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Photo Gallery: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals: May 20th, 20
2008-05-21 06:38:00
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals: May 20th, 2008
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Battle of the Birds Photos - Part of the "Battle of The Beltways"...
2008-05-21 06:21:00
The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles played in a three games series this weekend at Camden Yards; however, before the games of the field began, 'The Bird' from the Orioles & 'Screech' from the Nationals met up at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Baltimore to see who was the supreme mascot.They both competed in a series of challenges including: horse races, tug-o-war, arm wrestling, basketball free-throw shooting, and an egg race. After the contest, the mascots signed autographs signing and photos.However, it looks the 'The Bird' won the 'Battle of the Birds '.I could not make the event, but Leigh Friedman of the ESPN Zone provides us the pictures. If you're ever in the Inner Harbor, visit the ESPN Zone -- Leigh and the staff there will take care of you, and will make sure you enjoy a small part of Charm City.
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Facing the Evil Empire...
2008-05-20 21:45:00
Folks, we face the Yankees up in the Bronx tonight, Wednesday and Thursday. Honestly, who would have thought before the season that on May 20th, the Orioles would be at 23-20, while the Evil Empire would be at the bottom of the American League standings?The Orioles had a nice little homestand, winning four out of five; meanwhile, the Yankees had their hands full with the Mets, as they were swept in two straight games.We here in the mid-Atlantic region are giddy; the New Yorkers up there are wondering what in the world is going on?Like I said yesterday, the next two weeks will tell a lot about the Orioles. Baltimore has been winning by excellent starting pitching, timely hitting and a "us-against-the-world" mentality. The Yankees have suffered through injuries, aging talent and lackluster pitching -- especially, on part of ther youngsters.There was a time where the Orioles would serve as a doormat for the Yankees -- however, this series might be a test for both teams. The Bronx may b...
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The Weekend That Was & MASN's Coverage
2008-05-19 14:52:00
I was at the games this weekend, and I'll say it was good to see both Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles fans out en masse to see their teams. The games at Camden Yards were far from a sellout; however, strong crowds on all three days made the series very interesting and enjoyable to watch.Unlike a Yankee/Red Sox series in Baltimore, the Washington fans were very friendly and there were no fights -- at least from what I know and saw. Anyhow, it was kind of a home game for some Nationals fans who trekked up I-95 and the Parkway (they must be given props for dealing with the awful Friday traffic) to see their team.The O's fans were out too in force, and it was good to see Baltimore continue it's winning ways and take two out of three from the Nationals.Baltimore's pitching has been excellent, perhaps with the exception of the performance of the bullpen on Saturday. They'll need the luck the next weeks as they take on the Yankees in the Bronx, face the emerging Rays this w...
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Photo Gallery:'Battle of the Beltways'; Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore
2008-05-19 06:04:00
Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles; May 18th, 2008
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Nats Beat O's, 2-1
2008-05-19 01:07:00
Baltimore, Md. -- Mired in a two game losing streak and at risk to be swept by the surprising Baltimore Orioles, the Washington Nationals needed someone to act as a stopper.They found it in rookie pitcher John Lannan.The young southpaw, who had struggled last week against the New York Mets, looked absolutely brilliant against their American League rivals on Sunday. He was locked in a pitching duel with Baltimore right-hander, Jeremy Guthrie for much of the game; however, Lannan emerged victorious by shutting down a Baltimore offense that has been pulling magic tricks out of a black cap to start off action four games over .500.The rookie was bolstered by Cristian Guzman?s two hits ? one which was a solo homer, and Ryan Zimmerman?s late RBI, as Washington defeated Baltimore, 2-1, in front of a crowd of 33,745 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.Their win snapped the Baltimore Orioles four game winning streak.For seven innings, Lannan absolutely stymied the Orioles as he only allowed five h...
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Photo Gallery: Orioles Win First Game in the ?Battle of the Beltways, 5-3
2008-05-17 19:10:00
Washington Nationals vs. Baltimore Orioles : May 16th, 2008Bet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bonuses than any other sportsbook; on the web.
