Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles ace John Means threw a 12-strikeout no-hitter on Wednesday afternoon against the Seattle Mariners, and after the contest was a bit at a loss for words.

"To be honest, I can't even put it into words right now," he said after the performance on MASN (h/t David Schoenfield of ESPN). "I felt OK all game, didn't really have a changeup until the end, but glad I got it going."

Means may have not had his best changeup on the day, but his fastball was on point. He continued to pound it inside, and Seattle's hitters never had an answer.

"I have to be able to do that to get the changeup working," he said. "Sevvy (catcher Pedro Severino) called a great game. Those fastballs saved me."

It was one of the more dominant no-hitters you'll see. Means was so good on Wednesday that only a dropped strike three to Sam Haggerty prevented him from throwing a perfect game. 

John Means is the first pitcher to throw a non-perfect no-hitter in which the team did not record a walk, hit by pitch, or error.

h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/1QzpJqawck

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 5, 2021

JOHN MEANS HAS THROWN A NO-HITTER ‼️

Only one Mariner reached base and it was on a wild pitch after a strikeout 🤯 pic.twitter.com/M6qIRBTHPa

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 5, 2021

“I feel just very bad, but he still threw a no-hitter and we celebrate,” Severino said after the game, per Roch Kubatko of MASN.com. “I just think about, let’s complete this.”

Means, to his credit, wasn't sweating it.

“It’s fine, it happens to everybody. It’s not a big deal,” he said. “To get a no-hitter, I couldn’t care less that it wasn’t a perfect game.”

More important for Means was using the moment to think about his father, Alan Means, who died last year from pancreatic cancer. The pitcher said his father was on his mind throughout the game. 

John Means said he looked at his glove, with his father's initials on it, before he went back out for the 9th inning. #orioles

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) May 5, 2021

“I said to myself, he wouldn’t care. He’s just glad that I’m having a good time,” he said. “The accolades and all that never mattered to him. But it was pretty special and I know he’d be proud.”

It was Baltimore's first individual no-hitter since Jim Palmer threw a no-no in 1969. The team's last no-hitter came in 1991, when Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan, Mark Williamson and Gregg Olson combined to no-hit the Oakland Athletics. 

The 2021 season has its third no-no.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means threw a no-hitter versus the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, striking out 12 batters in a brilliant display.

History for @JMeans25 🔥

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/rGhSrxxjWm

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) May 5, 2021

He. Means. Business.

Orioles ace @JMeans25 has thrown a no-hitter in Seattle! pic.twitter.com/orYIc9nsSJ

— MLB (@MLB) May 5, 2021

How close was he to a perfect game? Only Sam Haggerty reached base in the third inning after a wild pitch on a third strike. He was erased when he was caught stealing second base.

It was Baltimore's first no-hitter since Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan, Mark Williamson and Gregg Olson combined for one in 1991. Before that, the legendary Jim Palmer pulled off the feat in 1969.

As Jayson Stark of The Athletic noted, Palmer faced 35 batters in his no-no because he gave up six walks and the defense committed two errors. Means' afternoon went a bit smoother. He was untouchable.

John Means threw 26 of 27 first-pitch strikes today. That's 96.3%

Only 1 pitcher since 2000 has faced at least 25 batters in a game and had a higher 1st-pitch strike pct: Brad Radke on June 30, 2004 -- 96.4% (27 of 28)

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 5, 2021

And he made some history along the way:

Means didn't allow a hit, walk or hit by pitch, while his team committed 0 errors.

This is the first time ever that a pitcher has thrown a non-perfect no-hitter with no walks, hit by pitches, or errors.

(h/t @EliasSports) https://t.co/SyWvlH09KU

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 5, 2021

John Means is the first AL pitcher with 12+ Ks & 0 BB in a no-hitter since Félix Hernández in 2012. pic.twitter.com/rTWSESxJqL

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 5, 2021

To find the last time an Orioles pitcher threw a no-hitter on the road, you would have to go all the way back to...1912.

