Thankful, grateful, hopeful on my final day at MASNSports.com

Today I write my last blog entry for MASNSports.com. Those words make me emotional and a bit sad.

But it’s been a heckuva run filled with memories of special people, players, media friends and O's staff along with too many nights at ballparks to count. But those places are home to me and the people I have worked with have been like family. 

I have worked full-time radio jobs in Frederick, Md., Richmond, Va. and at WBAL Radio in Baltimore earlier in my career, but nowhere did I work as long as this current job. As I noted recently, I was the first writer hired here back in the day and the first season I covered in this role was in 2008.

So it’s been a minute and I’ve seen a lot in this job – a lot of winning and losing.

Readers here know I am often optimistic about the Orioles. I am incredibly so with the current group. Fans and readers can vent about moves made or not made and debate how good this team is or is not.

Here is what I see – the team that leads the American League in wins the last two years, is still pretty darn good. And with young talent all over the diamond, this club will be good for a while. The window to win looks large to me. The kid in me who grew up loving this team at age six and the reporter who has covered the club for well over a decade are both upbeat and excited about this team's future.

O’s fans, you deserve a title and can’t wait until you get it. 

I’m both thankful and grateful how much you supported me over the years. You kept reading, kept listening, kept watching. Thank you is not sufficient but it’s easier than trying to find every one of you for a hug right now. Thank you!

I am hopeful for what comes next. I have some ideas on what that could be but today, I am not ready to announce anything, and more decisions must still be made. I expect to have a place to write about and discuss the O’s and their farm system this year and am excited for what is to come.

As a door closes, others will open, and I plan to charge through them and bring experience and enthusiasm to any role.

So, as I leave MASNSports.com today, thanks to my teammates here and everyone with the Orioles, from the dugout to the clubhouse to the Warehouse.

I also need to thank the wonderful players, coaches, managers and front office staffs I have worked with at each minor league affiliate over the years. I can't tell you how great and always welcoming those folks have been to me. My minor league friends and colleagues - you are special to me always. A day spent on the farm I have always considered to be a great day.  

So many have reached out in recent days, and it has meant so much to me. Thanks for the support and kindness and I will never forget a single text, note or call. Some of you blew me away with your humanity.  

It’s time now to see what comes next and bring the same talents and passion that I brought here. So, this is not goodbye but see you later.

Until we meet again.