Bancells chosen to throw out ceremonial first pitch (Mesa update)

Whenever Richie Bancells appeared on the field and play was halted, it usually drew concerns based on his role as Orioles head athletic trainer and the likelihood that somone had sustained an injury. Seeing him bolt out of the dugout was a bad sign.

Not anymore.

Bancells, who retired after the 2017 season, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday as part of the opening day festivities at Camden Yards.

His appearance will bring an ovation from the crowd instead of hushed tones.

Bancells spent 41 years in the organization, the last 30 as head athletic trainer, before announcing his retirement. Former assistant Brian Ebel replaced Bancells.

The Orioles honored Bancells in 2011 with the Herb Armstrong Award that recognizes non-uniformed club personnel for their significant contributions to the club, community and baseball.

Bancells was inducted into the Maryland Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 2008. He was only the third head athletic trainer in Orioles history.

The club also announced today that gates open at noon on Thursday prior to the 3:05 p.m. game against the Twins and fans will receive a 2018 schedule magnet. The pregame ceremonies begin at 2:30 p.m. with Jim Hunter serving as emcee.

Tenor Richard Troxell has been chosen for the 12th time to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner," and he also will sing "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch.

For the 25th consecutive season, someone will be picked to represent all Orioles fans as the team's "10th man." The fan will be introduced as a part of the starting lineup during the pregame ceremonies.

Also, approximately 60 previous Birdland Community Heroes will be welcomed back to Camden Yards to participate in an on-field ceremony celebrating their contributions. Orioles executive vice president John Angelos will present a $200,000 check to the group, which will be evenly distributed among all 2016-2017 Birdland Community Heroes' associated charities.

Note: The Orioles returned Rule 5 pick José Mesa Jr. to the Yankees after he cleared waivers. Mesa was designated for assignment to make room for Alex Cobb on the 40-man roster.

The Yankees assigned Mesa to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.