Baltimore Orioles Dwight Smith Jr. on Quarantine and Tourney

In an online interview, the Baltimore Orioles MLB: The Show participant shared his thoughts on the tournament and how he’s staying fit during the quarantine.

Baltimore Orioles Dwight Smith Jr. revealed that he could not live without Wi-Fi, but that he doesn’t eat much candy during his interview with MLB Central. He also shared that he’s working out with his dad and in his garage.

With all of the time Smith Jr. is spending online during the 30-man tournament, he has become a favorite with the media and with fans. He’s shown off his friendly demeanor and his skills managing the limited Orioles roster. He’s offered respite for fans who miss their team, as many of the other Orioles players have been quiet during the quarantine.

Smith Jr. shared his technique that has consistently kept him near the top. He said:

"“I try not to do too much with the players I got because we didn’t get much respect in the game, so I’m just trying to the best with what I got so we can get some better ratings in the game.”"

When asked about the players he’s faced, he talked about playing Fernando Tatis, Jr. who has recently moved up in the ranks. Smith Jr. said that Tatis Jr. lays off of everything and looks for mistakes as his way to win games. He also spoke about playing against other leaders like Josh Hader and Bo Bichette.

It is evident that the MLB players involved in the tournament take it seriously. Smith Jr. remember the pitches he threw and the hits the other players got off of him. He also clearly remembered the plays that helped him win.

More from Orioles News

• Predicting the Baltimore Orioles Opening Day Infield
• Orioles News: O’s Sign Adam Frazier and Other MLB News
• Baltimore Orioles Sign Adam Frazier
• Orioles News: Projecting Grayson Rodriguez’s Debut and Other MLB News
• Exclusive FanDuel, DraftKings Maryland Promo Expiring: Bet $20, Win $600 Before It’s Too Late

Even though Smith Jr. was talking about virtual games, the vivid memories of the plays are similar to how players remember their real-life successes and failures while between the lines. Mentioned that the tournament is tough because the MLB players know baseball, so there’s no way to wiggle out of situations.

When asked about what he misses most about the real-life game, Smith Jr. mentioned the guys and the game, but other than that, he misses adrenaline rush. He said:

"“There’s nothing like it. When you come out during the opening and you hear all the fans [like] screaming. I love that part about it.”"

I have to agree. As a fan who has been to MLB games all over the US, I enjoy watching the player-introduction portion of the game. I miss the sounds of the game, and seeing what different stadiums do between the innings.

The Orioles acquired Smith Jr. in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. The left-fielder was far from perfect in the 2019 season, but his spring training numbers weren’t bad. In 33 plate appearances, he hit .267/.333/.333 with two doubles, a stolen base, and five RBI.