I think it is safe to say that players, managers, umpires, fans...everyone is ready for spring training to come to a close and for the new season to begin. This year I am working alongside crew chief Ed Montague, Jerry Layne, and Mark Wegner. We opened the season at Baltimore's Camden Yards for a game between the home town Orioles and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Total attendance fell just shy of 47,000 fans including four tickets recipients of the BLUE for Kids TICKETS FOR TWO offering. Brian Jones and Brandon (pictured above) joined us from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland while Jim Richards and Bryan (right) drove in from Northern Virginia's Big Brothers Big Sisters agency. The home town fans left with smiles on their faces as the Orioles hit four home runs and won the game 9-6.

To mentors Jim and Brian, keep on doing what your doing. Opening Day with you is an experience these young boys may remember for many years to come. Thanks for coming out and we'll see you at another game soon. - Marvin