Orioles add infielder Gilbert Lara on minor league deal

The Orioles have agreed to terms on a 2023 minor league contract with INF Gilbert Lara.

Nationals announce 2023 non-roster invitees

MASN-Nationals-Logo

The Washington Nationals announced their 2023 non-roster invitees on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

 

RHP

LHP

C

Continue reading

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to play at Camden Yards

GettyImages-856070548

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced additional North American dates on their 2023 international tour in 18 cities, with newly-added shows beginning at Chicago's Wrigley Field on August 9 and running through December 8 at San Francisco's Chase Center. Multiple nights have been scheduled for Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park (August 16 and 18), New Jersey's MetLife Stadium (August 30 and September 1), Toronto's Scotiabank Arena (November 14 and 16) and Los Angeles' Kia Forum (December 4 and 6). Tickets for the 22 added North American shows will go on sale over the course of the next two weeks, with the first onsale beginning this Friday February 19 at 10am local time (full details below). 

 “As a lifelong fan of Bruce Springsteen and of my hometown, it’s an honor to announce that on September 9, 2023, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will play their first ever outdoor stadium show in Baltimore at Oriole Park at Camden Yards,” said Orioles Chairman and CEO, John Angelos. 

The 2023 international tour began February 1 in Tampa, Florida with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band's first North American show in seven years. Opening night featured a high-energy 28-song set which included rocking fan favorites like "Born To Run," "Prove It All Night," and "Wrecking Ball," with The E Street Band effortlessly shifting to soul and R&B while complemented by a horn section and backing vocalists. Rolling Stone called the band's return "ecstatic and emotional," and SPIN added it was a "must-see." USA Today said they "rocked like their lives depended on it" and the Associated Press noted the "energy was as high as ever...every song seemed epic.”

For many cities, the tour will be using Verified Fan via Ticketmaster. Verified Fan requires pre-registration at https://verifiedfan.ticketmaster.com/springsteen and is open through Sunday February 19 at 11:59pm ET. Verified Fan is intended to make it easier for fans to get tickets, and harder for resellers and bots.

For more information about Verified Fan visit: https://blog.ticketmaster.com/bruce-springsteen-e-street-band-2023/.

Continue reading

A statement from Orioles chairman & CEO John Angelos on the passing of Ted Lerner

MASN-Orioles-Logo

On behalf of the Baltimore Orioles Partnership Group, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Ted Lerner on the loss of their patriarch.

Mr. Lerner was a successful businessman, developer, sports team steward, and a pillar in the world of Washington real estate.

My condolences are with the Nationals and the Lerner family.

Commissioner Manfred issues statement on passing of Ted Lerner

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Washington Nationals Founding Principal Owner Ted Lerner, who was 97:

“Ted Lerner was a proud product of Washington, DC, an avid baseball fan, and an extraordinary American success story. In 2006, this onetime usher at Griffith Stadium took ownership in the nation’s capital and, in 2008, made Nationals Park a first-class destination. The Nationals’ era of winning baseball culminated in the 2019 World Series Championship, the first for baseball fans in the District since 1924. Most importantly, the Nationals have always remained loyal to Ted’s vision of unity, philanthropy and civic pride in Washington.

“I have great appreciation for Ted’s impact on his hometown and the game he loved. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Ted’s entire family, including Annette Lerner, Mark Lerner and Judy Lenkin Lerner, Marla Lerner Tanenbaum and Robert Tanenbaum, and Debra Lerner Cohen and Edward Cohen.”

Nationals mourn the loss of founding managing principal owner Theodore N. Lerner

MASN-Nationals-Logo

It is with great sadness that the Washington Nationals today announce the passing of Founding Managing Principal Owner, Theodore N. Lerner.

Mr. Lerner is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Annette Morris Lerner; his children Mark D. Lerner (Judy) and Debra Lerner Cohen (Edward) of Washington, D.C., and Marla Lerner Tanenbaum (Robert) of Bethesda, Maryland; his nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

From his humble beginnings as an usher in Washington D.C.’s old Griffith Stadium, to the ushering in of a new era of championship baseball in his hometown, Mr. Lerner literally and figuratively built a legacy through his signature mix of tenacity and humility. Guided by love for his family and passion for his hometown, Mr. Lerner dedicated his life to the creation of a better city and a winning ball club.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Lerner was a graduate of the George Washington University and had a law degree from the George Washington University National Law Center. In 1952, he founded Lerner Enterprises, which went on to become one of the largest private real estate development companies in the D.C. area. Mr. Lerner was named Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals on May 3, 2006, and worked tirelessly from that day forward to build a world-class baseball team in his beloved Washington, D.C. He created the framework that brought the 2019 World Series to the nation’s capital, and the championship ball club he helped create stands as a reminder of the love he had for this great game and the passion he had for giving back to his hometown.

