2006 Baltimore Orioles

After a lackluster performance in the 2005 MLB season, the Baltimore Orioles are poised to make a strong showing in 2006. The Orioles finished the 2005 regular season with a .457 win average, placing them at the middle of the American League East. Baltimore baseball fans are hoping to see improvements in the Orioles' game this season, with such additions as pitcher Kris Benson and catcher Ramon Hernandez. A trip to memorable Camden Yards is always a pleasure - be sure to get your tickets to catch the Baltimore Orioles in action in 2006!

The Saint Louis Browns became the Orioles when they relocated to Baltimore in 1953. They held their home games in Memorial Stadium until 1991, and since April 6, 1992, the Baltimore Orioles have hosted opponents in Oriole Park in Camden Yards, located in Baltimore, Maryland. Approximately 2.45 million tickets were sold for 81 home games in the 2003 season. The amazing baseball-only facility has natural grass turf and a sunroof over the upper deck.

The Orioles have many accomplishments to brag about since their debut in Major League Baseball, including three World Series championships (1966, 1970, 1983). They also have won numerous American League and Eastern Division championships. Loyal fans help make the Oriole club such a strong one. They average 30,302 ticket sales per game, placing them at number eleven of thirty teams in Major League Baseball.

The presence of big-name ballplayers has always been prevalent in Baltimore. The most notable player in the history of the Orioles franchise is Cal Ripken, Jr. He holds the all-time record for consecutive games played by a Major League player, has a grocery list of awards, and has led the Orioles to many championships. Many other key players besides Sammy Sosa have committed to playing baseball in 2005 for the Orioles squad, including Javy Lopez, Rafael Palmeiro, and Miguel Tejada.

The 2004 season was an improvement, but not what the Orioles had hoped for. They had 78 wins and 84 losses, finishing up a notch from 2003 to third in the American League East. They finished the year 23 games behind the New York Yankees and 20 games behind the Boston Red Sox.

There are other exciting sports teams in the Baltimore area. Such teams include the collegiate Maryland Terrapins (the Terps) and the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.