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O's Beat Nats, 5-3
2008-05-17 17:15:00
(from a piece I wrote for an online outlet, the DC Sports Box and has a little slant towards the Nationals - sorry, I'm not doing the same work twice...)Baltimore, MD ? On an unseasonably cold Friday night, the Washington Nationals began interleague play with their neighbor to the north, the Baltimore Orioles. The weekend series, dubbed ?The Battle of the Beltway?, is the first of two series matchups between the franchises in 2008.While it might lack the venom of the ?Subway Series? ? Yankees versus Mets ? both teams are coming off a successful week as the Orioles swept a two-game set from the Boston Red Sox and the Nationals took three of four from the Mets.When all was said and done Friday night, the Birds of Baltimore took the first game of the regional interleague series as they beat Washington, 5-3 in front of 29,266 divided fans. The loss was tough to take as the bats were active and pitching passable, but the Nats had much trouble on defense ? in the outfield in particular...
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The Rivalry That Does Not Exist: O's vs. Nationals Play Kick Off the Annual
2008-05-16 16:20:00
Well, the non-existent rivalry between the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles kicks off tonight at the Yard.What can we say -- right now, no one cares that the team formerly known as the Expos are playing the recently-down-on-their luck Orioles. The reason is simple -- aside from the few people 40 and over who were around to see the Senators and the Orioles face off (and the Senators were bad), there's no real history between the two franchises.Lest we not forget the role of Peter Angelos in this whole affair.Once you look at the record of Washington this season and the talent they've got, plus the Orioles' reputation -- it's east to see why no one wants to hype this up.We need an incident or better yet, the two teams winning to create any interest.Until that happens, the team that's in my backyard which I see often (the Nationals) are playing the team I rooted for as a youngster and to this very day (the Orioles).Matchups:Friday: Shawn Hill (0-0, 3.56) vs. Garrett Olso...
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The Hits Keep Coming Radio Show: May 14th; Rays & Marlins Doing Well, Joba,
2008-05-16 01:07:00
Topics Discussed:* Are the Orioles, Rays and Marlins for real?* Goose Gossage?s comments about Joba?s fist pumps* Hank Steinbrenner opens his big mouth again.* Quick hits on Barry Bonds new indictment
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Help Out Former Oriole Executive Jim Dquette and His Daughter Raise Funds t
2008-05-16 01:06:00
Former Oriole executive Jim Duquette's six-year old daughter, Lindsay, is in a battle right now with a foe that's ravaging her young body.From Roch's blog: "The Duquettes are holding a fundraiser May 31 in the Maryland/DC area aimed to fight a disease known as ?Nephrotic Symdrome" that their 6-year-old daughter, Lindsey, still suffers from.Here?s the link again: http://www.active.com/donate/stepforwardm ddc/PDuquet1There are quite a few prominent names in the world of baseball who have donated to the fund; however, every day fans have also stepped up to the plate and given what they can.A special shout out, as Roch also mentioned in his blog post goes out to the Orioles Hangout website and it's posters have raised in well over excess of three thousand dollars for the fundraiser.Fans, if you can, help the Duquette's out!- thanks to The Baltimore Sun's Roch Around the Clock and Orioles Hangout for the info...
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The Idiot File: ESPN's Obviously Biased Coverage; The Manny Ramirez Tagline
2008-05-15 19:39:00
Well, one should never count on "The Worldwide Sports Leader" for fair and balanced coverage (sorry, Fox News) unless you play in Boston, New York or Chicago if you're into baseball.Look at the highlighted portion of the graphic. Do we have a problem here? If I remember correctly, didn't the O's win yesterday? Didn't Jay Payton hit the game-winning grand-slam? I would say Manny Ramirez didn't exactly steal the thunder of the Baltimore Orioles.It's nice and wonderful that the Red Sox and Yankees drive ratings to your network and page-views to your website; however, wouldn't it be nice to perhaps show a little accuracy?Anyone who watched SportsCenter last night knows that the mercurial, goofy left-fielder made an excellent catch, but can't ESPN give the Orioles credit for, um, winning the game?
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O's Sweep Sox; The Rundown...
2008-05-15 14:55:00
For the past several years, the Baltimore Orioles have been worse than a laughing stock -- they have been disrespected, spat upon and treated well, like dirt. However, things might be changing and for the better.Yesterday, the Orioles had a dramatic come-from-behind victory as they beat the Boston Red Sox, 6-3, yesterday afternoon as Daniel Cabrera won his his fourth game and George Sherill earned his 15th save.We had a new hero of the day ? the always intense Jay Payton. We have swept the Boston Red Sox, or as I call them the Evil Empire 1A. The Orioles of last year would have given up in the 6th inning or had no clue as to how to defeat Boston, but this year's team is different.I got home around the sixth inning and once I saw Lester weaken & the Boston bullpen come into the game, the Orioles had a chance to come back.The Payton homer was incredible and I literally jumped up for joy ? something I have not done during an Oriole game for a long time.It?s been good to see more o...
