Amidst their current losing ways, a star burns bright in Camden Yards.
On Sunday, Baltimore Orioles' outfielder Adam Jones was named to the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis as a reserve. After seeing his name listed on the roster, all I could do was breathe a sigh of relief.
So far this season, Jones is hitting .308 with 12 HR, 46 RBI, 52 runs, and six SB. The 23-year-old can do it all, whether it be robbing Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis of a home run, or hitting a bomb over the left field fence. This All-Star game is the first of many for Jones, and he certainly appreciates the nod.
"I'm pretty thrilled about it," Jones said. "I didn't think I was going to go, but my mom always said she was praying for me and kept voting for me. I guess all her hard work paid off." Speaking of his mother, if there has been anyone supporting Jones during his career, it’s been her.
Just take the occasional look at the Baltimore Sun, where she goes under the name “Jonesy10mom”. She recently wrote a post on the piece featuring her son. She said, “Do You Jonesy, DO YOU!!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! LOVE MOMMY!"
Even with all the turmoil going on with the Birds, that is one thing that makes you stop and smile.
Going back to Jones, there is one question that still remains: Will he be receiving a Markakis-type extension in the offseason?
All I can say is, if he can keep at his current pace I hope to see him with “Baltimore” written across his chest for a long time. I think the youngster would not mind that either.
"Being over here in Baltimore is a dream come true," said Jones.
"I think it's the best thing that happened to me and my career. Coming to a franchise that was rebuilding, and getting an opportunity to play every single day, that's all I ask."
"Over in Seattle, I wanted to play every day. I loved their franchise, but it didn't work out there, so I'm glad that I'm here. I was telling George, 'Now, they have two All-Stars that they traded away.'”
Now, if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, then you need to start drinking some of that orange Kool-Aid.
The future is coming, Birds fans.
Once the cavalry finally arrives, this squad will be a contender in the AL East, and Jones will be in the middle of it.
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