As a newbie, Alonso embraces 'New Oriole Way'
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BALTIMORE -- This week, Pete Alonso has become better acquainted with Baltimore, a city whose people have given the slugging first baseman a hero’s welcome for a month-plus now.
On Thursday night, Alonso joined new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz for a question-and-answer session at the Senator Theatre, the opening event of this year’s Birdland Caravan offseason tour. Then Alonso mingled with some of his new teammates on Friday afternoon at the Camden Yards warehouse, where they packed meals for hungry children alongside fans and members of nonprofit organization Blessings in a Backpack.
The people of Baltimore were excited to interact with all of the attending players. But there was a palpable buzz surrounding “Polar Bear Pete” -- something the 31-year-old has felt, too, as he prepares to head to Sarasota, Fla., for his first Spring Training with the O’s in two weeks.
“I’m just as excited, if not more excited, than they are for camp to start. It’s an exciting time,” said Alonso, who signed a five-year, $155 million deal on Dec. 11. “It’s an exciting time in Birdland, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
During a 12-minute media session, Alonso proceeded to discuss the “excellent vibes” he has felt since arriving in Baltimore. He repeatedly mentioned the positive “shift” he has experienced within the Orioles’ organization in a short time.
Then, asked to further explain those feelings, Alonso uttered a phrase that could eventually become the defining moniker of this era -- potentially his era -- of Orioles baseball.
“It’s just full commitment and full commitment from the top, bottom -- everyone’s on the same page,” Alonso said. “I’m starting to feel like there’s a certain brand of baseball, the type of game that we want to play, I guess you could call it the ‘New Oriole Way.’ And I think that’s going to be a really huge part of why we’re going to win games.”
As most in Baltimore know, the original “Oriole Way” was what players were taught during the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s under teachers such as Hall of Famer Earl Weaver, Cal Ripken Sr. and more. It was about playing team-first, hard-nosed baseball in an effort to win games and, most importantly, championships. It resulted in the franchise’s three titles in 1966, ’70 and ’83.
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Alonso’s rallying call for this “New Oriole Way” was a strong indication that he might already get Baltimore and its people. It also showed the type of leadership he should bring to a mostly young clubhouse that could benefit from his voice and expertise.
So, how does Alonso foresee the infrastructure of this “New Oriole Way?”
“You’ll find out,” Alonso said with a grin. “No, you guys will find out when you start watching us play. ... When you see the product on the field and when you watch it over the course of time, over the season, you’ll be able to put your finger on it and explain it pretty well.”
It shouldn’t be hard for Alonso, Albernaz and the revamped Baltimore coaching staff to get more players on board. Other Orioles sound as if they’re already all in, ready to become part of the process and eager to see how Alonso can lead them firsthand.
“He’s a great guy, and [we are] pumped up to have him,” star shortstop Gunnar Henderson said. “Really looking forward to getting into the season, getting into the grind with him. … Know he’s going to be great with us. Everybody else is going to really enjoy having him around.”
Said catcher Samuel Basallo, via team interpreter Brandon Quinones: “[The Alonso signing] got me really excited, and I think having him around in the clubhouse will help me a lot. I’m looking forward to seeing the type of impact he’ll have.”
Added right-hander Tyler Wells: “I think he’s very energetic, and I think he’s very intentful on what he wants for us as a team as a whole. When you’ve got a veteran guy like that who’s going to be here for a good while come in and really establish that right out of the gate, I think it’s very important. I think it’s going to be very huge for the club.”
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Ready to usher in the “New Oriole Way,” Alonso hasn’t been mincing words about what he wants to accomplish for his new team and his new fan base.
“I know it’s about wins and losses, and not just this organization but people in the city -- they want it so bad,” Alonso said. “For me, I want to win a championship and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”