioles and John Means have agreed to a two-year, $5.925 million deal to avoid arbitration. Stephen Heckman reports:

O’s Fry traded to Diamondbacks for 19-year-old pitcher

The Orioles last night traded lefty Paul Fry to the Arizona Diamondbacks for 19-year-old righty pitcher, Luis Osorio. Stephen Heckman reports:

O’s Matt Harvey suspended 60 games by MLB

Orioles right-hander Matt Harvey has officially been suspended 60 games for distribution of a banned substance. Stephen Heckman reports:

Tides’ struggles continue against Redbirds: Weekly Recap 5/10/22 – 5/15/22

It was another rough week in Norfolk, as they Tides dropped another series. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:

IronBirds continue to fly high, nearly sweep Renegades: Weekly Recap 5/10/22 – 5/15/22

Would you be surprised if we told you it was a great series for the IronBirds? We didn’t think so! Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:

O’s name Prieto & Watson Minor League Players of the Month

The Orioles have announced their Minor League Players of the Month as infielder César Prieto and right-handed pitcher Ryan Watson! Stephen Heckman reports:

Kyle Bradish: The First Wave

Kyle Bradish is here to stay, after a dominant start against the St. Louis Cardinals last night! Stephen Heckman reports:

IronBirds continue to fly high with series win over Cyclones: Weekly Recap 5/3/22 – 5/8/22

It was yet another impressive series win for the IronBirds, as they showed off against the Brooklyn Cyclones! Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:

Baysox win soggy series against Harrisburg, Henderson shines: Weekly Recap 5/3/22 – 5/8/22

The Baysox had a much-needed series win over the Harrisburg Senators, with contributions from three of the organization’s top prospects! Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Baysox baseball:

Kansas City visits Baltimore for 3 at OPACY: Series Preview 5/8/22 – 5/9/22

The O’s are set to battle the rain and the visiting Kansas City Royals for a three-game set. Stephen Heckman has your Series Preview:

Top prospect battery set to join Norfolk Tides

As announced earlier today, O’s top prospects Adley Rutschman and D.L. Hall will be added to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides roster Friday. Stephen Heckman reports:

Orioles claim Logan Allen off waivers from Cleveland

The Orioles have claimed left-hander Logan Allen off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. Stephen Heckman reports:

Norfolk struggles against Stripers, drop 5 of 6: Weekly Recap 4/26/22 – 5/1/22

The Norfolk Tides had a miserable series against the Stripers, dropping five of six. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:

Aberdeen takes series with 5 straight wins: Weekly Recap 4/26/22 – 5/1/22

The IronBirds won five straight against the Blue Claws, with a little help from rehabbing top prospects Adley Rutschman and D.L. Hall. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:

Future is now: Kyle Bradish is here in Birdland

As announced earlier today, the Orioles are calling up their No. 10 prospect, right-hander Kyle Bradish, to start tomorrow night against the Boston Red Sox in his Major League debut. Stephen Heckman reports:

IronBirds flying high after winning set against Grasshoppers: Weekly Recap 4/19/22 – 4/24/22

The IronBirds are rolling through the South Atlantic League, taking four of six from the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in IronBirds baseball:

Tides split series with Durham: Weekly Recap 4/19/22 – 4/24/22

The Tides split their first series against the Durham Bulls this past week. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:

John Means to undergo Tommy John, miss all of 2022 season

As announced earlier today, John Means will undergo Tommy John Surgery, ending his 2022 season. Stephen Heckman reports:

Can the Orioles get any respect?

With ESPN’s latest MLB Power Rankings having the Orioles as the worst team in baseball to start the season, our very own Stephen Heckman explains that no matter how much the O’s prove people’s expectations wrong, respect will always be rarely mentioned:

O’s top prospect Kyle Bradish named I.L. Pitcher of the Week

O’s No. 10 prospect, right-hander Kyle Bradish, has been named International League Pitcher of the Week. Stephen Heckman reports:

IronBirds fly high against Blue Rocks: Weekly Recap 4/12/22 – 4/17/22

The Aberdeen IronBirds split their six-game series with the Wilmington Blue Rocks, giving them a 6-3 record to begin the season. Stephen Heckman recaps the week in IronBirds baseball:

Tides roll high against RailRiders: Weekly Recap 4/12/22 – 4/17/22

The Norfolk Tides took five of six against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders this week, improving their season record to 8-4. Stephen Heckman recaps your week in Tides baseball:

Kyle Stowers: The other 2019 pick is big league ready

Many outfield prospects in the Orioles farm system are knocking on the door to the big leagues in 2022, but maybe none more than the O’s No. 8 prospect, Kyle Stowers. Stephen Heckman reports:

