masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgEarlier this week, Melvin Mora played in his 793rd game at third base for the Orioles. That moved him past Doug DeCinces into second all-time in games played at third by an Oriole.

The man who is the clear number one in that department, Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, will be at Camden Yards tonight to present Mora with third base from the game where he moved into second.

“He has recognized the job I’ve been doing for the Orioles for a long time. He’s a guy who understands what the hot…Earlier this week, Melvin Mora played in his 793rd game at third base for the Orioles. That moved him past Doug DeCinces into second all-time in games played at third by an Oriole.

The man who is the clear number one in that department, Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, will be at Camden Yards tonight to present Mora with third base from the game where he moved into second.

“He has recognized the job I’ve been doing for the Orioles for a long time. He’s a guy who understands what the hot corner is about. To receive this from Brooks for me and my family is a blessing, an honor,” Mora said.

“First of all I thank God that I could be healthy all those years. You need to play day in and day out no matter who comes to town. You can’t describe it. It’s pretty special.

“I’ll never forget the Orioles, they gave me the opportunity. I have to thank Mr. Angelos. He’s the one who said one day ‘you could go to third base.’ Now here I am, behind Brooks Robinson.”

With the O’s not expected to pick up a club option on Mora’s contract for 2010, the Oriole since 2000 could be playing his final days in the Orange and Black.

“I haven’t thought about that. Right now I can just think of all the great years I’ve been an Oriole. The fans have always supported me. My first few weeks at third I made some errors but they never booed me. I want to thank the fans of Baltimore for supporting me all these years.”

Mora said his business manager recently pointed out he was about to move into second place in games played at third. The business manager got in touch with Brooks to tell him about that.

“Brooks said I would love to give the base to Melvin. You know he doesn’t come here very often. For him to do this is something me and my family will never forget,” Mora said.

Whatever happens beyond this season, Mora is not ready to retire from the game.

“I want to play for the next four years,” he said.