Editor?s note: Bruce Chen, a starting pitcher for the Orioles, will write a weekly column during the season. It will appear on Mondays.
Let the season begin! Thispast week has been very hectic for us. Besides the hassles of moving into our apartments or houses, we have been very active welcoming fans back.
We started with the Opening Day ceremony on April 1, and then followed it by greeting the fans at the gates on Wednesday. On Thursday, we had a luncheon with some of the sponsors and season-ticket holders.
Even though I liked doing all of the above, my favorite was greeting the fans, along with the Miss USA contestants: giving them (the fans) a rare combination of athleticism and good looks.
As for me, I had been preparing myself for my first start of the 2006 season. I was a little excited and nervous, but I?ll be all right by game time.
I faced the very dangerous Boston Red Sox. It is a good thing since they are in our division and they are one of the favorites to win the division. (Chen allowed two runs in five innings, in a 2-1 loss on Saturday to the Red Sox at Camden Yards).
Everyone has been doing their job. The hitting and defense has been exceptional. The starting pitching has been good and our bullpen has really done a good job.
We have been playing hard, and as a team. I am very excited and anxious to see what this team can do, but until then, I?ll see you next week.