More About: Rundown , The Rundown , Sweep

ESPN ZONE Announces NATIONAL ?SPORTS SPELLING BEE? Competition To Be Held i
2008-05-15 14:52:00
In tandem with the Scripps National Spelling Bee , ESPN Zone will debut a spell-off for sports fans on May 29 with the inaugural "Sports Spelling Bee." Spellers will go head-to-head at the Baltimore ESPN Zone spelling the names of local and national sports figures from various eras, including members of the Orioles.The info is below...ESPN ZONE Announces NATIONAL ?SPORTS SPELLING BEE? competition: Sports Fans Battle for Title of Spelling Champ at Eight ESPN Zone Locations BURBANK, Calif. (May 12, 2008) ? Sure, you know the number of times Coach K has taken the Blue Devils to the Final Four and that the Pittsburgh Penguins? legendary #66 led the team to two Stanley Cups, but the real test is whether you can correctly spell Krzyzewski and Lemieux. In a tribute to sports fans with spelling prowess, and in honor of the renowned Scripps National Spelling Bee, sports dining and entertainment mecca ESPN Zone announces its inaugural ?Sports Spelling Bee? competition.The Sports Spelling Bee i...
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Manny Being Manny: The Catch In Baltimore Today...
2008-05-15 09:00:00
Unbelievable...From today's game, only as Manny can do it. Such a savant, but nothing short of funny...Manny Ramirez made an over-the-shoulder running catch of Kevin Millar's fly ball to left field in the fourth inning on Wednesday then took the time to high-five a fan in the stands before throwing the ball into the infield to complete a double-play.A tip of the hat to Sox and Dawgs for the video...Bet on Baseball at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for all sports fans; adding more excitement and bonuses than any other sportsbook; on the web.
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Steinbrenner II Talks & We Have To Listen Whether We Want To or Not....
2008-05-15 03:36:00
Folks, the Yankees are not what they used to be -- at least for right now. With a litany of injuries, along with A-Rod and Posada out, as well as struggles of the young pitching staff, it looks like the Bronx Zoo Part II may be opening up for business.With a bloated playroll and only 120+ games to go, Hank Steinbrenner mused about the Yankees.He more or less has called his team out -- again -- and once again Mt. Yankee blew up and let the press know what was on his mind.Hank said:Gentlemen, it's time to get your act together. "We've got to forget about all the injuries and start playing our butts off," Steinbrenner told The Post. The Yankees were buried by the Rays on Monday. These are difficult days for Joe Girardi's club. "The bottom line is that the team is not playing the way it is capable of playing," Steinbrenner said. "These players are being paid a lot of money and they had better decide for themselves to earn that money."Again, I have no idea if he's channeling dear old...
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The New Oriole Magic Video; So Bad, It's Good...
2008-05-14 23:54:00
The Oriole Magic video after the game was so bad, it was actually good.In what will become a classic for years to come, Kevin Millar, Adam Jones, Dennis Sarfate, Jeremy Guthrie and a few other O's were nothing but horrible, but having fun, lip-synced as they pretended to actually play the guitar, drums, etc, danced around in a non-rhythmic fashion, and showed clips of old-school O's players, great moments from the past and the present day.Sorry, it is so bad, it's good... here are some video caps, and I swear if they win again, I'll record it on my video camera or see if I find it on Youtube.I didn't know what the hell I saw on the video screen after the game, but I started snapping away and as soon as I saw Millar it was going to be interesting...
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Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles: Balt., Md - May 14, 2008
2008-05-14 23:02:00
Boston Red Sox va. Baltimore Orioles : Balt., Md - May 14, 2008
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Some Fighting At The Yard...
2008-05-14 21:46:00
An unintended consequence of having an Red Sox-Oriole series where both teams are competitive is the jostling and yelling back and of drunken hooligans trying to show some bravado or be loyal to their team.As if the players on the team care what happens 400 feet away from the action.I caught this last night during the Oriole game as a Red Sox fan, high fiving his buddies and other fellow Boston fans tussled with some Baltimore fans in the upper left field seats.I'm all about having fun, some trash talk and there, and rooting for whomever; however, some people forget baseball is just a game and entertainment, not much more than that as fan.Apparently, some people have not figured that out or take their sports way too seriously.Most of the time it's the alcohol talking and idiots like you see in the picture ruin it for everyone --- well, until they are thrown out of the stadium, or arrested.Remember, folks it's just a game which will be meaningless the next morning in the grand sch...
