A Baker's Dozen

Including this weekend's series against the Texas Rangers, the Orioles have a mere 13 home games left in 2009. It's usually about this time each year that I realize there really aren't that many more chances to catch a game at the Yard before a long winter without the O's. So what's left in the line-up of home games to look forward to? Plenty. For starters, don't forget about the $1 MASN Maximum Access Tickets available for every non-prime home game from now until the end of the season! Saturday, September 5: At Camden Yards - Baltimore Elite Giants/Negro League Celebration: Orioles players will wear Elite Giants uniforms during the game in honor of the 1939 and 1949 Negro League Champions. To Remember on your Own - Fourteen years ago today, Cal Ripken tied Lou Gehrig's record of 2,130 consecutive games to the tune of a five-plus minute standing-O at Oriole Park. Sunday, September 6: To Remember on your Own - Thirteen years ago today, Eddie Murray became the 15th player in major league history to hit 500 home runs when his solo shot in the seventh inning of that day's O's-Tigers game hit the stands. He also joined the elite company of Hank Aaron and Willie Mays in hitting 500 HRs and 3000 hits in his career. Sunday, September 13: To Remember on your Own - Thirty-eight years ago today, Frank Robinson smacked home runs #499 and #500 in games one and two (respectively) of a doubleheader against the Tigers at Memorial Stadium, allowing him to also join the 500-homer club. Wednesday, September 16: At Camden Yards - Minor League Affiliates Appreciation Night Fans sporting the logo of an O's minor league affiliate will receive $5 off any regularly priced ticket to the Orioles game that night. Prior to the game, the O's will present the club's minor league awards, and during the game, fans can expect in-game promos like those at a minor league game and appearances by affiliate mascots. Friday, September 18: At Camden Yards - Orioles Can Koozie and Oriole Park Scavenger Hunt The first 10,000 fans 15 and older will receive an Orioles can koozie, along with instructions on how to take part in the Oriole Park Scavenger Hunt. Also don't miss Fan Appreciation Weekend, which wraps up the last series of the '09 season (Friday, October 2 through Sunday October 4). Fan Appreciation Weekend includes fireworks on Friday and an O's Oktoberfest Celebration complete with an Orioles Tankard Giveaway on Saturday. So try to make it out to Oriole Park (at least) one more time before the season ends and you realize you have several long months before you can head to the Yard for an O's game again. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and hope to see you at the Yard one day soon!