Orioles Fans "Taking Back" Camden Yards

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By By John Singleton

When Derek Jeter steps up to the plate at Camden Yards, the cheers are so raucous it sounds like Yankee Stadium. When Big Poppy comes to town and takes a mighty cut, the “ooh’s and aahs” are so adoring he might as well be in Fenway Park.

“Sometimes it feels like we’re an unwelcome guest in our own stadium,” explained Max Cassilly. “We want Orioles fans to give the hometown advantage back to the Orioles.”

For a group of local fans, the problem has become so serious they bought a block of tickets in centerfield for the Orioles games against the Yankees on May 18 and 19. They even printed up bright orange t-shirts that read: “Take Back Our Yard,” and gave one out along with every ticket they resold to an Orioles fan.

According to Phil Reeder, a graduate of Old Mill High School, “The seats are in section 86, right next to the bullpen. We bought 200 for the May 18 game and 190 more for the May 19game.”

The Take Back Our Yard idea was conceived by brothers Fred, Matt, Patrick and Max Cassilly, along with their friend Phil Reeder. The Cassillys are all graduates of Spalding High School. If the idea takes off and all the tickets are sold, the brothers plan to expand the Take Back Our Yard movement to future games against the Yankees, Red Sox and maybe the Phillies.

“All we want to do is enjoy an Orioles game in our own Yard,” noted Matt Cassilly. “The team has the potential to make a run this season. We want to give the Orioles all the benefits of a home field advantage.”

Expectations are high for the Orioles, who started the season 5-0 but have cooled considerably since early April. In the off season the team acquired veterans Derek Lee, Vladimir Guerrero, Mark Reynolds, J.J. Hardy, and pitcher Kevin Gregg. Young pitchers Zach Britton, Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman and Brad Bergesen have played well in spots and are expected to improve as the season goes on.

“The big name acquisitions have been great,” commented Fred Cassilly. “But, it’s Buck Showalter who has been the key factor so far. He’s a good manager.”

To support the Orioles Take Back Our Yard campaign, visit www.takebackouryard.com to purchase tickets or call Phil Reeder at 410-768-2280 ext. 266.

“It’s our goal that this idea catches fire and spreads to other people, and maybe even companies that will buy blocks of tickets and designate them as a place for O’s fans to unite,” summarized Patrick Cassilly. “The Orioles are a great organization. We need to find ways to support them.”

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