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The Baltimore Sun
(c) AP Memorial Stadium
With the dawn of a new season quickly approaching, the 1963 version of the Baltimore Orioles hope to go one step further than their 1962 counterpart. Reaching the World Series in 1962 but falling to the Cincinnati Reds left the Orioles with a feeling of unfinished business. The Orioles hope to build on that success with a number of changes on the new team. Key returnees include Brooks Robinson, Jim Gentile, Jackie Brandt, Robin Roberts, and Dave McNally. Notable additions include shortstop Luis Aparicio, outfielder Al Smith, and pitchers Mike McCormick and Stu Miller. The latter hopes to fill the big shoes of departing All Star closer Hoyt Wilhelm. The big free agent addition to the team is left fielder Rocky Colavito, leaving the Boston Red Sox to join up with the Birds of Baltimore. Colavito’s arrival relegates top prospect John Powell to the minors once again. While Colavito should bolster the offense, the team will look to cover the departure of All Star catcher Gus Triandos with a trificta of new catchers, including Dick Brown, Jerry Grote, and J.C. Martin. Free agents Johnny Temple and Wayne Causey resigned with the Orioles to patrol second base, along with returnee Jerry Adair. The starting pitching will take on a lefty slant, with both McNally and McCormick being joined by George Brunet. Another lefty starter, from last year, Steve Barber, will likely move to the bullpen. Roberts will be the only right handed starter. While the Orioles hope to improve on last season’s success, it won’t be easy as their divisional opponents have bolstered their teams with a good crop of free agent additions. As the dawn of the new season yields to the call of ‘play ball’, the Orioles will be looking forward to another exciting season of great competition and the hope for a successful season.
(c) AP Memorial Stadium
With the dawn of a new season quickly approaching, the 1963 version of the Baltimore Orioles hope to go one step further than their 1962 counterpart. Reaching the World Series in 1962 but falling to the Cincinnati Reds left the Orioles with a feeling of unfinished business. The Orioles hope to build on that success with a number of changes on the new team. Key returnees include Brooks Robinson, Jim Gentile, Jackie Brandt, Robin Roberts, and Dave McNally. Notable additions include shortstop Luis Aparicio, outfielder Al Smith, and pitchers Mike McCormick and Stu Miller. The latter hopes to fill the big shoes of departing All Star closer Hoyt Wilhelm. The big free agent addition to the team is left fielder Rocky Colavito, leaving the Boston Red Sox to join up with the Birds of Baltimore. Colavito’s arrival relegates top prospect John Powell to the minors once again. While Colavito should bolster the offense, the team will look to cover the departure of All Star catcher Gus Triandos with a trificta of new catchers, including Dick Brown, Jerry Grote, and J.C. Martin. Free agents Johnny Temple and Wayne Causey resigned with the Orioles to patrol second base, along with returnee Jerry Adair. The starting pitching will take on a lefty slant, with both McNally and McCormick being joined by George Brunet. Another lefty starter, from last year, Steve Barber, will likely move to the bullpen. Roberts will be the only right handed starter. While the Orioles hope to improve on last season’s success, it won’t be easy as their divisional opponents have bolstered their teams with a good crop of free agent additions. As the dawn of the new season yields to the call of ‘play ball’, the Orioles will be looking forward to another exciting season of great competition and the hope for a successful season.