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Johnson's Clutchiness Along With Luke's 3-Run Homer Downs The Red Sox, 5-4
2008-05-14 17:03:00
A win is always a good thing. However, one against the World Champions and the legions of their fans invading Baltimore is even better.I really don?t need to rehash the details of last night, but the Orioles beat the Red Sox last night, 5-4. Most of us already know what happened with the Luke Scott three-run homer and Jim Johnson?s clutch performance perhaps saved the game.Johnson?s matchup with Ramirez was classic in the 7th inning.The end result could have gone in favor of the Red Sox or the Orioles, but Johnson?s pounding of the strike zone and not being afraid to battle Manny paid off in the end. He helped Guthrie earn the win, and sent Baltimore Orioles fans home happy.We?re 20-19 right now, and honestly, did any of us think we would be at this point right now? Remember, this was a team projected to lose 100 games. Granted, we still have 120+ games to go, but if this happened in 2007, this would have been a game the Orioles assuredly would have lost.I don?t know if the Orioles ...
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The Red Sox Are Coming To Town; Adam Jones; The Rundown...
2008-05-13 19:13:00
The Baltimore Orioles tango with the Boston Red Sox, or as I dub them, the Evil Empire 1A tonight and tomorrow at the Yard.The Red Sox always play us tough; however, this weekend, the Twins took 3 out of 4 from them and they'll be looking maintain their slim division lead (Tampa is 1/2 game back from first in the AL East right now).The Orioles took three out of four in Kansas City, and despite the excellent pitching from both the starting and relief corps -- they are still struggling woefully on the offensive front.Matchups:Tonight: Jeremy Guthrie (1-3, 4.32) vs. Josh Beckett (4-2, 3.70)Tommorrow: Daniel Cabrera (3-1, 3.54) vs. Jon Lester (2-2, 4.06)I'd be happy with a split, and even more elated with a sweep in this short two-game series. Game one will be difficult as Beckett seems to back on his game and Guthrie will need a solid effort to win; however, I'm looking eagerly to see game two as it will be a test to see if Cabrera can stifle the Sox potent offense.The Boston offen...
More About: Jones , Town , Adam , Adam Jones , Rundown

Mother's Day; The O's Lose to K.C., Some Minor Notes...
2008-05-12 17:20:00
As many of us know, yesterday was Mother's Day throughout Major League Baseball, and select players on all teams celebrated the day and helped promote the cause against breast cancer via the Susan G. Komen Foundation by either adorning pink arms bands, necklaces and some actually used pink bats at the plate.After starting off their road trip on a disastrous note with two bad series in the Golden State, the Orioles won the first three games in Kansas City before being shut out by the Royals, 4-0.I didn?t see much of the Orioles this weekend, but I just got watch a little of the game online via MLB.tv this morning and they seemed to have certainly no chance against Brian Bannister. Sunday was just one of those games where you just had to tip your hat to the opponent because they deserved the win.Bannister went eight strong innings, as he allowed two hits along with two walks and struck out five. Jose Guillen & Billy Butler had two hits and an RBI, while Alex Gordon and Mark Teaha...
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Photo Gallery: Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals; May 11th, 2008 --
2008-05-12 05:14:00
Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals - May 11th, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.
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The Florida Marlins & Hanley Ramirez Agree On A Long-Term Deal?
2008-05-11 02:01:00
According to the AP, The Florida Marlins and shortstop Hanley Ramirez agreed on a contract extension for six years and $70 million. Despite the history with the Marlins of dumping high-value players or trading them, they have decided to put an investment with one of their core players -- in fact, he may be one of the top three in the game.Many, yes -- including myself, have been very critical of the Florida organization with their high turnover of players and taking the revenues they receive to not reinvest in their team. They scout well and know how to pick young talent, but it seems that the fan base down there are a little disillusioned with the franchise.Well, let's hope this is a sign of change down there.An official announcement is expected to come as early as next week, according to Florida media reports.The Marlins have a $21 million payroll this season. Ramirez's extension is the biggest contract in franchise history."We have something, but we're working out the details,...
