Minor League Baseball is often overlooked for Major League Baseball. Many fans miss what is happening in the developmental stages of the organization, as their focus is primarily on the competition of the big league club and the road to an American League pennant. There are too many good things happening in the minors that are overshadowed, and there is so much happening that is too exciting to neglect.

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That is why I am here with "Learning To Fly."

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I love the Baltimore Orioles. I love The Oriole Way. I have been a fan since I was 9 years old and during that time period, I've discoverd Minor League Baseball. My first Minor League memories are from in 2011 when I saw the Frederick Keys and 19-year-old Manny Machado play. I also got to watch guys like Kevin Gausman, Austin Hays, Trey Mancini, and Ryan Mountcastle develop there. Eventually I began to visit the other four affilates and I fell in love with the Minor Leagues. After the Keys and the Orioles parted ways, I began frequently venturing out to my next closest Minor League teams: Bowie and Aberdeen. Between these two places, I've watched guys like Adley Rutschman and Grayson Rodriguez play there, and I've befriended guys like Connor Pavolony, Chayce McDermott, Garrett Stallings, Ryan Goll, Roberto Mercado, and John Rhodes. At these Minor League games, I began to learn and appreciate this small-town baseball community but more importantly, the daily grind that these players are expriencing. 

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"Learning To Fly" is my blog site devoted solely to promoting Orioles Minor League Baseball. This is where you will find everything you need to know about what is occuring in the Orioles' Minor League system. You will be kept up to date with all four Orioles affiliates: the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, Double-A Bowie Baysox, High-A Aberdeen Ironbirds, and Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds.

 

You will find score updates and standout performances from a particular game that stands out and deserves recognition. Perhaps someone hits for the cycle or throws a no-hitter. I will report that right here on "Learning To Fly" with a detailed recap of that night's game and who stood out in particular. During the season, there will be weekly recaps every Monday summarizing how each affiliate did during their 6-game weekly series, highlighting key performances and previewing the week ahead for each team. Right now with Spring Training in progress, I will keep you updated on how the Orioles' top prospects and invitees perform during Spring Training exhibitions.

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Did your favorite players and prospects get promoted to the next level? I'll have that here for you! You will be kept in the loop about news, headlines, promotions, transactions (trades, signings) and injury updates. In addition, you will be notified of any Baltimore Orioles making rehab appearances just in case you want to venture out and see your favorite Orioles in your hometown Minor League ballpark.

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Have you ever wanted to know more about a specific player, coach, or staff member? Check regularly as I write features and profiles about your favorite Minor League Orioles. Get to know them better and learn about their story through my feature blogs.

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Don't worry. This page isn't all just stats and news. I'll be throwing in my own memories, experiences, and stories of Orioles Minor League ball into my work.

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Whatever you want to know about the Orioles' Minor Leagues, it's all right here. I am glad to be here and I want to excite you, Birdland, about the future Baltimore Orioles and the stages that they are taking to get there. I also want to motivate you to go out and watch our affiliates play and see the talent with your own eyes. Who knows? Maybe you'll run into me at a game!

 

Thank you for visiting my blog site, and I hope you enjoy "Learning To Fly." Let's Go O's! 

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-Grant DeVivo