Good news for baseball enthusiasts! The recent work stoppage has come to an end on Thursday, paving the way for Major League Baseball Opening Day on April 7. The weather forecast predicts a delightful day with clear blue skies, the aroma of peanuts, and warm sunshine.
We can now transition the conversation from dull topics like negotiations on the international draft and competitive balance tax to exciting discussions about fastballs and home runs.
However, baseball fans in the DMV may have greeted the news with lukewarm enthusiasm.
Since 2016, the Baltimore Orioles have failed to achieve a winning season. Additionally, following their World Series victory in 2019, the Washington Nationals have transitioned into a complete rebuilding phase.
Despite the lackluster performance on the field this year, loyal fans like you still have numerous reasons to visit Oriole Park at Camden Yards or Nationals Park.
Work stoppage over, but long, hot summer – and long odds – await
At BetMGM Sportsbook, the Orioles have odds of +15000 (150-to-1) for winning the American League East.
Furthermore, if we focus solely on the division, it is worth mentioning that the Birds have an astonishing chance of securing a World Series victory with odds of +50000 (500-to-1).
The oddsmakers do not hold a favorable opinion of the Nationals either, as the National League East boasts strong teams like the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, with the Philadelphia Phillies also posing as potential contenders.
The Nationals have odds of +5000 in winning the National League and +10000 in winning the World Series.
Searching for some positive news? Keibert Ruiz, a rookie catcher for the Nationals and a key player in last year’s trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, stands as a top contender for the NL Rookie of the Year award with odds of +500. This is definitely a good reason to catch a glimpse of the Nats in 2022.
Nuts to the Nats: Injuries galore
In 2019, the Nationals embarked on an extraordinary journey to the World Series, ultimately claiming Washington’s first championship in 95 years.
Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another 95 years for the next one.
Following a challenging 2020 season that was cut short due to the impact of COVID-19, the Nationals faced further setbacks in 2021 as injuries plagued their team. Consequently, they concluded the season at the bottom of their division, registering a disappointing 65-97 record.
This place holds promising young talent. Keep in mind that Juan Soto, one of the finest hitters in baseball, is among them. However, unfortunate news struck as star pitcher Stephen Strasburg suffered another injury in 2021, raising concerns about the reliability of the remaining pitching staff.
Hail to the Nationals: Presidents Day Race
The fourth-inning Presidents Race is considered one of the top in-game promotions among all Major League Baseball teams and the Nationals excel in this area.
If you haven’t witnessed it, then where have you been hiding? Imagine enormous foam-headed figures depicting America’s most esteemed presidents engaged in a thrilling race around the cautionary track.
Every Sunday, the presidents participate in a race while dressed in unique costumes. Additionally, if a game extends to extra innings, specifically the 13th inning (which coincidentally repeats the fourth inning), they engage in a second race.
Teddy Roosevelt was previously unsuccessful in winning races, but he has now become a strong competitor. As for this year, George Washington is speculated to have 9-5 odds of winning the majority of races (although this information is fictional).
In addition to its distinctive food offerings, Nationals Park is home to some unique culinary delights. If you haven’t tried a pupusa before, now is your chance! La Casita Pupuseria made its debut at Nationals Park in 2018, serving up these delectable stuffed thick corn tortillas. Alongside this mouthwatering treat, you can also indulge in gourmet tater tots or savor the Banh Mi Dog, a creative twist on the classic hot dog featuring a delectable combination of pickled carrots and sriracha mayo.
Woe is O: Orioles return from disaster season
The Orioles recently experienced a year where the total attendance at Camden Yards fell below 1 million for the first time. Although COVID restrictions were in effect during the initial stages of the season, the Orioles still had an average attendance of less than 11,000 per game.
In 2021, Baltimore manager Brandon Hoyle guided the team to a disappointing 52-110 record, placing them 48 games behind the division-winning Tampa Bay Rays. The team’s struggles were evident as they endured a painful losing streak of 19 consecutive games in the month of August.
Last year, the standout performance for Baltimore came from the rookie Ryan Mountcastle, who achieved an outstanding milestone by setting a new Orioles record for rookie home runs with an impressive total of 33. Additionally, he concluded the season with an impressive tally of 89 RBIs.
Still, though, it’s Camden Yards
Even though the Orioles are still in the process of organizing themselves, there are numerous activities and sights to explore at Camden Yards.
The Orioles plan to celebrate the stadium as they commemorate its 30th anniversary, acknowledging that if one cannot celebrate the team, they can still honor the ballpark.
Now is possibly the perfect moment to visit Camden Yards, with the opportunity to savor Boog’s BBQ and indulge in the most exceptional sandwich in all of Major League Baseball (please refrain from commenting).
From Monday to Thursday, home games offer $10 tickets in the Eutaw Street bleachers as well.
At Camden Yards, you can find pinch dumplings available for purchase, along with the Corona Street Taco stand.
Ensure that you observe the home run indicators situated on Eutaw Street. Regardless of the outcome, remember to cheer with an enthusiastic “O!” when the national anthem is performed.
There’s nothing better than baseball
What’s the famous saying? Not the betting one.
There’s nothing more enjoyable than good baseball, especially when it’s played at Camden Yards or Nationals Park this summer.
Perhaps it would be best to focus less on the scoreboard and instead fully embrace the essence of America’s favorite pastime.
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