O’s redefining Akin in new bullpen role

Keegan Akin has shined so far this season going from the starting rotation to the bullpen, and he seems to like his new role with the team! Stephen Heckman reports:

IronBirds sweep BlueClaws in season-opening series: Weekly Recap 4/8/22 – 4/10/22

The Aberdeen IronBirds opened up the 2022 season with a bang, as they swept the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in three games. Stephen Heckman reports on who stood out this weekend:

Norfolk takes 3 of 6 to begin 2022: Weekly Recap 4/5/22 – 4/10/22

The Norfolk Tides began their season winning three of six from the Charlotte Knights. Stephen Heckman reports your weekly recap of Tides baseball:

Rodriguez fires on all cylinders in Triple-A debut

Grayson Rodriguez shined in his Triple-A debut last night for the Norfolk Tides! Stephen Heckman reports on just how good he was:

Norfolk Tides walk it off to get first win

The Tides got their first win of the season last night in walk-off fashion! A five-run comeback, along with a strong showing from the bullpen, helped Norfolk come out on top. Stephen Heckman reports:

Orioles re-sign Matt Harvey to minor league deal, trade Mason McCoy to Mariners

The Orioles have re-signed right-handed veteran Matt Harvey to a minor deal and have traded infielder Mason McCoy to the Seattle Mariners. Stephen Heckman reports:

Delmarva Shorebirds announce 2022 Opening Day roster

The Baby Birds are back, and baseball on Delmarva is ready to kick off Friday, April 8, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium against the Fredericksburg Nationals.

Baltimore Orioles announce 2022 roster

Opening Day is just over 24 hours away, and the Orioles have officially announced their 2022 Opening Day roster! Stephen Heckman reports:

Bowie Baysox announce 2022 Opening Day roster

The Bowie Baysox have officially announced their 2022 Opening Day roster! Stephen Heckman reports on who to keep an eye on this year at the Double-A level:

O’s agree to deal with Trey Mancini, avoid arbitration

The Orioles have agreed to terms with Trey Mancini on a new contract for the 2022 season, avoiding arbitration. Stephen Heckman reports:

O’s 2022 Opening Day sneak peak

With Spring Training in full swing and the season only a week away, the Orioles roster is starting to take shape.

O’s add catching depth, add Beau Taylor on minors deal

The O’s have added to their catching depth by signing Beau Taylor to a minor league deal. Stephen Heckman reports:

O’s re-sign Chris Ellis to minors deal, Adley sidelined & more

The Orioles have re-signed right-hander Chris Ellis to a minor league deal, with an invite to spring training. Plus, Adley Rutschman has been sidelined and much more. Stephen Heckman reports:

O’s sign Chris Owings, bring back Conner Greene on minors deals

The Orioles have signed utility man Chris Owings and re-signed right-hander Conner Greene to minor league deals, with invites to spring training. Stephen Heckman has all the details:

Roster Inflation: O’s announce 2022 spring training non-roster invitees

The Orioles have announced their 2022 spring training non-roster invitees! Writer Stephen Heckman gives us insight on who could stand out and maybe even earn a roster spot:

PLAY BALL: MLB & MLBPA agree to new CBA

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world where billionaires look to instill their power over millionaires, only to come up in the end breaking even.

Norfolk Tides release 2022 promotional schedule

The Norfolk Tides have announced their promotional schedule for the 2022 season. Stephen Heckman reports:

Are we alone?

It’s March 31, 2022! Here I stand looking at the numbers off Eutaw Street. My eyes glance out to the green grass that fills the outfield. The smell of infield dirt circles the air as a gentle breeze fills the warm sunny day.

O’s sign RHP Wes Robertson to minors deal

The Baltimore Orioles have stayed busy with their Minor League organizations this offseason, and that statement was true yet again earlier this afternoon.

Baseball’s Lucky No. 7

Baseball’s relationship with the No. 7 is one that spans more than a century. But why is that lucky number so crucial to the sport’s future? Stephen Heckman reports:

Manfred: More like Manfraud

OPINON-BASED PIECE: Anyone with any interest in baseball is well aware that owners locked out players on December 1, 2021, after spending $2.1 billion in new contracts and contract extensions.

Orioles announce full 2022 minor league coaching staff & personnel

Major League Baseball may be locked out as owners and players fight over money, but that doesn’t mean the Minor Leagues can’t conduct business as usual.

Battery of… Kickers?

Most Orioles fans know Adley Rutschman as the top prospect in all of baseball and Grayson Rodriguez as the top pitching prospect. They are the battery of the future for the Orioles, who hold high expectations to go along with the massive fan fair that is following their rise to stardom.

