Orioles players talk about that run down the orange carpet

It is a tradition on opening day at Camden Yards. Some players even get nervous when they do it. They run through an entrance in the center field wall and then down the orange carpet as they get introduced during pregame ceremonies.

Opening day and pomp and circumstance is on the docket for today as much as a baseball game.

Reliever Brad Brach can't wait for that jog and the cheers that go with it.

"It's exciting. My first year doing that, in 2015, was a special experience. It is a special day and great for the fans. Getting to run down that carpet is truly an honor," Brach said.

"Every opening day is a huge opportunity and blessing to have. I remember my first one. They reminded me to smile."

Orioles closer Zach Britton figures to get a huge ovation today. He didn't win a Cy Young Award, but he did win the hearts of Orioles fans with his amazing 2016 season, which included him going 47-for-47 in save chances. Britton believes that no club does opening day as well as the Orioles at the Yard.

"I just think the whole production of it (is great)," he said. "Running down the orange carpet in center field. A lot of teams just announce the guys and it's nothing special. But to hear that crowd get loud when they call your name is something pretty special.

"We know the fans love opening day. It is probably the best one I've ever seen. Being on the road at other stadiums, this one is by far the best. For the guys that never experienced it, it will be a pretty cool thing. Something they'll remember long after they are done playing."

For rookie Trey Mancini, who has fast become a fan favorite, today will be his first run down that carpet.

"It's going to be incredible," Mancini said. "I came to games here in the summer when I was a kid. Being here and on the team is really cool. That took a little time to set in back in September and that will happen all over again this week."

Like Mancini, Orioles reliever Donnie Hart will run down that carpet for the first time today. It's his first opening day in the majors.

"It is pretty cool, you have to pinch yourself at times," Hart said this morning. "I'm not too much of an emotional guy, but I think it will all sink in when everything gets going and you realize what you are being a part of and what it means to your career to be a part of something like this. I got goosebumps yesterday thinking about this."

With three playoff appearances in the last five years, the Orioles say they have high expectations for another good year.

"In my mind, we have put ourselves to where we have to make the playoffs and go deep into the playoffs. I think that is what the fans want, and I know that is what we want as players. Let's get off to a good start and roll through the summer," Brach said.