It certainly seems like a brand-new era in Baltimore Orioles baseball.
As one of the most underrated baseball towns in the league, loyal O’s fans have been starving for a contender for years now.
Finally, it seems like Baltimore is back and stronger than ever.
Happy Opening Day Orioles fans! pic.twitter.com/09u6v30Vg6
— FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) March 28, 2024
Besides their well-built roster, O’s fans are loving the vibes around the team, especially with a new ownership group taking over.
David Rubenstein leads the new group which includes Mike Arougheti and Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr.
“I always had that feeling right around Opening Day that things were starting, baseball is coming back. But this is slightly different,” Ripken said following Rubenstein’s introductory press conference. “It feels really good to be back in a formal capacity.”
A great start to Opening Day! #Birdland pic.twitter.com/PWsIWCqIpS
— Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) March 28, 2024
Arougheti, the co-founder and CEO of Ares Management, along with Michael Smith and Mitch Goldstein, wasted no time endearing themselves to their new fan base.
They took to the famous Pickles Pub where legions of O’s fans were gathered and made a kind gesture that surely got them firmly on the good side of the fans.
“We’re buying everybody a beer!” Arougheti announced, holding cans of Coors Light and Miller Light in each hand, donning an Orioles cap.
His rallying cry of “Let’s go O’s” sparked a chant among the crowd.
"I'm Mike Arougheti, one of the new owners of the O's… We're buying everybody a beer!" 🍻
A+ introduction 👏
(via @Orioles)pic.twitter.com/CiXUG6c8L7
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 28, 2024
Arougheti’s presence at Pickles Pub marked a significant moment for the Orioles, following the recent ownership transition led by Rubenstein.
The ownership group recently purchased the team for $1.725 billion from former chair and CEO John Angelos.
Me continuously going through the line pic.twitter.com/wF8GblSHlw
— Hooked On Hockey Magazine (@HOH_Magazine) March 28, 2024
“To own the Orioles is a great civic duty,” Rubenstein stated after the sale’s approval. “Our job is to build on these accomplishments to advance a world-class professional sports agenda – with eyes on returning a World Series trophy to Baltimore.”
“I thank John Angelos and his family for all they have done to bring us to this point. John led a dramatic overhaul of the team’s management, roster, recruitment strategy and farm system in recent years.”
From @DM_Rubenstein: pic.twitter.com/wRADPstamv
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 27, 2024
Rubenstein, in addition to his public appearances, also expressed confidence in the Orioles leadership, praising general manager Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde as the best in the league.
The O’s rose to the occasion on the field as they went on to crush the Los Angeles Angels 11-3 in the Opener.
Death, taxes, and the O's winning on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/o6nJepjiaf
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 28, 2024
The triumphant Opening Day win was a testament to Baltimore’s sky-high potential this season.
Behind stellar pitching from newly acquired ace Corbin Burnes, who delivered six scoreless innings, and offensive contributions from Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, and Adley Rutschman, the team showed plenty of promise for the season ahead.
This is awesome. New ownership seems like some real down to earth people. What a complete 180 from the previous ownership.
— Brandon Napier (@BNapier22) March 28, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Orioles?
Do you like the direction they’re heading in?
Is it safe to consider them a legitimate World Series contender???
One of the new owners came to our section and gave 2 guys and their 2 kids with them owners seats near home plate from all the way out in right field
— Tinsp00n (@TinSp00n) March 29, 2024