A new era in Baltimore: Orioles eye bright future as David Rubenstein takes over as owner

BALTIMORE (AP) — David Rubenstein took over the Baltimore Orioles at a very optimistic second for the franchise — and the brand new proprietor appears effectively conscious of what this staff might accomplish within the fast future.

“Right this moment is a simple day to say every little thing is nice, and hopefully we’ll win opening day, however I don’t need this to be the high-water mark,” Rubenstein mentioned Thursday, a day after Main League Baseball’s homeowners unanimously authorised his buy of the Orioles. “I would like the high-water mark to be within the fall, once we go to the World Collection and we present that we’re a metropolis that helps a terrific staff.”

Rubenstein’s group closed on the sale later Wednesday and he took over as controlling proprietor, in accordance with baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Robinson held a information convention hours earlier than Baltimore routed the Los Angeles Angels 11-3 in its opener, and the Carlyle Group co-founder listed a number of of the explanations the Orioles are in an envious place. After a 101-win season in 2023, they’re loaded with younger expertise and have an award-winning common supervisor and supervisor operating issues within the entrance workplace and dugout.

Rubenstein’ was joined by different members of the brand new possession staff, plus Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. It’s been every week marked by tragedy in Baltimore after a cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Amid the thrill of opening day at Camden Yards, Moore additionally talked in regards to the bridge’s collapse, and far of the transient question-and-answer interval concerned queries from reporters about that.

“Baltimore is being examined proper now, however Baltimore’s been examined earlier than,” Moore mentioned earlier than Rubenstein spoke. “And each time, we rise up on two ft, we mud ourselves off, and we maintain transferring ahead.”

Additionally within the final week, the Orioles misplaced longtime proprietor Peter Angelos, who died at age 94. His son John had taken over because the staff’s chairman and was within the means of promoting it to Rubenstein. The deal, which values the staff at $1.75 billion, was introduced in January.

Orioles nice Cal Ripken Jr., who’s a part of Rubenstein’s possession group, was available for the information convention and caught a ceremonial first pitch earlier than the sport. Rubenstein was on the sector for that, sporting a white Orioles jersey along with his identify on the again.

“Momentous event,” common supervisor Mike Elias mentioned. “Actually respect the heat that I’ve acquired from the incoming homeowners, administration companions. It is a very vivid day, a really vivid inflection level for our franchise. All of us really feel great about the place the Orioles are proper now, and the place they’re going.”

It’s too early to inform whether or not Rubenstein will considerably improve Baltimore’s spending. The Orioles have been capable of win currently with younger, cost-controlled gamers, however a lift within the payroll might flip them into an actual juggernaut.

Rubenstein was requested about the potential of promoting the naming rights for Camden Yards.

“There have been proposals for that. No resolution is imminent,” Rubenstein mentioned. “I’m acquainted with the proposal that got here ahead. It’s one thing we’ll check out, however nothing goes to occur instantly, and I’ve been in contact with these those who want to do the naming.”

Orioles supervisor Brandon Hyde mentioned his interactions with Rubenstein up to now have been “unbelievable.”

“He’s clearly very good,” Hyde mentioned. “He’s extraordinarily humorous and witty, and a pleasure to speak to.”

Rubenstein confirmed a little bit of his humorousness, saying that when he first met Moore he was so impressed he wished to rent him.

“I attempted to recruit him to my agency. I mentioned, ‘The best calling in mankind is non-public fairness,’” Rubenstein mentioned. “He had different issues in thoughts.”

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