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O's Win Last Night, 7-3, Against Kansas City; Wieters
2008-05-10 19:38:00
Perhaps we should not consider it curtains for Steve Trachsel, at least for now. The elder righty, who has been a topic of speculation -- mainly if he's still be employed in the future -- went a little more than five innings and gave up two runs.The Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals, 7-4 last night.Well, the big difference in the game was Aubrey Huff's three run homer in the fifth inning off Gil Meche, who'd lose the game.The Royals got on the board first as Alex Gordon hit an early two-run homer, but after Melvin Mora's two run homer in the third -- it was all Orioles.Meanwhile, George Sherill earned his 12th save of the year.Freddie Bynum had two hits, as well Nick Marakis and Kevin Millar.However, for many Oriole fans, the big story came from down in the lower levels, as Matt Wieters is showing why he's the future of Baltimore Orioles.According to Roch Kubatko:"Matt Wieters homered twice tonight, drove in three runs and scored three more for Single-A Frederick, H...
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Photo Gallery: Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals; May 9th, 2008 -- W
2008-05-10 19:17:00
Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals; May 8th, 2008 -- Washington, D.C.
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The Art of Hitting; The Roundup: O's News...
2008-05-09 20:07:00
There's a bit of stuff to go through in the roundup, but before we any further, Pressbox/MASN/WHFS's Amber Theoharis has a great piece on the art of hitting perhaps inspired by the recent struggles of the Baltimore Orioles. Simply put, she does a fine job explaining more or less why it is so hard to hit a major league pitcher.I played baseball growing and actually have the ability now to play in a fast-pitch men's league and used to play in a wood bat league a few years ago (let's say it's because of my age - 29).Needless to say, hitting is very hard thing to and it's why I am sitting in front a computer and spending half my time in a car than being one the privileged few to ever play the game on a professional level.It's one thing to play in a softball league and get brushed back, it's another to be given the same treatment by a flame thrower going 90+ mph with amazing movement on the ball."But the geometry alone is another reason hitting successfully is difficult. It doesn...
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Danny Boy Kills The Royals; Bynum Returns and Makes an Impact...
2008-05-09 17:46:00
People have complained, whined and bitched about the Orioles this week as their nice start came to an abrupt and complete halt; however, tonight showed why we as fans have a lot to look forward to with the new look Baltimore franchise. Daniel Cabrera won his third game ? a complete game ? thanks to an excellent effort by the tall righty, and Nick Markakis? three run-homer.Back to Daniel, the kid is now focused and in a way ? now in the zone. Granted, we are not only even 1/2 of the way through the season, but if number 40 keeps this up, he will no doubt be the man we hoped he?ll be. Then again, he may be dangled on the market too.I?m going to be cautiously optimistic, but so far, so good. A good start in 2008 for Daniel does not erase several mediocre years, but he right now seems to be a different pitcher and is now actually pitching with a plan, and not throwing. If he keeps it up, Kranitz needs to be given major props for his work.He used groundballs and strikeouts (7) to get him...
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Giveaway! Five Copes Available of MLB 08: The Show Given Out To Loyal Reade
2008-05-09 04:08:00
Well, this is the first I've ever done this on this blog, but I'm announcing there'll be a give away -- good one.What's the prize? A copy of MLB 08: The Show for the Sony Playstation III Console. I did a review on it, and the sponsor was kind enough to give five complimentary copies to give away to readers.The catch, there's none -- however, what I'd like you to do is tell me your favorite baseball story. It could be about the Orioles or anything encompassing the world of the sport -- just as long as it is about it.Anyhow, the story can be tender, heart-wrenching, funny, serious, or it could be even crude (to extent). Email me personally at mdguy2415@aol.com (I'll post your story on the blog), or you can leave a comment and send me a way to contact you.I'll have the contest running until next Friday (May 16th), and then ten stories will be chosen to win the available copies of the game.Good luck!MLB Betting at BetUS.com - America's favorite sports betting destination for al...

Ozzie Guillen (To Give Him Credit) Is A Smart Man...
2008-05-09 03:47:00
Ah, in today's world of celebrity, blogs, sports talk radio, and 24-hour cable, one man in baseball has figured out how to manipulate the media and get himself some face time -- Ozzie Guillen !The boorish and loud White Sox manager, isn't crazy, he knows that controversy creates cash, attention and ratings...White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen knows what sells in the media, what piques interest in baseball and other fields of endeavor. It's people who tend to act a little crazy from time to time."Who cares about Britney Spears? But she's on TV every day. Why do you think people give a ... about Jose Canseco? That ... sells," Guillen said Thursday at the end of a 25-minute pregame meeting with reporters.Managers who stir it up with their comments -- as Guillen has done most of his managerial career -- or with their on-field tantrums, like former Yankees manager Billy Martin and Cubs manager Lou Piniella, stick out."Who's the manager they remember the most? ... Billy Martin. They don...
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