O’s sign C Anthony Bemboom and RHP Matt Vogel to minor league deals

Major League Baseball might be halted from making moves, but it doesn’t stop the minors from locking up some players who might be in, if it happens, spring training.

Locked Out – “It’s just the fans…”

A father and son stand in a backyard, tossing a white with red stitching ball back and forth. The smack against the genuine leather glove makes for a sound that brings back memories and moments from when a game became a National Pastime.

O’s sign RHP Denyi Reyes to minor league deal

The Orioles have an interesting enigma going into the lockout that most teams don’t get to play with, an entire bullpen to build.

O’s make minor league coaching changes

The Orioles have made numerous minor league coaching changes, including the promotion of Buck Britton.

Are we there yet, O’s fans?

As a Baltimore Orioles fan, we have had a whirlwind of adventures over the past decade plus.

RHP Marcos Diplán returns to O’s on minor league deal

A couple weeks ago, right-hander Marcos Diplán elected to forgo an assignment to the minor leagues and selected free agency. Here we are two weeks later, and Diplán has returned to the Orioles on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

O’s Cedric Mullins wins Silver Slugger Award

A season that was a staple in history continues bringing accolades for Cedric Mullins. Finishing third in the Hank Aaron Award vote, Mullins came out on top of the Silver Slugger Awards, winning the first of his young career.

O’s bring back RHP Spenser Watkins on minors deal

Four days after electing free agency, right-hander Spenser Watkins has signed a new minor league deal with the Orioles, along with an invitation to spring training.

O’s claim RHP Bryan Baker from Toronto

With at least 10 spots open on the 40-man roster, the Orioles are either expecting to fill it through saving prospects or signing free agents this offseason.

O’s RHP Hunter Harvey claimed off waivers by Giants, plus other notes

In 2013 with the 22 pick in the draft, the Orioles thought they found a gem when they drafted right-hander Hunter Harvey, a future frontline starter, who came from a pedigree of a family known for pitching.

Severino, Diplán & Greene outrighted, elect free agency

The Orioles have outrighted catcher Pedro Severino and right-handers Marcos Diplán and Conner Greene to Triple-A Norfolk. All three have elected free agency. Click for the latest.

The Comeback & The Rookie

Baseball: a sport full of fierce competition, edge-of-the-seat heroics and unbelievable feats. From the feel good story, to the star so big they shine before they arrive.

Lord Mountcastle: MLB Pipeline 2021 All-Rookie

A year that saw struggles throughout the season for the Orioles saw highlights that made fans see the O’s rebuild is gaining steam along the long journey.

Arizona Fall League is back, O’s representatives announced

One of the great joys of offseason baseball is the playing of leagues that give prospects a chance to refine tools and make up for lost time during the season. And one of those great leagues is the Arizona Fall League.

Coaching changes in Birdland

One of the biggest parts of a rebuild is the ever-changing landscape of coaches, as a team looks to fix and/or fill areas that need improvement. Whether it be at the big league level or the minor league level, there is always a revolving door to find what will help take that next step.

Orioles announce Minor League Awards

The Baltimore Orioles have spent the last three years putting together an organization from bottom to top. Though rebuilds like this take time, it’s hard to turn your eyes away from the minor league system the Orioles have built, currently the best in baseball.

Mullins makes history: First Oriole to reach 30/30

In 2015, the Orioles selected a 13th round pick out of Campbell University. A switch hitting outfielder who played one season of college ball and batted .340, while stealing 23 bases. At best, he was thought as maybe a reserve outfielder.

Bowie Baysox playoff bound: Move to Double-A Northeast Championship series

One of the fun things about being an Orioles fan this year has been the news on the farm. As we have struggled to get through a tough year with the big league team, we got to hear about the success of the Baby Birds and even see some of the future.

Orioles salvage one against Yankees in season series finale: Series Recap 9/14/21 – 9/16/21

The final series against the Yankees was supposed to be dominated by New York. Unfortunately for the Yankees, they found out the Baltimore Orioles were a bit tougher than expected.

Gunnar Up: O’s top-5 prospect gets promotion to Double-A Bowie

In 2019, the Orioles’ big wave of the amateur draft was No. 1 overall selection and current No. 1 overall prospect, Adley Rutschman. Changing the spectrum for how the Orioles’ minor league system would be built, Rutschman became the face of the future.

Davis Tavarez wins FCL Player of the Week honors

The Baltimore Orioles have spent the better part of three years rebuilding, and if there is one thing that they have shown, it’s that they have built a strong and talented minor league system.

