For Tommy Hunter, another day and interview, plus more one liners

Right-hander Tommy Hunter has been an Oriole again for just over 24 hours and he did his third interview since rejoining the team today. He had one before and after yesterday's game at Yankee Stadium and today was the first chance for much of the Baltimore media to talk to him because the team was on the road Sunday.

So, per usual with Hunter, it was a lively session mixed with serious answers and one liners. He is never not entertaining.

A reporter remarked he had a different locker this time in the home clubhouse.

"I got kicked out of my old one. They told me not to get bitter, get better," he said.

hunter-white-windup-sidebar.jpgNo, he said, these were not exactly circumstances he envisioned for an Orioles reunion. Pitch well early this season for Cleveland. Get hurt around the All-Star break. Get released Thursday and re-sign with the Orioles three days later.

"No, not at all," he said. "It was a little different. It's good to be back. Lot of familiar faces. It's all good. I'm happy to be back and ready to roll."

Hunter threw a scoreless eighth inning yesterday in New York, pitching around a Gary Sanchez two-out double and getting Mark Teixeira to end the frame with a groundout during a 12-pitch at-bat.

Not only is he happy to be an Oriole again, but happy to once again be on a contending Oriole team.

"I'm literally just trying to come in and play baseball. It's an unbelievable team and group of guys in here. Just trying to come back, fit in and keep my mouth shut and go about my business. That was a joke," he said laughing, the part about not saying much.

Being shy and quiet is not Hunter's problem.

"Yeah, just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride that these guys are probably going to take me on," he said of the pennant stretch.

Hunter was asked if experience was important this time of year.

"It is, but then again, it's just a baseball game at the end of the day," he said. "There is a lot of experience in this room and hopefully I add to it just a little bit. Maybe I'm that little cube of sugar to sweeten it up a little bit."

An Oriole now for at least part of every season since 2011, Hunter was asked if it was a no-brainer for him to re-sign here after Cleveland released him. He reportedly had at least one other team ready to sign him when the Orioles completed the deal.

"I mean, to be selfish about it, you have to weigh other possibilities," he said. "But I think I said the other day there were really a lot of lifelong lasting memories and relationships that I've built here. You know Baltimore is probably going to always have a special place with me and my wife. She's probably more than thrilled to be coming back here. She'll be here tomorrow with the little man (and) that is hopefully going to enjoy the last two months."




O's game blog: Important O's-Jays AL East series b...
More notes from Camden Yards
 

By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.masnsports.com/