When Maxwell Costes would hear his name introduced to Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium on the University of Maryland campus before games, he's long thought about asking for his hometown to be read aloud as "Baltimore City," not just "Baltimore."

"Kids that are born in Baltimore City are born with a hustle in their hearts," Costes said in a UMD-produced video. "This fire and drive to go out and get it, really. … I'm from the inner city that everybody always overlooks and misunderstands. And I'm a representation of what this city can produce."

Late Wednesday night, it produced a professional signing, as Costes put pen to paper to become a member of his hometown Orioles' organization after four standout seasons for the Terps. A first baseman, Costes joins the O's as an undrafted free-agent.

Costes, a graduate of Gilman School in the Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore, finished his Maryland career with a .298/.458/.560 (1.018 OPS) slash line and 40 homers that ranks second in program history. Had his sophomore year not been cut short by the pandemic, he very well could have become Maryland's home run king, finishing just three back of program leader Paul Schager. He's also second in program history with 116 walks -- just ahead of current Giant LaMonte Wade Jr. -- against 131 strikeouts in his career.

With 16 homers and a 1.017 OPS, Costes was a third-team All-Big 10 selection this year and part of two NCAA tournament teams for the Terps, including the one who won the conference regular season crown and hosted a regional in June. Costes, who turns 23 at the end of the month, now could find himself reporting to an affiliate such as Class A Delmarva once the Orioles dictate where each of the newcomers to the organization -- including 22 draftees -- will start their pro careers.

Costes' signing was part of a big few days for the Terps' program. Maryland saw three from its ranks drafted by Major League organizations, including Ryan Ramsey -- who threw a perfect game against Northwestern in April -- going the highest, selected by the Royals in the 13th round. Maryland's three draftees are their most since 2017.

MASNSports.com first reported Costes' signing.