In addition to his many accomplishments in business and in sports, Mr. Lerner championed the creation of opportunities for all residents of the region and was instrumental in the foundation of the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, which provides year-round programming and resources in one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods. Mr. Lerner led by example through his family’s own private philanthropy and set the tone for the ball club’s company-wide culture of giving, which still extends into the clubhouse, front office and in the stands. He was honored with the Washington Nationals Philanthropies “Power of Baseball Award” in 2022 in recognition of the many ways he’s improved the city of Washington, D.C. and the lives of its residents. 

Continue reading

Orioles announce minor league coaching staffs and player development assignments for 2023

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles today announced the club’s minor league coaching staffs and player development assignments for the 2023 season. The coaching staffs of Triple-A Norfolk, Double-A Bowie, High-A Aberdeen, and Low-A Delmarva are listed below, along with the Florida Complex League and Dominican Summer League Orioles.

The Orioles return the following managers to their same posts from the 2022 season: BUCK BRITTON (Norfolk), KYLE MOORE (Bowie), ROBERTO MERCADO (Aberdeen), FELIPE ROJAS ALOU, JR. (Delmarva), CHRISTIAN FRIAS (FCL Orioles), and ELBIS MOREL and CHRIS MADERA (DSL Orioles).

Britton returns for his second season as Manager of the Tides. In his Triple-A managerial debut season last year, two No. 1 overall prospects – ADLEY RUTSCHMAN and GUNNAR HENDERSON – were promoted from the Tides to the Orioles to make their Major League debuts. In total, 35 players appeared on both the Tides’ and Orioles’ active rosters during the 2022 season. Britton will be joined once again by Pitching Coach JUSTIN RAMSEY, who enters his fifth season in the organization and second with Norfolk. Ramsey will continue to serve as Upper-Level Pitching Coordinator in addition to his position with the Tides. BRINK AMBLER joins Norfolk as the Tides’ Hitting Coach after serving in the same role with the Shorebirds in 2022. Fundamentals Coach RAMÓN SAMBO and Development Coach JOSHUA RODRIGUES each return in their roles, with Sambo entering his fourth season in Norfolk and 17th in the Orioles’ system, and Rodrigues entering his second season in the organization. Athletic Trainer ALAN RAIL, ATC and Strength and Conditioning Coach JON MEDICI also return to Norfolk. GRIFFIN PYOTT, ATC has been named Assistant Athletic Trainer after serving in the same role with Delmarva in 2022, his first season in the organization. ADAM SEHLMEYER returns as Norfolk’s Clubhouse Manager.

Moore returns to Bowie for the second season and his sixth as a manager in Baltimore’s farm system. In Moore’s first season skippering the Baysox, Bowie went 68-70, including posting a 41-28 record in the second half. Pitching Coach FORREST HERRMANN makes the jump to Double-A for his second season in the organization, having most recently served in the same role with Aberdeen in 2022. SHERMAN JOHNSON makes his coaching debut as Bowie’s Hitting Coach. A former infielder, Johnson appeared in 10 games for the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and played in parts of nine minor league seasons in the Angels, Cincinnati Reds, and Minnesota Twins organizations, as well as a stint with the independent league Kane County Cougars in 2022. He played two seasons at Florida State University. TIM DeJOHN returns for his second season as Fundamentals Coach with the Baysox. In addition to his role with Bowie, DeJohn has also been promoted to Minor League Infield Coordinator for all affiliate levels. Development Coach RYAN GOLL and Athletic Trainer ALLYSE KRAMER, ATC have been promoted from Aberdeen. Goll has also been promoted to Offseason Camp Coordinator. JON WEINBERG returns as Bowie’s Clubhouse Manager.

After making his professional coaching debut last year, Mercado returns as the Manager of the IronBirds. He led Aberdeen to a 78-54 record and a South Atlantic League championship appearance in his first season. Pitching Coach AUSTIN MEINE joins the Orioles from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he had served as Pitching Coordinator since 2021. Hitting Coach ZACH COLE enters his second season with the IronBirds and third in the organization. CHASE SEBBY, a former all-conference catcher at Ball State (IN), has been promoted to serve as Aberdeen’s Fundamentals Coach after joining the Orioles in 2022 as FCL Development Coach. BILLY FACTEAU will serve as Aberdeen’s Development Coach, a role he held with the Baysox last season. Athletic Trainer TORI ATENCIO, ATC joins the organization after serving as Athletic Trainer for the Pioneer League Billings Mustangs and as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Montana State University Billings. SAM SAUER will serve as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the IronBirds, moving up from the FCL. ROSS STOVALL returns as Aberdeen’s Clubhouse Manager.

