Resume-builder: My interview with Preakness legend Kegasus

Kegasus: Mixed message. Hmmm. As the message man, my dear friend [Maryland Jockey Club President] Tom Chuckas said -- and I swear he is a centaur stuffed into a mortal’s body -- but regardless, he is the one who changed the BYOB policy a couple of years ago and he was public enemy No. 1 for a while. But he’s also for having a great time, but doing it responsibility. He also plays a mean clarinet, but that’s off the record. … So moderation, responsibility, consciousness helps, but yes, “partying hard til the break of dawn” includes everything, from eating, dancing, playing cornhole, listening to Bruno Mars and enjoying as many crab cakes as one could possible ingest.

MV: You urge Baltimoreans to “be legendary” at the Preakness. How can they do that in a safe way -- and I know you just talked about that a little bit -- one that doesn’t involve chucking full beer cans at each other, running on top of urinals or both activities in unison? How can they “be legendary” in a responsible way as you suggested?

Kegasus: I have to ask, when was chucking a full beer can at anyone’s head ever a good idea? The concept of being legendary involves incorporating every aspect of one’s being -- from the mane to the hindquarters, which includes the brain. … I would tend to recommend that Infield thespians do not lobotomize themselves by being other than legendary. It involves being conscious and remembering to recall said "legendaryness." We have all been given a superpower called common sense, but it’s up to us to choose to use it.

MV: You’ll be making your first official public appearance at the Orioles’ home opener. Are you nervous?

Kegasus: Heck yeah, I’m nervous. Have you seen Detroit’s bullpen?

MV: There’s not too much to worry about there. You’re not actually taking swings, are you?

Kegasus: They have got a closer I would not want to go up against, although I have been known to bat literally 1.000 in any given season in “The Battle of the Centaur Stars.”

MV: Last question: I assume you’re an Orioles fan. How do you think the Birds will fare under manager Buck Showalter, a legendary mythological creature in his own right, in the upcoming season?

Kegasus: Anyone named Buck is destined to do legendary things. This is going to be an epic season for the Birds. You can bet on it.