Jul 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis (22) tips his helmet to the fans in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Photo Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
BALTIMORE — The ovation started when Braves right fielder Nick Markakis began walking to the batter’s box to lead off Monday’s game against the Orioles. Baltimore fans wanted to say thanks for what Markakis did during his nine years with the team, and they certainly made their point with a standing ovation.
Markakis stepped out of the box and let the cheers grow. Starting pitcher Kevin Gausman walked to the back of the mound to let the fans yell. Finally, Markakis took off his helmet and saluted both sides of the stadium — before lining a double down the left-field line.
The right fielder was a key part of the Orioles during his nine-year run, but the team let him leave after last season and he signed a four-year deal with Atlanta. Markakis admitted that coming back to Oriole Park at Camden Yards certainly was unusual.
“It’s different,” Markakis said. “I spent nine years here. This is the team that drafted me. This is the team that introduced me to professional baseball. To be gone after so many years, it’s definitely different. I am in a good place right now. We have great teammates. It’s a great organization. I’m happy where I am right now.”
Markakis seemed glad to see some old teammates. He joked briefly with catcher Matt Wieters when walking to the plate and then laughed and shoved first baseman Ryan Flaherty after pulling up at second with his double.
The Orioles expected their fans to give Markakis some kind of nice welcome. The fans in right field cheered when Markakis went out to his position, and everyone roared again when the Orioles played a short video tribute on the big board with the message: “Welcome Back, Nick.”
“We’ve got really intelligent fans, and they know the contributions Nick made to, not only the organization but the city, on and off the field,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “The guy’s very easy to get close to and respect … (his) consistency and the way he grinds.”
The fans’ reaction to Markakis certainly was not lost on Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, who gave a blunt assessment of the situation.
“You know what, they don’t give people that type of reaction if you’re a turd,” Gonzalez said. “Let’s just put it that way. “He’s a solid guy. The people here in Baltimore love him.”