Continue reading

Nationals announce special ticket events for 2023 season

MASN-Nationals-Logo

With Major League Spring Training just a couple weeks away and the regular season right around the corner, the Washington Nationals today announced several of the team’s 2023 special ticket events. The schedule includes fan-favorites like Pups in the Park, Cat-urday, Night OUT and Ladies Night, plus season-long series like College Days and military appreciation games.

The Nationals will celebrate the team’s furry fans on multiple occasions, including six Pups in the Park dates courtesy of Pedigree Foundation, and the return of Cat-urday presented by Temptations. Fans who select special tickets in the outfield reserved section for Pups in the Park dates are invited to bring their canine companions to Nationals Park with the purchase of a separate dog ticket, which benefits the Humane Rescue Alliance. Feline aficionados purchasing the special Cat-urday ticket for on Saturday, Aug. 19, will receive a special themed item.

Night OUT, the longest-running Pride event in MLB, will take place on Tuesday, June 6, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month. Fans who purchase a special Night OUT ticket will receive an exclusive t-shirt with five dollars of each special ticket sold donated to Team DC, an LGBTQ non-profit focused on building community through sports. The first 20,000 fans through the gates will also receive a Screech Night OUT bobblehead.

Additional highlights of the 2023 special ticket event schedule include Ladies Night, multiple heritage nightsCollege DaysHBCU/Divine 9 Day and more. The Patriotic Series presented by PenFed and Branch Days continue the Nationals’ commitment to celebrating and serving military families. 

The latest schedule of special ticket events and theme nights can be found below. The latest promotions schedule, including previously released items like bobbleheads the already popular City Connect fedora, can be viewed at nationals.com/Promotions.

Continue reading

Orioles announce single game tickets on sale Feb. 8

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles today announced that single game tickets for the 2023 season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, February 8, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET at Orioles.com/Tickets. Fans who subscribe to the free Orioles email newsletter will receive an invitation to participate in a pre-sale opportunity beginning on Monday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m. Fans can subscribe online at Orioles.com/Newsletter.

This year as part of the on sale, a limited number of tickets will be available to purchase for Opening Day on Thursday, April 6, when the Orioles host the New York Yankees at 3:05 p.m.

Birdland Reserved and Flex Members can guarantee access to the best inventory for Opening Day by calling the Orioles at 888-848-BIRD or purchasing through Orioles.com/Memberships.

Major League Baseball’s new balanced schedule will see all 30 teams play each other for at least one series during the season. For the complete schedule, visit Orioles.com/Schedule. A complete list of current 2023 promotions and special events can also be found online at Orioles.com/Promotions. Additional initiatives will be announced at a later date.

Orioles announce spring training non-roster invitees

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles today announced that they have invited 30 non-roster players to Major League Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla. The list includes one left-handed pitcher, 10 right-handed pitchers, four catchers, 10 infielders, and five outfielders. As of today, a complete list of the Orioles’ 30 non-roster players for 2023 Spring Training is below:

PITCHERS (11)

RHP Eduard Bazardo

RHP Wandisson Charles

RHP Kyle Dowdy

Continue reading

A joint statement from Governor Wes Moore and the Baltimore Orioles

MASN-Orioles-Logo

Today, Governor Wes Moore and the Baltimore Orioles announced their joint commitment to creating a long-term, multi-decade, public-private partnership that both develops and revitalizes the Camden Yards complex as a magnet for sports tourism and leverages Maryland taxpayers’ investment in the property. Governor Moore and the Orioles look forward to continuing the conversation about the next evolution of this critical partnership for Maryland and the City of Baltimore.

Since 1992, Oriole Park has hosted more than 2,500 events, generating nearly $75 million in ticket sales and more than $10 billion in economic impact for the benefit of both the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. Under legislation passed by the General Assembly last year, a new lease agreement will unlock $600 million in funding for upgrades and improvements to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The entire Orioles organization will continue to dedicate the necessary time and resources to ensure a shared vision for a reimagined Camden Yards site and revitalized surrounding downtown Baltimore area.

“When Camden Yards opened thirty years ago, the Baltimore Orioles revolutionized baseball and set the bar for the fan experience,” said GOVERNOR WES MOORE. “We share the commitment of the Orioles organization to ensuring that the team is playing in a world-class facility at Camden Yards for decades to come and are excited to advance our public-private partnership. We look forward to writing the next chapter of major league baseball in Maryland as we continue to make magic for fans and meaningful investment for communities across our state.”

