In what’s become somewhat of a rare occurrence this spring, fans of the Baltimore Orioles received what most will likely view as positive news at the start of the midweek.Â
As ESPN explained, Orioles chairman and CEO John Angelos released a lengthy statement on Monday saying the Orioles are staying in the city of Baltimore. This past Thursday, Tim Prudente and Justin Fenton of the Baltimore Banner reported that Louis Angelos, the son of longtime Orioles owner Peter Angelos, sued his brother and mother and is alleging that John “has grabbed power” of the franchise in an attempt “to move to Tennessee (where he has a home and where his wife’s career is headquartered) — without having to answer to anyone.”Â
“My mother was born and raised in northeast Baltimore, attended city public schools at Eastern High School, and has worked with my father their entire lives to help the city, including by restoring the club to local ownership and preventing its relocation,” John Angelos wrote for Monday’s release. “For them, as for me, the Orioles will forever play at Oriole Park, and at no time ever have we contemplated anything different.”
He continued:Â
“Just two months ago we celebrated the Maryland General Assembly passing a bill promising to put $1.2 billion into reinvesting and reimagining the Camden Yards Sports Complex, which includes Oriole Park, ensuring the team will continue to play right here in downtown Baltimore for generations to come. Maryland is committed to keeping our team in this great state, and I am equally committed to keeping the Orioles at the heart of our state.”
John Angelos also added:Â
“There is nothing uncertain about the future of the Baltimore Orioles. I want to assure our Orioles players and coaches, our dedicated front office Senior Leadership Team and staff, and our devoted fans, trusted partners, elected, civic, and non-profit leaders, and our entire community, that the Orioles will never leave. From 33rd Street to Camden Yards, the Birds of Baltimore, the iconic team of Brooks, Earl, Jim, Frank, Cal, and Eddie, will forever remain in the only city that our family and our partnership group has called, or will ever call, home – the finest city and birthplace of our national anthem of which we are enduringly proud and to which we are forever committed.”
The 26-35 Orioles open a road series at the Toronto Blue Jays (35-24) on Monday evening.Â
