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Boy Howdy
03-25-2008, 12:33 AM
I did a little research to refresh my memory about spring training 20 years ago:

http://urbanshocker.wordpress.com/2008/03/25/spring-training-with-the-1988-baltimore-orioles/

(Don't click if you get offended by things that belong in the seldom visited history forum ;))
Stevo5278
03-25-2008, 01:01 AM
And what a year it was...

* The dismal return of Tito Landrum

* Dickie Noles getting lit up like a Christmas tree in his brief tour of duty with the O's

* Jay Tibbs sporting a 4-15 record

* Having Larry Sheets and Jim Traber man corner outfield spots

* Ken Gerhart rapidly making the transition from top prospect to AAAA washout.

Please tell me we're not going to be this bad this year. Please tell me that Adam Jones is not the next Ken Gerhart. Please tell me that Adam Loewen and Daniel Cabrera aren't the next Mike Morgan and Jay Tibbs. Please tell me that George Sherill isn't Tom Niedenfuer.

Yikes.
Stevo5278
03-25-2008, 01:07 AM
This is an archived section but the point remains... Leave it to the Washington Post to remind us just how crappy 1988 was.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/orioles/longterm/memories/1988/1to10.htm
mikezpen
03-25-2008, 07:52 AM
This will be their worst season since 1988. You're looking at over 100 losses.
NOVA OriolesFan
03-25-2008, 08:09 AM
That was interesting to read since I have no memories of 88 having been only 9 months old on opening day.
mikezpen
03-25-2008, 08:10 AM
You didn't miss anything, kid.:(
DrungoHazewood
03-25-2008, 08:19 AM
This will be their worst season since 1988. You're looking at over 100 losses.

While that's possible I think it's equally likely that they exceed last year's win total. You've been really pessimistic lately. The season hasn't even started - are you trying to convince yourself that this is a 50-win team so that 70 looks awesome, like last year's Nats?
Snutchy
03-25-2008, 09:01 AM
You know what though, now matter ho bad they were, we watched every game. Thats back when they still had die hard fans and sell out crowds.
DrungoHazewood
03-25-2008, 09:09 AM
You know what though, now matter ho bad they were, we watched every game. Thats back when they still had die hard fans and sell out crowds.

Memorial Stadium's listed capacity in 1988 was 54,017. They never drew 54,000 fans to any game, including the opener or Fantastic Fans night. After May 2nd they never drew 40,000 and most of the games in the 35k range were when they played the Yanks or Sox. Final attendance was 1.6M, 10th in the AL.

And I think the popularity of this messageboard says a lot about die hard Oriole fans still being around.
Who's On 1st
03-25-2008, 12:07 PM
This will be their worst season since 1988. You're looking at over 100 losses.


IMO, I think this team will surprise us all.I really don't think it will be worse then 1988. I also think it will be better then last year. Contenders NO! But better then the last couple of seasons.
Moose Milligan
03-26-2008, 03:03 PM
IMO, I think this team will surprise us all.I really don't think it will be worse then 1988. I also think it will be better then last year. Contenders NO! But better then the last couple of seasons.

If by better you mean more young talent to watch grow and promise for the future, yeah, I agree.

I think we'll be in the 68 win range.