masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThis week’s announcement of changes in the Orioles’ uniforms for 2012 – most notably the return of orange jerseys and caps bearing the smiling visage of the cartoon bird – has been overwhelmingly well received. And those new-look lids are going to pop up on some A-list celebrities in short order.

The club timed its announcement with a Tuesday morning delivery of the retro-style caps to about a dozen or so celebrities with ties to Baltimore and/or the Orioles. Actor Josh Charles, who spoke so…This week’s announcement of changes in the Orioles’ uniforms for 2012 – most notably the return of orange jerseys and caps bearing the smiling visage of the cartoon bird – has been overwhelmingly well received. And those new-look lids are going to pop up on some A-list celebrities in short order.
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The club timed its announcement with a Tuesday morning delivery of the retro-style caps to about a dozen or so celebrities with ties to Baltimore and/or the Orioles. Actor Josh Charles, who spoke so eloquently about his love for the team and a certain third baseman at the Brooks Robinson statue last month, had one shipped to Hollywood. ESPN basketball analyst Dick Vitale – who lives in Sarasota, Fla., the team’s spring training roost, and has hosted the O’s at his home – had his hand-delivered to Madison Square Garden, where he was part of the crew covering Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s record-breaking 903rd career victory.

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, professional skateboarder Bucky Lasek, actor Ed Norton, ESPN anchor and Maryland grad Scott Van Pelt and “Modern Family” actress Julie Bowen also received unexpected gifts. The Orioles sent some of the new caps to the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills, which explains why running back Ray Rice was sporting one as he met with the press Wednesday.

Follow Pete Kerzel on Twitter: @kerzelpete