BALTIMORE (AP) — David Rubenstein took over the Baltimore Orioles at a very optimistic second for the franchise — and the brand new proprietor appears properly conscious of what this group might accomplish within the fast future.
“Right this moment is a simple day to say all the pieces is nice, and hopefully we’ll win opening day, however I don’t need this to be the high-water mark,” Rubenstein stated Thursday, a day after Main League Baseball’s homeowners unanimously permitted his buy of the Orioles. “I need the high-water mark to be within the fall, once we go to the World Sequence and we present that we’re a metropolis that helps an amazing group.”
Rubenstein’s group closed on the sale later Wednesday and he took over as controlling proprietor, in keeping with baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Robinson held a information convention hours earlier than Baltimore routed the Los Angeles Angels 11-3 in its opener, and the Carlyle Group co-founder listed a number of of the explanations the Orioles are in an envious place. After a 101-win season in 2023, they’re loaded with younger expertise and have an award-winning basic supervisor and supervisor working issues within the entrance workplace and dugout.
Rubenstein’ was joined by different members of the brand new possession group, plus Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. It’s been per week marked by tragedy in Baltimore after a cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Amid the thrill of opening day at Camden Yards, Moore additionally talked in regards to the bridge’s collapse, and far of the temporary question-and-answer interval concerned queries from reporters about that.
“Baltimore is being examined proper now, however Baltimore’s been examined earlier than,” Moore stated earlier than Rubenstein spoke. “And each time, we rise up on two ft, we mud ourselves off, and we preserve transferring ahead.”
Additionally within the final week, the Orioles misplaced longtime proprietor Peter Angelos, who died at age 94. His son John had taken over because the group’s chairman and was within the technique of promoting it to Rubenstein. The deal, which values the group at $1.75 billion, was introduced in January.
Orioles nice Cal Ripken Jr., who’s a part of Rubenstein’s possession group, was readily available for the information convention and caught a ceremonial first pitch earlier than the sport. Rubenstein was on the sector for that, carrying a white Orioles jersey together with his identify on the again.
“Momentous event,” basic supervisor Mike Elias stated. “Actually respect the heat that I’ve obtained from the incoming homeowners, administration companions. It is a very vivid day, a really vivid inflection level for our franchise. All of us really feel fantastic about the place the Orioles are proper now, and the place they’re going.”
It’s too early to inform whether or not Rubenstein will considerably enhance Baltimore’s spending. The Orioles have been in a position to win currently with younger, cost-controlled gamers, however a lift within the payroll might flip them into an actual juggernaut.
Rubenstein was requested about the potential for promoting the naming rights for Camden Yards.
“There have been proposals for that. No choice is imminent,” Rubenstein stated. “I’m accustomed to the proposal that got here ahead. It’s one thing we’ll check out, however nothing goes to occur instantly, and I’ve been in contact with these those who want to do the naming.”
Orioles supervisor Brandon Hyde stated his interactions with Rubenstein up to now have been “unbelievable.”
“He’s clearly very sensible,” Hyde stated. “He’s extraordinarily humorous and witty, and a pleasure to speak to.”
Rubenstein confirmed a little bit of his humorousness, saying that when he first met Moore he was so impressed he needed to rent him.
“I attempted to recruit him to my agency. I stated, ‘The very best calling in mankind is personal fairness,’” Rubenstein stated. “He had different issues in thoughts.”
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