SARASOTA, Fla. -- Eleven-year-old Nicole Parker, of Ellicott City, Md., had a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Tuesday, as the aspiring sportswriter -- who started an Orioles blog of her own about a month ago -- got to visit O's camp and meet some of her heroes.
Parker, who came down with her father, Alex, to take in a little Spring Training action, wore a Manny Machado Orioles jersey and was surprised when the All-Star third baseman paid a visit to the media workroom to do an interview.
Parker found out about Machado's best friends on the team, favorite parts of spring and how much he loves Opening Day. The interview was one of several she did, including others with O's pitchers Tyler Wilson and Oliver Drake, for her "Diamond Diaries" blog.
Parker was also presented with Mark Trumbo's broken bat after the outfielder/first baseman broke it during Tuesday morning's batting practice.
Not bad for a first day at camp.