A quote-worthy homestand

The Orioles may have lost Sunday to Boston, but they won seven of 10 games on the homestand that ended yesterday. They had two walk-off wins against New York and no one will forget the American League East clincher last Tuesday against Toronto.

It was a homestand where several players did in-depth interviews to talk about a special group of players - the 2014 Orioles.

Here is a collection of some of those quotes, a few that may have been published here before but several that have not. The Orioles were finally ready to talk a bit about their team and its success over the last few days.

Nick Markakis on winning baseball in Baltimore after years of losing for him and the team: "I think it means a little more to me because this is all I know. This is the only place I've played. I kind of understand what the fans are going through as a person going through several years of struggle to get to where we are. You have to go through struggles to get to the top.

"It's a little more special than sitting on the bench rooting these guys on. It was a tough blow in 2012, but I'm here now enjoying it. Try to get as far as we can go."

Markakis said he always believed this day would come: "That is one reason I signed here. I knew eventually it was going to happen. Things don't come right away. With a little hard work, patience and dedication, good things come from it. You could see it going in that direction. It was a matter of plugging in players here and there. We've got it now and we're going to roll with it."

Markakis on Buck Showalter: "We know what to expect out of Buck and he knows what to expect out of the players. If you can communicate with your players, it goes a long way. His preparation and communication is above and beyond. You want a manager that is going to manage a team you want to play for."

Adam Jones on the winning culture in place now and a conversation he remembers having with Showalter before he signed his long-term deal in May 2012: "That is why I re-upped and signed to stay in Baltimore the next six years. If you win, you'll be remembered and if you lose, you are a distant memory.

"It was important for me to go into Buck's office and talk to him. It was a quick conversation, but it ensured that I want to win and he wants to win. Obviously, I think I was foolish for questioning his motive for winning, but it was what I needed to do and the clarification I needed. Looking back, it was the best decision I made. They've put me in the position to not only to win but to lead a group of men and have some fun with it."

Jones on his victory lap around the stadium Tuesday night: "They haven't celebrated here in Baltimore since '69. Sure, most of the people that stayed around weren't born yet. Some were. That was pretty cool to share with the city that supports you. You could see the excitement in their eyes.

"They were just happy. I was hugging some lady. Some were really grabbing me tight. My lady said she saw a woman kiss me on the cheek. 'I saw that,' she said.

"If you are a baseball fan in this city, I think (Tuesday) and the last couple of years have been good to them. We're are just trying to put a good team on the field and grind it out. Baltimore, the type of city that it is - hard-nosed, hard-working city - they appreciate that kind of play. We appreciate their support."

Christian Walker on reaching the majors: "It's real exciting. I've wanted to be here my whole life. To achieve a goal and, you know, potentially keep achieving the goal is amazing. It's overwhelming."

Nelson Cruz on his teammates attending his introductory press conference back in February: "It showed they care about who you are, no matter where you come from - other teams or another country. We are here for a reason: to win games."

Cruz said he didn't have anything to prove this year: "I don't have to prove anything. I know what I can do on a daily basis. When you come to the ballpark with the mentality to win games, everything comes easier as a player. Whatever the team needs. I remember I tried to move the runner once and a I hit a homer, and another time, I hit a double. Just to have that mentality to win games. In the end it pays off."

Yep, quite a homestand.

It began with comeback wins and then featured the clinching celebration. It led to Fan Appreciation Weekend, where the players appreciated the fans and vice-versa.

It ended with many pondering the exciting possibilities still to come.