“I am looking forward to continuing to collaborate with Governor Moore, his administration, and the Maryland Stadium Authority in order to bring to Baltimore the modern, sustainable, and electrifying sports and entertainment destination the State of Maryland deserves,” said JOHN ANGELOS, Orioles Chairman & CEO. “We greatly appreciate Governor Moore’s vision and commitment as we seize the tremendous opportunity to redefine the paradigm of what a Major League Baseball venue represents and thereby revitalize downtown Baltimore. It is my hope and expectation that, together with Governor Moore and the new members and new chairman of the MSA Board, we can again fully realize the potential of Camden Yards to serve as a catalyst for Baltimore’s second renaissance.”

The Orioles, the Moore administration, and the Maryland Stadium Authority look forward to reimagining Camden Yards to deliver a live, work, play theme that will bring residents, businesses, and tourists to downtown Baltimore year-round.

Nationals announce player development staff

MASN-Nationals-Logo

The Washington Nationals announced their 2023 Minor League player development staff on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Director of Player Development De Jon Watson made the joint announcement.

Triple-A Rochester

Double-A Harrisburg

High-A Wilmington

Manager – Matt LeCroy

Continue reading

Orioles equipment trucks embark on 1,000-mile journey to Ed Smith Stadium

Earlier today, Von Paris Moving & Storage trucks carrying Orioles equipment departed from Camden Yards, making their way to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla., in preparation for the 2023 Spring Training season. 

The trucks, which are carrying 320 uniforms, 300 hats, and 10 pitching machines, will travel 1,000 miles before arriving at the Orioles’ Spring Training home early next week. Also making the trip to Sarasota are 800 cases of baseballs and 300 bats.

The 2023 season will mark the Orioles’ 14th Spring Training season in Sarasota and the club’s 13th year at the renovated Ed Smith Stadium. Von Paris Moving & Storage has been the official mover of the Orioles since 1991. 

Spring Training games are slated to begin Saturday, February 25, as the Orioles host the Minnesota Twins at Ed Smith Stadium. Tickets are currently on-sale for all 17 Spring Training home games in Sarasota, which fans can purchase online at Orioles.com/SpringTickets. 

Orioles sign 1B Curtis Terry to minor league deal

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Agreed to terms on a 2023 Minor League contract with 1B Curtis Terry.

Orioles acquire lefty Cole Irvin from A's

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired left-handed pitcher COLE IRVIN and minor league right-handed pitcher KYLE VIRBITSKY from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league infielder DARELL HERNAIZ.  

Irvin, 28, made 30 starts for the A’s in 2022, pitching to a 9-13 record with a career-best 3.98 ERA (80 ER/181.0 IP). He set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts (128) and tied his career high with 15 quality starts. The southpaw led Oakland in strikeouts, innings pitched, starts, quality starts, and wins, and ranked second among A’s pitchers in fWAR (1.4). His 14.4 pitches per inning were the second fewest in the American League, while his 1.79 BB/9 ratio ranked sixth best among qualified AL hurlers. 

A native of Anaheim, Calif., Irvin was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Oregon. In 81 career Major League games (65 starts), he has gone 21-30 with a 4.40 ERA (198 ER/404.2 IP) and 288 strikeouts against 92 walks. He made his MLB debut on May 12, 2019 at Kansas City (W, 7.0 IP, 5 H, ER, BB, 5 K). 

Virbitsky, 24, made 23 appearances (22 starts) between High-A Lansing and Low-A Stockton in his first full professional season in 2022, going 7-7 with a 4.63 ERA (65 ER/126.1 IP). He issued just 30 walks and struck out 140 batters, the most among A’s minor leaguers. Baseball America recently ranked him as having the best control in Oakland’s system. The right-hander was originally selected by the Athletics in the 17th round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft out of Penn State University. 

Hernaiz, 21, played at three levels in the Orioles organization last year, slashing .273/.341/.438 (111-for-406) with 21 doubles, five triples, 12 home runs, 72 runs scored, 62 RBI, and 32 stolen bases in 105 games between Double-A Bowie, High-A Aberdeen, and Low-A Delmarva. He played 58 games at shortstop, 24 at second base, and 21 at third base between the three teams. The infielder was originally selected by the Orioles in the fifth round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Americas (TX) High School. 

Continue reading

Orioles agree to terms with Austin Voth

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following transaction:

  • Agreed to terms with RHP Austin Voth on a one-year contract for the 2023 season, avoiding arbitration. The deal includes a club option for 2024.

