During the series we will feature women for every franchise and their stories on how they became a baseball fan, who their hated rivals are, what their favorite food at the ballpark etc etc…. Ladies are chosen simply by contacting us (email link) and answering a few questions on why they fell in love with the great game of baseball and we get to share in someone else’s baseball traditions that could the same as our own.
Up next we have Meghan who know has to be a diehard fan if she supports the Orioles who always suffer from the middle child syndrom with being in the AL East. Even though I disagree with her opinion on Redsox lady fans (you won’t catch me wearing a pink jersey), anytime someone can speak ill will about another fan base, you know that comes from some deeply-rooted love for her team.
Hit the title/read more to check out Meghan’s interview on how she became a life-long baseball fan…
Meghan Welsh
Location: Baltimore, MD
Favorite Team: Baltimore Orioles
Twitter – @qweenofdiamonds -Contributor to I Hate JJ Redick
How long have you been a baseball fan?
I have been a baseball fan for as long as I can remember. I was born 3 days before the Orioles won their last World Series in 1983, so I believe being a baseball fan was my birthright.
Where did your initial love for baseball come from?
My grandfather was the president of the South Baltimore Little League, so a good portion of my childhood was spent at a diamond. I learned all of the basics from him. Once school let out and summer began, the Orioles were a constant presence in my life – Whether on the radio while driving down the road, on the TV while dinner was cooking, or in person as the stadiums (both Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards) were not far away from where I grew up.
What is single most thing you look forward to while at a baseball game?
I love hearing the “O” in the National Anthem. Since the Orioles don’t get very many nationally televised games, 95% of the country hasn’t heard our fans yell the “O” in the line “O! Say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave…” Fans of other teams think that we are disrespecting our country – In reality, the Star-Spangled Banner was written in Baltimore, so it’s a little tribute to our great city. Calm down, America.
What is your favorite food at the ball park?
I’m a hot dog fanatic. I love a good ol’ Esskay fresh out of the steam box (not in the little foil bags at the concession stands). We also just got a crab mac & cheese hot dog at Camden Yards that is more than amazing. Best $8 you’ll spend in the stadium!
What is your favorite MLB tradition?
Besides the “O,” I love our 7th Inning Stretch routine. John Denver’s “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” – WAY better than Sweet freaking Caroline.
What team do you hate the most?
The Yankees. Is there really another answer to this question?
Which team has the worst fans?
Red Sox fans are the absolute worst fans in baseball. They are arrogant, crass, and the lady fans created pink hats/jerseys. I understand being passionate about your team, but don’t come to my stadium and act like an asshole, especially when 95% of you weren’t Red Sox fans until 2004. The “Asshole Rule” applies to Phillies fans as well!
What is your favorite memory at a baseball game or about baseball in general?
My favorite player is Nolan Reimold (O’s LF, currently on the DL) – I have followed him since he was drafted in 2005. He has been known more for his power than his glove, so when he was recalled in early May 2009, I was waiting for the bomb show to begin.
I was watching on TV one night as they played the dreaded Yankees, and thought that the game was over as Mo came out of the bullpen. Nolan ended up hitting his first major league career home run off of Mo, and I was bummed that he didn’t hit it at OPACY so that I could catch it in person. However, a week later, I was present for his first walk-off homer against the Blue Jays, and all was good in the world. I am a fan of homegrown talent, and Nolan was a great example of the Orioles bringing up one of their own and allowing them to flourish… Minus the entire 2010 season and his DL stints, of course.
Could you ever date someone who was an avid fan of your hated rival?
Absolutely not. I have tried in the past – It’s just not happening. When two people are passionate about two different teams, it can cause rifts in the relationship, regardless of how passionate they might be about each other.
When people ask “How can you watch baseball? It’s so boring!”, what do you say to them?
I’d rather spend 3 hours drinking beer, eating junk food, and watching a great pitching duel in the comforts of Oriole Park at Camden Yards than 3 hours doing almost anything else. You want to fall asleep at a sporting event? Watch a soccer or basketball game. Snooooooooooooooze.
Big thanks to Meghan for answering our questions on the backstory of being a baseball fan. We all have a certain way we fell in love with the game and this is just one story of many more to come.
Are you interested in being featured as one of our MLB Female Fans?
Just send us an email and tell us what team you want to represent. It’s that easy. All teams needed!
