There’s No Championship Like Home…
Like everyone else, I was watching the NBA Playoffs last month to see if the New York Knicks could finally get the monkey off their backs — a 53-year-old monkey, to be exact. And once they did, the entire New York City area, including all five of its boroughs, erupted in joy, excitement, and all the good feelings in between.
Watching New Yorkers celebrate their drought finally ending reminded me that being from the city of a championship team just means more. I’ll explain.
Watching New Yorkers play Ja Rule’s “New York,” Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” and Frank Sinatra’s cover of “New York, New York” as they celebrate in the streets reminded me why I’ll never root for a professional sports team outside of Baltimore. The pride of a championship team being in your hometown is one that those who root for teams outside of their area can’t relate to. It’s a part of the city’s DNA now, something a fan from another city cannot fully connect with. These players are our neighbors. They buy from the same businesses in the same areas we go to. Our communities are tied to them individually as well as the organizations they play for. There’s a true connection there. And this isn’t meant to shame people who don’t live within city limits of teams they cheer for, I’m simply saying it’s different when you do.
So while New Yorkers are going to run the, “I’m from New York” line into oblivion this summer, I can’t even be mad because if I were them, I’d blast “Bring in the Katz” and do the Spongebob dance down every block I walked on. (I can’t really do the Spongebob, so maybe it would be more like the Patrick.) I felt the same pride that New Yorkers are now feeling when the Ravens won their two Super Bowls. It’s a connection that only you and the city knows that makes those championships extra special.
On that note…
It’s been 53 years since the Knicks’ last championship, which made me think about the Orioles. This year makes 43 since their last World Series championship. And going by the way this season has gone, they don’t appear to be close to stopping the count. So that makes me wonder — if Knicks fans can finally find happiness, should Orioles fans feel hopeful that their luck can eventually turn around? Will it be 53 years as well? Will it be longer?
We know that ownership switched over just two years ago. Some changes have been made for the better (i.e. signing Pete Alonso, the new aesthetic upgrades at Camden Yards), but there are some things that remain the same that could be holding them back (*coughs* Orioles President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias *cough*). All I know is the Knicks have shown me that the sports gods will give anybody a chance if they show they’re willing to make the necessary changes to be a real contender. I may be a little delulu but I remain hopeful that I will be able to see an Orioles championship in my adult lifetime.
And Another Thing About The Orioles…
Dear Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, you’re skating on thin ice with this fanbase, buddy! Between the saga with Sam Basallo, poor decision making, and your comments not defending Gunnar Henderson being hit at the plate (among other things), you’re starting off on the wrong foot in this town. Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the decision making, and your press conference remarks have gotten side-eyed more times than not.
This is Albernaz’ first stint as a manager, and of course he will have growing pains as he gets acclimated into his new role and what that entails. That said, he’s already rubbing fans, and possibly some players, the wrong way. Fans and media wanted the Orioles to hire a more seasoned manager, one with experience that could help bring a young team along. The Orioles instead hired Albernaz and signed Pete Alonso to help with a veteran presence, and so far it has been an underwhelming product. Maybe it turns around and the Orioles miraculously make the playoffs and all of this is in the rearview. But as of right now, it is not enough to quiet the jeers, and Albernaz’s unpopular decisions and comments are cooling fans’ opinions of him.
The Ravens Are Showing That Change is Good
The Ravens wrapped their Organized Team Activities and minicamps last month under new head coach Jesse Minter. A good amount of the team attended the voluntary workouts, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who picked up an offseason bonus for attending at least 80% of the offseason programs.
The players, Jackson included, appear to be all-in on the new coaching staff. Safety Kyle Hamilton has raved about coach Minter’s defensive approach, while Jackson appears to be blown away by the details and creativity that offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has brought with him. Calais Campbell, on his second stint with the team, called defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver his “all-time favorite coach.” Players have also appeared to have more fun this offseason with new postpractice challenges and races to boost team morale. Even Roquan Smith came into the facility looking lighter and leaner.
While we have no clue how this will translate to Sundays this fall, the players buying in and feeling good about their new coaches is a great step in the right direction. Sometimes, change is needed to bring life to a team that feels like they’ve been spinning their wheels. And while John Harbaugh has had his share of success in Baltimore over the years, it became apparent that changes needed to be made in order for this team to move forward. Some will question whether this young staff is poised enough to make an immediate impact and have the Ravens be the Super Bowl contender that many thought they would be last year. But having guys like Jackson, Campbell, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and Kyle Hamilton on your roster should always give you a chance to compete. Sometimes all it takes is a clean slate and a fresh set of ideas to bring it all together. The players seem very excited about it, and so am I.
September can’t get here fast enough.