My Dear Watson, Zach Watson

Throughout the year, being a Baltimore Orioles fan has been an interesting time to say the least. We have experienced some ups and, unfortunately, many downs.

Orioles split series with Royals: Series Recap 9/6/21 – 9/9/21

The Orioles played the Royals in a four-game series and played to a split in one of the most interesting series of the year.

One Mateo, Two Mateo, Three Mateo, Four

The Baltimore Orioles have been in the midst of a rebuild for three years now, and in that time they have worked on developing younger players from the very bottom on up, including growing the international market that added an $800 million state-of-the-art facility in the Dominican Republic.

O’s welcome Royals to town: Series Preview 9/6/21 – 9/9/21

What a better way to celebrate an American holiday than with good ‘ole American baseball!

Orioles Minors Award Winners: August 2021

As the big league club starts to audition players for next year, there is some watch for present Orioles, who could be in the running for some hardware. Until the season ends, we will not know, but we will be hoping.

The Art of Losing to Win

Sports as a collective is summed up in two words; winning and losing.

O’s Top-5: Promotional Giveaways

We all enjoy going to the ballpark to watch a game. The cheering of our home team, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn, vendors up and down the rows. It’s such a different feel, emotion, and experience that is difficult to top!

O’s Top-5: Draft Busts

Over the course of a few seasons, fans like to monitor players taken by their favorite team in the annual MLB Draft. They clamor for them to succeed through the minor leagues and reach their big league club in no time, to which the fanfare would be enormous.

O’s Rylan Bannon named Triple-A East POTW

Rylan Bannon has been a surprise for the Orioles since being acquired by the team in 2018 from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Crushed: The Rise & Fall of Chris Davis

Few moments in history can be a turning point for a team that becomes a positive and then a negative in such a short time.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

OPINION-BASED: Back in 2018, the Baltimore Orioles entered one of the dreaded stretches any fan hates to hear: REBUILD.

O’s Jean Pinto wins Low-A East Pitcher of the Week

The Delmarva Shorebirds, the Low-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have been informed that right-handed pitcher Jean Pinto has been named Low-A East League Pitcher of the Week.

Baseball’s No. 1 prospect promoted to Triple-A

Back in June of 2019, the Baltimore Orioles drafted a young catching phenom that was the signifying moment of an in-depth rebuild.

Say it ain’t so, Raffy!

Some of the most die hard Baltimore Orioles fans can think back to a day when we had one of the best first basemen in the modern era.

O’s claim Jorge Mateo from Padres, Pat Valaika DFA’d

Tje Baltimore Orioles made a sneaky move Thursday afternoon, as they claimed speedster Jorge Mateo off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

What tomorrow holds: A look at what could be the 2023 Baltimore Orioles: Part 2

Earlier last week, we looked at the potential starting lineup and rotation of the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, a time when we should see the new wave of talent that Mike Elias has been promising us.

O’s trade SS Freddy Galvis to Phillies for RHP Tyler Burch

In a day that everyone expected Paul Fry, Tanner Scott, and maybe Trey Mancini to be donning new colors, the big news of the day was Freddy Galvis getting traded to where he begin his career, the Philadelphia Phillies.

O’s head to Detroit to play Tigers in four: Series Preview 7/29/21 – 8/1/21

Jonathan Schoop once called Baltimore home and gave the Orioles a steady presence at second base for years to come. Now, he once again will be across the diamond, as the former Oriole will be on the home team for the Motor City, Detroit Tigers, to open up a four-game set.

Adley continues to rake, wins Double-A Northeast Player of the Week honors

When it comes to Adley Rutschman, Oriole fans are no longer surprised with accolades; it just makes us anxious for his arrival and makes us anticipate what he will do for our team in the years to come.

What tomorrow holds: A look at what could be the 2023 Baltimore Orioles: Part 1

The Orioles are going to be an exciting team in the coming years! But what will the team look like from a players standpoint? Our very own Stephen Heckman gives us a potential look for the lineup and starting rotation for Opening Day 2023!

O’s rotation still in question

The Orioles came into the 2021 season with the knowledge of a rebuild still in progress. Our pitching was supposed to find a little bit of stability with John Means, Dean Kremer, and Keegan Akin covering three spots in the rotation, but what about the other spots?

What could happen come July 30

The Baltimore Orioles have had, well, let’s just say an unimpressive season to date. Currently on pace to win 56 games, it’s easy to say there more than likely won’t be a playoff chase this season.

Jonathan Bauer: Real Life Superman

In the blink of an eye, an ordinary day can become one that could change your life forever. No one expects it, and, most of all, no one knows how they would react in a particular instance. On May 2, 2021, Jonathan Bauer was about to find out how quickly that instance can come.