Earl Hamilton of the St. Louis Browns threw one against the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 30.#Orioles #Birdland

— David Salituro (@DavidSalituro) May 5, 2021

If there were questions about whether Means could be Baltimore's ace, well, he's answered them. He is 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA, a minuscule 0.67 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 46 innings across seven starts.

This no-hitter will be talked about for the controversy surrounding it as well, as some folks were more than a bit annoyed that a strikeout cost Means a perfect game:

🚨JOHN MEANS NO-HITTER BUT IM FURIOUS!! CHANGE THE RULE!🚨#Birdland pic.twitter.com/j1QNufNqnQ

— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) May 5, 2021

I'm sorry but John Means really had a perfect game and the dropped third strike rule absolutely sucks.

— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) May 5, 2021

https://twitter.com/megrowler/status/1390055357892882432

It's the latest no-hitter controversy after Arizona Diamondbacks starter Madison Bumgarner threw seven innings of hitless ball against the Atlanta Braves last Sunday. The game was just seven innings since it was part of a doubleheader, so MLB won't count it as a no-no since it didn't go nine innings.

Nobody's taking Means' no-hitter away. But it will be argued that his performance deserved better than the dropped third strike rule allows and that he should be immortalized among the 23 pitchers who have achieved perfection.

Trey Mancini received a warm reception the first time he stepped into the batter's box during the Baltimore Orioles' home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.

A grueling journey, but what a destination.@TreyMancini is back where he belongs. pic.twitter.com/StAgcaUaIV

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 8, 2021

It was Mancini's first game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards since Sept. 21, 2019. He missed the entire 2020 season after being diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer.

The veteran outfielder returned to the field in February during spring training, with fans and players providing him with a standing ovation.

"It was amazing,” Mancini told reporters. “I almost teared up a little bit, I’m not going to lie … it meant the world to me. It was a really, really cool moment and one of my favorite moments of my baseball career.

Mancini grounded into a fielder's choice in the bottom of the first inning Thursday and came around to score on a two-run homer by Ryan Mountcastle. 

Major League Baseball's hopes to have all 30 teams play on Opening Day has been dashed because of inclement weather in Boston.

The Boston Red Sox announced that Thursday's opener against the Baltimore Orioles has been postponed to Friday because of rain in the area:

Today’s #OpeningDay game & pregame ceremonies are rescheduled for tomorrow, Friday, April 2, at 2:10 p.m. pic.twitter.com/wx7wvLwqAJ

— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 1, 2021

The Red Sox were set to host the Orioles at Fenway Park on Thursday, with first pitch at 2:10 p.m. ET.

Per Weather.com, the forecast in Boston calls for rain in the morning followed by cloudy conditions and wind gusts up to 22 mph. Friday's forecast has a high of 46 degrees and 15 mph winds with mostly sunny skies.

The Orioles and Red Sox are hoping to start this season off on a strong note after struggling in 2020. Baltimore finished fourth in the American League East with a 25-35 record, one game ahead of Boston.

Boston rehired Alex Cora in November after the sides agreed to part ways in January 2020 amid MLB's sign-stealing investigation.

The Orioles are expected to send John Means to the mound for his first Opening Day start. Nathan Eovaldi will be on the mound for the Red Sox.

Former Major League Baseball player and manager Joe Altobelli died on Wednesday at the age of 88. 

The Rochester Red Wings announced the news, noting that Altobelli died of natural causes.

The Baltimore Orioles, who were managed by Altobelli from 1983-85, issued a statement about the Michigan native:

"The Orioles are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Joe Altobelli, who led Baltimore to a World Series championship in 1983, his first season at the helm. A tremendous leader, Altobelli’s compassion, skill and baseball expertise contributed to the Hall of Fame careers of Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, and Cal Ripken, Jr. We send our sympathies to Altobelli’s family and many friends throughout the game."

Per Justin Murphy and Sean Lahman of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Altobelli's MLB career began in 1951 when he was signed as an amateur free agent by Cleveland. He appeared in 166 games with Cleveland and the Minnesota Twins over three seasons between 1955-61. 

