I do think today hit on all cylinders — a lot of exciting Opening Days, but this one does feel different. It’s a vibe I felt in Sarasota 10-days ago. Prior years O’s fans have displayed a well earned sense of cynicism, be it bad drafts, budget constraints, horrific signings or no signings, etc.
Ed Smith Stadium was like an amusement park. Fans were….happy. Happy in line for food, happy in the stand, happy buying anything with B-More stamped on it in an overcrowded, cheap T-Shirt inventory fan shop. The place sold out again (both games I attended) versus the half empty ballpark I experienced the last time I visited Sarasota.
New cool ownership group, a team coming off a 101-win AL East title year, competitive spring, tough roster choices, an Ace on the hill, a chance to have financial support for all levels of operations (stadium to the roster) and a GM who seems to be getting warmed up — all seem to be contributing to my unreasonable optimism and enjoyment of today’s launch into 2024.