Baltimore Orioles fans bursting with pride after Adley Rutschman makes Opening Day history: "Here’s your AL MVP" "Best catcher ever already"
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman made MLB history in Thursday's opening day matchup against the Boston Red Sox. The budding second-year superstar became the first catcher since at least 1901 (MLB records become sketchy before that time) to have five hits and reach base safely six times in an opening day game.
Rutschman went 5-for-5 with a walk on a brisk Fenway Park afternoon that saw him drive in four runs, score once, and hit a home run. The Orioles held on to win the game 10-9 after a late Red Sox rally.
.@RutschmanAdley became the first catcher to have 5 hits and reach base 6 times on #OpeningDay since at least 1901.
(h/t @SlangsonSports) https://t.co/3MIYUxl3Wr
Baltimore Orioles fans are understandably losing their minds with optimism at what Adley Rutschman's achievement means for his career and Baltimore's trajectory.
One thing is for certain, after one game, Rutschman leads the American League MVP race.
@MLB @OriolesStatist1 @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles Superstar level being unlocked in front of us. Excellent plate discipline with awesome contact and power. Plus, an all star level defender, this is the best catcher in the MLB.
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles Move over Judge. Here's your AL MVP
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles Should been team americas starting catcher smh
The Orioles have been at or near the bottom of the MLB standings for much of this century. There have been blips of success, including three postseason appearances that included a trip to the American League Championship Series in 2014.
However, the team has also had three 100-plus loss seasons since their last postseason appearance in 2016 – including a 115-loss campaign in 2018 and a 110-loss year in 2021.
Last season was a different story as the youthful Orioles, with Rutschman finishing second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, compiled an 83-79 record and narrowly missed the playoffs.
It appears Rutschman and the Orioles are picking up right where they left off.
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles We warned you. This man has changed a franchise
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles The Orioles are gonna be a damn problem this year
@MLB @SlangsOnSports @RutschmanAdley @Orioles What a start to the season. Can only imagine how fired up @Orioles fans are right now.
It's been a long stretch of woe for Baltimore Orioles fans, but it appears that with a strong shot of Adley Rutschman, the organization may be coming out of its deep competitive hangover.
The word is out on the Orioles, and it isn't just Baltimore fans who know it. The rest of the American League East now knows that the former cellar dwellers are contenders again.
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles https://t.co/flmCiz7TCz
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles Him. https://t.co/n3MqL1QGPR
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles He really is the GOAT😭😭
The rumors of George Longbottom's efforts in 1900 cannot be confirmed at this time.
@MLB @RutschmanAdley @SlangsOnSports @Orioles My boy George longbottom did this in 1900 but y’all didn’t want to say my man’s name cmon man
Adley Rutschman a superstar in the making for the Baltimore Orioles
Rutschman is quickly becoming the undisputed leader of the youthful Orioles ascent. Last season, he debuted in the big leagues by hitting .254 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs in 113 games. If his opening day exploits are any sign of what's to come, he will easily eclipse those numbers in his sequel season.