After moving into the coaching ranks in 1966, Altobelli was hired as manager of the San Francisco Giants prior to the 1977 season. He spent three years with the organization before being fired after the 1979 campaign. 

The Orioles hired Altobelli to take over when Earl Weaver retired following the 1982 season. He led the franchise to a World Series title in his first year and went 212-167 in two-plus years before Weaver returned to manage midway through the 1985 season. 

The final game Altobelli managed came on May 21, 1991, when he served as the interim skipper for the Chicago Cubs after Don Zimmer was fired.

Per the Red Wings, who are now the Washington Nationals' Triple-A affiliate, Altobelli "filled more roles for the organization than anyone else serving as a player, coach, manager, general manager, assistant to the president and radio analyst." He spent four years as the GM following his MLB management career, helping the organization move to a new ballpark in 1997.

Altobelli was inducted into the International League Hall of Fame in 2008 and won three International League titles as a manager of the Rochester Red Wings (1971, 1976) and Columbus Clippers (1980). 

Vi Ripken, the mother of Baltimore Orioles legend and MLB Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., died Friday, according to ESPN. She was 82. 

The Orioles released the following statement:

The Orioles mourn the passing of Vi Ripken, beloved matriarch of the Ripken family. We send our condolences to Cal, Billy, Ryan, and their entire family during this incredibly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/b8B699K2Br

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 1, 2021

"We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Vi Ripken," the NFL's Baltimore Ravens said in a statement of their own. "The Ripkens are engrained in the fabric of the greater Baltimore community, and Vi played a significant role in helping establish their family's strong legacy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her children and grandchildren during this sorrowful time."

Ripken Jr. spent his entire 21-year career with the Orioles, setting an MLB record with 2,632 consecutive games played without missing a contest, topping Lou Gehrig's previous record (2,130 straight games). It was a record Vi Ripken was proud of, though one she downplayed a bit when asked. 

Cal Ripken Sr. spent 36 years with the Orioles, serving as a player, manager, coach, scout and working in the organization's farm system. And their son Billy Ripken spent 12 years in Major League Baseball and seven seasons with the Orioles (1987-92, 1996). 

That made Vi Ripken the de facto matriarch of the Orioles organization. 

Sad news. Vi Ripken was, in a sense, matriarch of Orioles baseball. Glue of that unique baseball family. Had the opportunity to interview her several times. She was so proud of all of her children. And a great quote, too. Very upfront. Thoughts go to Cal, Bill & all the Ripkens. https://t.co/UcLZS1dySE

— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) March 1, 2021

Sending best wishes to the @RipkenBaseball family after the passing of Vi Ripken. Had the pleasure to speak with her on several occasions and always thoroughly enjoyed it. Vibrant personality so beloved and a true baseball matriarch

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 28, 2021

My condolences to Cal and Bill Ripken and the entire Ripken family on the passing of Vi. Like her boys, she was a one of a kind treasure, a wonderful woman. As tough as it is for her children right now, I suspect Cal Sr is thrilled to have his Vi back by his side. Godspeed Vi,

— Gerry Sandusky (@GerrySandusky) March 1, 2021

She was a regular fixture at Orioles and Aberdeen IronBirds minor league games, even after her husband and sons were no longer affiliated with the organization, per Oxenden.

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini had a malignant tumor removed from his colon last year and underwent treatment for Stage 3 colon cancer, costing him the entirety of the 2020 season.    

On Sunday, he returned to the team's starting lineup and received a standing ovation during his first at-bat, which resulted in a single to center field:

https://twitter.com/JoeTrezz/status/1366093367319416843

.@TreyMancini got a hit in his first at bat back from colon cancer.

You love to see it. #BiggerThanBaseball pic.twitter.com/An6pmDhMtW

— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2021

According to Nathan Ruiz of the Baltimore Sun, Mancini will play every other day during spring training, primarily as a first baseman though potentially as an outfielder or designated hitter as well.

