"I like them," said Markakis, who postponed a hunting trip so he could take part in the event. "It has Baltimore written across it, so it's something that is good for the fans and good for us. You look back at all the guys that have worn the jerseys like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, and it's something special."
Markakis and Sherrill said they were pleasantly surprised by the turnout at the event. Fans gathered along the railings of the top three levels of The Gallery to get a look at the Orioles and the new uniforms. Orioles banners surrounded the entrance of The Gallery, and the team's mascot also was outside, welcoming fans.
Wearing a gray hooded Orioles sweatshirt, long-time fan Larry Dalton, 35, described the new uniforms as "awesome" and said he felt it was important for "Baltimore" to return to the road jerseys. The York, Pa., resident took the day off from work and allowed his 13-year-old daughter, Brittani, to miss school so they could both go to the rally.
"I think you look at the [Tampa Bay] Rays and their new uniforms and what it did for them," Dalton said. "Hopefully, it does the same for us."
Paul Thompson, who was born in Philadelphia but moved to Baltimore in 1971 and adopted the Orioles as his team, brought a seatback from Memorial Stadium for Palmer to autograph.
"I feel like [Baltimore] should have stayed on the jersey," he said. "I remember back to the glory days of Brooks Robinson and Jim Palmer and Boog Powell. It should never have been taken off, and I'm so glad they're finally putting it back on."
When the rally ended, Guthrie took the microphone and started a "Baltimore" chant, which was aided by Burres and Powell. Among other highlights of the event was hearing Mora, who had shoulder surgery last week, proclaim he'll drive in 130 runs in the coming season and Palmer saying he's "very proud that this was the only uniform that he wore in his career."
By 12:30 yesterday afternoon, new Orioles merchandise was already on sale on the fourth floor of The Gallery. The prized item was an authentic Markakis road jersey - with "Baltimore" across the front - which was selling for $229.
"I always wondered why Baltimore wasn't on the [road] jersey," Sarfate said. "I'm not from Baltimore, I'm not from Maryland, but I represent this city now. I love it. To see Baltimore across your chest is special, and it's special to these fans. They haven't seen it in a while. Hopefully, we can put wins with the new uniform."
Baltimore Sun columnist David Steele contributed to this article.
