Honored and humbled: Hearing from the O's Hall of Famers

One day before they officially go into the Orioles Hall of Fame, the new class was honored this afternoon at a luncheon at the Warehouse at Camden Yards and spent a few minutes answering questions for reporters.

The class of 2021 includes former shortstop J.J. Hardy, former outfielder Mike Devereaux, former broadcaster Joe Angel and O's superfan Mo Gaba, who passed away last year.

Hardy spent the last seven seasons of his 13-year career with the Orioles from 2011-17 and won three straight Gold Glove Awards from 2012-14. He ranks third among Orioles shortstops in games played, behind Cal Ripken Jr. and Mark Belanger, and led the league in fielding percentage three times.

The Orioles made the playoffs in 2012, 2014 and 2016 with Hardy at shortstop. He hit 107 home runs and drove in 385 runs and was voted the starting shortstop for the American League All-Star team in 2013, the same year that he won a Silver Slugger Award.

Hardy was back in Baltimore today for the first time since 2017.

"Brought back a lot of memories, for sure, driving through the Inner Harbor. It feels real good (to be back)," he said.

Hardy said there are definitely a few memories that stand out the most from his time as an Oriole.

"Starting from the last game of 2011, when we didn't win the World Series but we kept Boston out of making postseason," he said. "And then basically building off of that for the next six years. In 2012 winning just about every extra-inning game that we played, I think we were 18 out of 19. And then going to the postseason and wining the wild card game in Texas. Obviously, 2014. My favorite moment of my whole career was Game 2 of the ALDS against Detroit, when Delmon (Young) hit that double. Making the postseason in 2016 and then my last game here in 2017. After getting hit in the wrist on Father's Day and breaking a bone and missing a couple of months and coming back. Tim Beckham was doing really well, so I wasn't even playing. Then he came down with a tight hamstring and I was able to play the last week of the season. It was ... I mean you can even really write up an ending like what happened for me."

Hardy was on the field for some big games, including many at a packed and loud Camden Yards. Hardy said he feels certain that, when the team can return to winning, the ballpark will be filled again.

"I do believe that, absolutely," Hardy said. "This city absolutely loved us for all those years. I was lucky to get traded here when I did. There was a lot of young talented players already, and I was able to be a part of it. To see 2011, not as many fans, 2012 we're winning games, have a chance to win the wild card spot and fans started coming out. And then expectations started to change and we were a good team.

"The fans came out, and when they did this place was by far the best place to play when the stadium was full. Friday nights, everyone would wear black, we wore black uniforms. Just such a great atmosphere.

"You guys know me, I always tried to fly under the radar. It means so much to me to be part of this fraternity with such great people and great ballplayers. It means the world."

Devereaux spent seven of his 12 seasons with the Orioles, in 1989-94 and 1996, and later was a minor league coach. The center fielder was voted Most Valuable Oriole in 1992 after leading the team in 10 offensive categories. He had 94 home runs and 403 RBIs with the Orioles.

Devereaux is one of three Orioles to finish a season with at least 10 doubles, triples and home runs (1991 and 1992), and the only one to do it twice.

"When I think of Baltimore, I think of the fun that I had here and sellout crowds every day," he said. "And just the atmosphere that always went on. Even what went on in Memorial Stadium. When I think of Baltimore, that's what I think about.

"When I came here, you still had Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell around, and all these big leaguers that hung around the ballpark, and the coaches were big league players. I hope it turns around what is going on now. It is always good to win.

"When I first came to Baltimore I didn't know much about it and I came all the way to the East Coast from Wyoming and I just fell in love with the city. Every time I come back brings back great memories. ... I guess because there were so many fans that saw our teams play, everyone remembers, people are happy and everyone likes to talk. I enjoy that."

Gaba, the 14-year-old superfan who lost his eyesight and fought four diagnoses of cancer, was the second recipient of "The Wild Bill Hagy Award." He passed away on the night of his election on July 28, 2020.

Mo's mom Sonsy attended today's luncheon.

"Emotionally draining, but I am so proud of my son, for even making this opportunity possible," she said. "So I'm happy and so humbled. I think he would say, 'Mom, this is pretty cool. The Hall of Fame.'"

Sonsy said Mo obviously had a close connection with the Orioles, but particularly with two Orioles.

"The thing that stood out the most was the love that he had for Adam (Jones) and for Trey (Mancini). Those were his hearts. That is what stood out the most, the love he had for Adam Jones and Trey Mancini. When Trey got sick, that broke his heart.

"Adam, even from Japan, is still keeping in touch and making sure I'm OK. Letting me know how much Mo meant to him, and Trey, it meant the world to me to see him on the one-year anniversary of Mo passing away. To see Trey catching my first pitch and to see him well, that meant everything to me."

And then Mancini homered that night.

"I just felt Mo was there," Sonsy said. "That was all Mo. Mo was there shining his light on everybody that day. He was present for that game. His presence was strong that day. He wanted to let everybody know he was there and proud of Trey to beat cancer."

Sonsy talked about how Mo fought so hard among such enormous challenges.

"Mo was just in a league of his own. I feel like he came here, he did what he needed to do and the Lord called him home," she said.

Long-time radio broadcaster Angel will be inducted as this year's Herb Armstrong Award winner.

Angel was dealing with flu-like symptoms and not able to attend today's luncheon. He got a negative COVID test and team officials are hopeful he will be able to attend Saturday's pregame ceremony.

J.J. Hardy back to go into O's Hall of Fame remembering the fans: "This place was by far the best place to play when the stadium is full." pic.twitter.com/pFzSw1qvD6

-- Steve Melewski (@masnSteve) August 6, 2021