"I've talked to him every single day, see how he's feeling every day," manager Brandon Hyde told reporters. "We're just going to continue to communicate. I'll have him in there every other day for a while, whether it be at first base or DH, and we'll see how he feels. Crank up the playing time, if he feels well, the last couple weeks."

Matt Harvey will have an opportunity to pitch in the big leagues this season after reportedly agreeing Saturday to a deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

Per MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Harvey will join the Orioles on a minor league contract.

Since being a dominant starting pitcher in his first three seasons with the New York Mets, Harvey has struggled.

The closest he has come to looking like a decent starter was with the Cincinnati Reds in 2018. The right-hander had a 4.50 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 128 innings over 24 starts.

Since the start of the 2019, Harvey has been one of the worst pitchers in Major League Baseball. He posted a 7.82 ERA with 19 homers allowed in 71.1 innings with the Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals.

Harvey's minus-0.7 FanGraphs wins above replacement over the past two seasons ranks 308th out of 313 pitchers with at least 70 innings pitched.

The Orioles are an ideal landing spot for Harvey because there's no pressure on the franchise. It's still in the early stages of rebuilding and isn't trying to compete for a playoff spot.

Baltimore starters ranked 23rd in ERA (5.09) and 25th in innings (267) last season.

Harvey will likely compete for a spot in the rotation during spring training. If the 31-year-old can put together a strong showing, the Orioles would likely include him on their 26-man roster to start the season.

Felix Hernandez agreed to a minor league deal worth $1 million with the Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

While Hernandez didn't lay out a plan to exit after the 2019 season, it carried a level of finality for the 34-year-old right-hander since he was in the final year of his contract with the Seattle Mariners.

As the regular season was drawing to a close, he indicated he was hopeful of returning for another year but acknowledged the interest from MLB teams would have to be there. He signed a $1 million deal as a non-roster invitee for the Atlanta Braves, but he opted out of the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hernandez made 15 appearances for the Mariners in his swan song with the franchise. He finished 1-8 with a 6.40 ERA and a 6.00 FIP, per FanGraphs. It was the fifth straight season in which his FIP climbed from the year before (5.18 in 2018).

With King Felix a shadow of his old self, the writing was on the wall. But that didn't make the end any easier to absorb. An emotional Hernandez received a standing ovation at T-Mobile Park in his final start on Sept. 26, 2019.

He clearly believes he has something left in the tank, and joining the Orioles should present him with a good opportunity to pitch his way into an MLB rotation again.

Baltimore has gone four seasons without making the playoffs, and the team shipped one of its more experienced starters, Alex Cobb, to the Los Angeles Angels.

If Hernandez works out, then the Orioles could have themselves a solid trade asset. If this is effectively the end of the road for him, then the organization won't be out much.

Trey Mancini missed all of the 2020 season after being diagnosed with colon cancer, but the Baltimore Orioles star is planning to play next season.

Mancini told reporters Wednesday there was no tumor DNA in his most recent blood work, and he's been working out five days per week with some light hitting to be ready for spring training.

Mancini announced in the Players' Tribune that he began chemotherapy April 13 after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer:

"My treatment will take six months — every two weeks for six months. If baseball returns in 2020, it will probably be without me.

"But I want everybody to know that I'm O.K. I know reading everything and seeing that I had a malignant tumor removed from my colon, it's a lot to absorb — believe me, I know. I'm not really big on social media, but I posted a video on Instagram after my surgery because I wanted people to see that I looked like myself and I was in good spirits."

During an April 29 interview on MASN Sports, Mancini said there was "no doubt in my mind I'll be back playing baseball."

Sara Perlman, Mancini's girlfriend, posted a picture on Twitter of the 28-year-old leaving the hospital Sept. 21 after his final round of chemotherapy.

Mancini had the best season of his career in 2019. He posted a .291/.364/.535 slash line and finished 11th in the American League with 35 home runs.

The Orioles went 25-35 and finished fourth in the AL East without Mancini in 2020. MLB has announced that spring training games for next season will begin Feb. 27 with the regular season set to begin April 1.