Whether it was a game-winning single by Kevin Millar in the 10th inning against Houston on Wednesday or a go-ahead two-run double by Melvin Mora against the Astros the night before, the Orioles have developed a flare for the dramatic.
The Orioles? 22 come-from-behind wins have enabled them to remain in playoff contention after 10 straight losing seasons. But still, none of the Orioles? rallies have been as significant as the one on June 22, 1979.
That?s when third baseman Doug DeCinces? two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth produced a 6-5 victory over Detroit and a mantra that resonates nearly three decades later: “Orioles Magic.” The Orioles used the slogan to fuel their run to the 1979 World Series and four years later en route to the World Series title ? the last time the team played on baseball?s biggest stage.
“I can?t believe it?s been 29 years,” DeCinces, 57, said. “Even today, I have people come up to me from Baltimore and tell me where they were when I hit that home run. That was a really special time and one which the team really connected with the fans.”
Fans will have the chance to connect with DeCinces again tonight at 5:30 when he holds a discussion on “Orioles Magic” at Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. DeCinces played in Baltimore from 1973-1981 before spending the final five years of his career with the California Angels.
Michael Gibbons, executive director of the Babe Ruth Museum and Sports Legends, said having DeCinces speak about the phenomenon is fitting because of the team?s improved play and its recent series against the Pirates, who played in Baltimore for the first time since winning Game 7 of the 1979 World Series.
The Orioles have thrust “Orioles Magic” into the spotlight. Earlier this season, the team produced an “Orioles Magic” video featuring several players, including Kevin Millar, Adam Jones and George Sherrill, lip-synching to the popular song that highlights the 1983 World Series and the late “Wild” Bill Hagy leading cheers from section 34 at Memorial Stadium.
The video is played on the JumboTron after every Orioles? home win.
“I?m not saying the Orioles are going to compete for the pennant this year, but many of the same things that happened that year are happening now,” Gibbons said. “The way they?re winning now is creating a chemistry on the team and it?s making some feel like ?Orioles Magic? is on its way back. We just want people today to be able relive that special time from 1979.”
