Sharon Hargrove deserves standing `O'
As a game-day supervisor for the Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, I frequently witness the adulation afforded the pro athletes. There are times, however, when plays made behind the scenes at the ballpark are far more worthy of admiration and respect. One of these situations occurred May 27.
As an usher assigned to the lower level behind home plate, Carol Gittings nightly has opportunity to experience the game from an up-close and personal perspective. Because of her proximity to the field, Carol is always within the line of fire of foul balls that enter the seating area with blazing speed. Unfortunately for Carol, on that evening one of these foul balls struck her squarely in an eye. Disoriented and in severe pain, Carol was quickly attended to by a female fan, Sharon by name.
Disregarding her personal property and her party, Sharon remained by Carol's side, offering comfort and a calming influence. When Sharon realized that Carol had no one to accompany her to the hospital, Sharon volunteered to stay by Carol's side, riding along with her in the ambulance.
Carol soon realized that her Good Samaritan was Sharon Hargrove, wife of Orioles manager Mike Hargrove. Sharon remained at the hospital for several hours until Carol's release.
Gladly, Carol, after a sustained absence because of her injury, is back at her usher position patrolling the area behind home plate. Even more fortunately, Sharon is a part of our Oriole family! In a society where pedestals are placed under athletes for minimal feats, where standing ovations are commonplace for menial accomplishments, Sharon Hargrove is truly and surely a hero.
Christopher Cheswick Sykesville
State Farm Classic had solid run at Hobbit's
Throughout the coverage of the State Farm Classic, comments were made that the move to Hayfields would result in higher attendance and add more (read "better") "atmosphere" to the tournament. One could fairly interpret these comments as knocks on the conduct of the tournament and quality of the course at Hobbit's Glen in Columbia.
I'd like to point out that last year's State Farm drew about 20,000 more than this year's. Yes, it was rainy, but last year's tournament and the two previous ones were played in scorching heat approaching 100 degrees. Also, even accounting for the British Senior Open, the field at Hobbit's was much stronger.
Hayfields may yet exceed the high standard set by Hobbit's and, given time, the course may mature to be a great one, but in the meantime, let's not denigrate an outstanding three-year run in Howard County.
Charles Acquard Laurel
Ravens' mission hampered by media
It is interesting to read, on a daily basis, about the "intrusion" of HBO at this year's Ravens training camp. The presence of the media in everyday life has reached epic proportions. In my opinion, there are many places they do not belong, and many occurrences should not dominate the news, for a variety of valid reasons.
It has been a topic of discussion that the Ravens' players are preoccupied with the HBO presence, which undoubtedly is in the pursuit of the almighty buck. In football, as in any other business, the almighty buck is achieved as the result of work and performance. It would be sad to see the results of what could be the greatest team in history diminished by the theatrics and circus atmosphere attributable to the presence of a prodigious media in pursuit of the almighty buck.
There seems to be no end to greed, but I honestly believe that the fans are more interested in results than theatrics or a circus atmosphere.
Jack Noppinger Nottingham
O's fans have power to initiate makeover
When significant money loss is realized at the games, then perhaps Orioles management will re-think its outdated way of running a baseball team.
Almost every aspect of the team is so below par. Start with Syd Thrift, TV announcers and most definitely players like Brady, Mercedes, Fordyce and Batista. This group must go.
The Orioles need two power bats and a closer to be given a chance to contend. The management will not commit to that. Why should they? We dummies keep filling the stadium. Maybe after Cal is retired, "poor attendance" will prevail and positive changes will come.
Ed Adams Dundalk
Palmer should lighten up on Orioles broadcasts
If anyone needs to leave the Orioles' broadcast team, it's Jim Palmer.
Jim, Orioles fans loved you as a player, but your broadcasting skills are not Hall of Fame caliber.
Lighten up on the enormous ego and become a team player. Michael Reghi shows enthusiasm and handles the Orioles broadcasts with a crisp, clear voice. Mike Flanagan is the perfect color commentator. His ego never gets in the way of the baseball or antidotes.
Jim, it's OK to laugh at oneself on occasion. Lighten up, you do not have to prove anything to anybody. You're already in the baseball Hall of Fame.
Mick Luby Linthicum Heights
Orioles' Anderson in no rush to take field