Orioles announce Levy as hospitality partner for Oriole Park at Camden Yards

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Baltimore Orioles have teamed up with Levy, the market leader in creating unforgettable hospitality experiences at sports and entertainment venues, to craft an elevated food and beverage experience for fans visiting Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The partnership will kick off with the 2023 season, when Levy’s team will welcome fans with new signature offerings highlighting the iconic tastes of Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay, upgraded technology to allow faster and frictionless check-out options, and new culinary training opportunities for up-and-coming hospitality talent.

“Oriole Park has been a first-class destination for sports and music entertainment fans for over three decades, and as we look to the future to enhance the footprint and impact of Camden Yards, we are excited to welcome Levy onboard,” said JOHN ANGELOS, Orioles Chairman and CEO. “Together with Levy, we will provide world-class hospitality, food, and beverage experiences, to further develop Camden Yards as a top destination for sports, entertainment, and community service.”

“We’re so proud to partner with the Orioles at the truly iconic Camden Yards and build upon their vision for the ballpark,” said ANDY LANSING, CEO of Levy. “Camden Yards is a truly special place, and it sparked the evolutionary thinking that brought the fan experience to the forefront. With this inspiration, we look forward to collaborating with the Orioles and their fans to bring forward a hospitality experience that creates long-lasting memories on game day and throughout the Baltimore community.”

“We are thrilled to embark on a new partnership with Levy and bring exciting and innovative options to our ballpark,” said GREG BADER, Orioles Senior Vice President Administration and Experience. “We will work seamlessly with Levy to elevate the fan experience at Oriole Park from the concession stands to the Club Level suites, all while providing further opportunities to Strengthen Our Community and Empower Our Youth.”

Core to the partnership with Levy will be creating opportunities for up-and-coming chefs, restaurateurs, and food and beverage tastemakers in the Baltimore area. Hospitality enrichment and training programs will also be created to provide hospitality career advancement opportunities at the ballpark. Fans can also expect a food and beverage experience with local twists, as well as frictionless experiences that provide faster, more convenient ways to access food and beverage.

Continue reading

Orioles agree to minor league contract with RHP Reed Garrett

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

  • Agreed to terms on a 2023 Minor League contract with RHP Reed Garrett.

Lewin Díaz clears waivers, assigned to Triple-A Norfolk

MASN-Orioles-Logo

The Orioles have made the following roster move:

INF Lewin Díaz has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles announce long-term reinvestment in Baltimore

MASN-Orioles-Logo

Orioles Chairman and CEO JOHN ANGELOS, alongside Baltimore Mayor BRANDON M. SCOTT, today announced a $5 million commitment to CollegeBound Foundation in support of the next Baltimore renaissance. The CollegeBound Foundation empowers Baltimore City Schools’ students to successfully pursue and complete a college degree or other post-secondary option. As part of the initiative and in addition to the College Completion Program and scholarships, the Orioles will provide paid internships to former Baltimore City students and current College Completion Program scholars.

“We are thrilled to announce our pledge to support the CollegeBound Foundation and its College Completion Program, which is just a catalyst to further support Baltimore City youth, leading to the development and retention of invaluable local talent,” said Angelos. “After being introduced to the program by Mayor Scott, a former CollegeBound Foundation scholar, it quickly became a top priority for myself and the Orioles to get involved and find the most impactful avenue of support. This significant pledge is a testament to the club’s commitment to the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and its youth. We hope our contribution acts as a kickstart, and now challenges other Baltimore City businesses to support the CollegeBound Foundation and its mission.”

By providing paid internships to College Completion Program scholars, the Orioles will expose local students to the vast career opportunities existing within the club and help develop the local talent pipeline, with a goal of ultimately offering those students positions within the organization and retaining talent in our region.

"As someone who has lived his entire life in Baltimore and has been a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles, it warms my heart to see this franchise understand and once again embrace its commitment to serving the people of Baltimore – especially Baltimore’s youth," said Mayor Scott. "Today's announcement shows that the Orioles are committed to making a major investment into the future of Baltimore and playing a very active role in the renaissance that is taking place here."

Since being founded in 2017, the CollegeBound College Completion Program, a multi-year support network dedicated to guiding Baltimore City public school graduates through college by offering academic and personal guidance, has made a significant difference in the college graduation rate of Baltimore City public school graduates. The inaugural class, which matriculated in 2017, is on track for a 75 percent graduation rate, and the 2018 scholars are on track for a 78 percent graduation rate, nearly double the college graduation rate of Baltimore City public school graduates attending a four-year college.

Continue reading