Would You Believe in Three Straight?

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

The year was 1966 and the Orioles were battling the Dodgers in the World Series. After taking the first two games of the series in Los Angeles, the two ball clubs traveled to Baltimore for the next two games of the series. When the Orioles returned to 33rd Street, there was a sign nearby Memorial Stadium that read: “Would you believe in four straight?” Some considered this an omen as the Orioles proceeded to win the  next two games for the team’s first World Series Title.

Fast forward 48 years from that magical year and you have another magical team. However, instead of Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell, you have Adam Jones, Nelson Cruz and J.J. Hardy. Instead of Jim Palmer and Dave McNally on the mound, the Orioles have Chris Tillman and Bud Norris.

Although the players are different, the team’s expectations remain the same. Solid defense, timely hitting and deep depth have defined this ball club in years past and they do once again in 2014.

With a 2-0 lead in the ALDS against the Tigers, fans may be making signs that read: “Would you believe in three straight?” The majority of the national media had the Tigers in this series. No one gave the Birds of Baltimore a chance. They second-guessed Baltimore’s pitching and hitting. They figured the Orioles’ reliance on the “long ball” would not hold up against top quality arms in the Postseason.

However, Baltimore is proving they can keep the opposing team off the bases and they also proved that not only can they hit home runs in the Postseason (three home runs in two games), but more importantly, they showed they can score runs without crushing the ball over the fence.

This Baltimore ball club is showing everyone in the baseball world they are serious contenders and, one win away from heading to their first ALCS since 1997, the Orioles are close to shocking the world!