July 21: Oriole Birthdays
On a daily basis, Fatpickled recognizes the birthdays of the men who have played, and currently play for, my favorite teams. The Redskins, Orioles, Wizards, and Terps.
Happy birthday Mike Bordick. Mike had 2 stints with the Orioles covering parts of 6 seasons and 739 games. Originally signed as a free agent by the O’s in December of 96’, he had the worlds toughest job at that time…replacing Cal Ripken as the starting shortstop. He did it with the grace and professionalism that made him a fan favorite over time. In 2000 he set the major league records for consecutive error-less games (110) and chances (543) by a shortstop. He still has a link to the Orioles, as he was traded by the Orioles to the Mets for Melvin Mora in 2000. Mora is still playing for the O’s nearly 10 years later. After the 2000 trade with the Mets, Bordick resigned with the Orioles that off season via free agency. He retired after 14 seasons in 2003 with an even 1,500 hits. In retirement Mike coached his son’s high school baseball team to the MD state final game in 2007. He also worked with a former college baseball player who was trying to make a comeback at Ripken Fantasy Camp…ME! Mike is a super nice guy and I appreciated the way he played the game. He’s now a roving minor league instructor for the Toronto Blue Jays. Happy 44th Mr. Bordick!
Happy birthday Mark Williamson. Mark spent all 8 years of his career as a middle reliever for the Orioles from 1987-1994. He was a steady right hander who appeared in 365 games. The Orioles acquired Mark from the San Diego Padres along with Terry Kennedy in a 1986 trade that sent Storm Davis to the Padres. Mark was especially effective in the 89-90 seasons, going 18-7 with a 2.61ERA. Overall he finished 46-35 with a 3.86ERA. He was also a part of the Orioles last no –hitter in 1991. The no hitter was unusual in the fact that 4 pitchers (Williamson, Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan and Gregg Olsen) combined to toss it. Happy 50th birthday Mr. Williamson!
Cheers and Hail
