The 31,851st fan to walk through the gates at Oriole Park at Camden Yards today will get more than they bargained for.
Whether that fan has purchased a sky box pass or a ticket for the Eutaw Street Reserve bleachers, they will become the 100 millionth fan in franchise history.
Fan No. 100 million will receive $100,000, season tickets for five years and a VIP package — which includes, among other gifts, seat upgrades and a commemorative jersey.
All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative pin.
The Orioles welcomed the 50 millionth fan in Oriole Park at Camden Yards history Tuesday, when Ellicott City’s Kevin Gracie, 24, entered the ballpark around 5:30 p.m.
“I knew about it, I didn’t really think that I was going to win,” said Gracie, a University of Baltimore law student. “I saw the humongous line when I came out and I had no inkling that I was going to win.”
The Orioles host the Yankees at 7:05 p.m. Jeremy Guthrie (10-9, 3.15 ERA) starts for the Orioles against the Yankees’ Carl Pavano (making his first start of 2008).
JONES TAKES BATTING PRACTICE: Orioles outfielder Adam Jones took batting practice Friday — only in a more concealed location than originally planned.
Recovering from a fractured left foot suffered Aug. 3, Jones was scheduled to hit on the field, but instead hit in the indoor cage under the orders of the medical staff.
It’s possible Jones bats outdoors and perhaps takes some outfield practice today, though the club would like to take things slowly with Jones.
The Orioles will not send Jones out on a rehabilitation assignment, because the club’s affiliates are nearing the culmination of their regular seasons. Trembley, though, feels the urge to get over-eager Jones some type of action.
“If I don’t hurry up and do something with him, one of us is going to go in the straight jacket,” Trembley said. “The guy is like, wow.”
RAY, AQUINO REHABBING: Right-handed relievers Chris Ray and Greg Aquino both pitched for short-season Single-A Aberdeen Friday night. Both threw scoreless innings.
Ray, the club’s closer in the past two seasons, is rehabbing his surgically-repaired right elbow. He struck out two and allowed two hits, two days after throwing an inning at Single-A Frederick. Ray will be at Camden Yards to visit with club officials and work out. He could possibly return by mid-September.
ANOTHER ROSTER MOVE COMING: The Orioles haven’t announced Tuesday’s starter against Chicaog, in part because it’s unlikely he’s on the club’s roster.
Two leading candidates are left-hander Brian Burres, currently at Triple-A Norfolk, and Double-A Bowie right-hander Brad Bergesen.
Left-hander Chris Waters will start the regularly-scheduled game Monday — the 6:05 start is a continuation of an April rainout — and Radhames Liz will pitch Wednesday.
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