A Fond Goodbye to Orioles Players Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis

       Out of fair respect, I will not give any comments of hate on these situations.

       Nelson Cruz, I would like to thank you for all of the home runs hit during the season and will always remember the first one on opening day. I thank you for ignited my spirits and left me smiling after the ballpark ignited into exuberant cheers. Although you were with the Orioles for a short period of time, you left a lasting legacy on the team. I don't know if the Orioles will ever get the American League East title again, but you were a great pioneer in letting that happen. You always gave me hope even if it was the last inning or a shut out and always gave me a reason to be hopeful. Best of luck in Seattle and fans better remember to bring their umbrellas because you're going to make it rain (with baseballs, that is).

     Nick Markakis, where do I even begin? You've been with the Orioles for eight years. Now that's a long time even though I've only known (not personally) you for two years. Twenty-one is all that comes into my mind for some reason. I remember seeing that number in at-bats, on the field and in the dugout. If a ball flew out to right field, I already knew it was going to be caught (well, in the moment I wasn't so confident). He was one of the first players I actually knew once I became a fan of this team and slowly allowed myself to become more knowledgeable about the team. My first impression of him was a humble, classic and laid-back ball player. No one ever seemed to bother him or question him. He just went out and played the game. He gave back to the fans too- the ones who couldn't afford tickets but still supported them and signed baseballs, hats and memorabilia for the next generation of players without huffing. So, when I heard that there was a possibility of him going to the giants or braves, I didn't believe it. I thought Markakis only belonged to one team and this brought me to reality. To see him go to another team filled me with raw emotion, anger and sadness. This is one of the only Orioles left from the first year I recognized them(2011 is the actual year). I am not going to hate the braves for this or go against Markakis for his decision. Money is money. More is better. I had the vivid imagination that he would stay for his entire career in Baltimore, but it got taken away from me. Baltimore says goodbye sometimes. This time he's taking right field with him.

Thank you, both for making the 2014 season so great. Best of luck with the mariners and braves. Baltimore will always hold a special place in your heart and continue to play with the same passion as you have over the years.