Roberts Gets A Second Chance To Start All Over Again
Brian Roberts worked his way through the minor league system of the Baltimore Orioles to earn his shot at the big leagues in 2012.
With his boyish looks and ever-present smile, it was as if he was making his 2001 major league debut all over again Tuesday.
After taking more than a year to recover from concussion symptoms, Roberts returned to the Orioles roster, reclaiming his spot at the top of the batting order and out at second base.
"I felt like a rookie in some ways," Roberts said. "In other ways, it felt normal, which was good. I think being in our home ballpark helped a lot. This is kind of like home away from home. I've spent a lot of days here in my life. I had the excitement of when I was a rookie, but I was a little more calm than when I was a rookie. I actually wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be."
Roberts showed no rust, going 3-for-4 with a sacrifice fly RBI to help lead the Orioles to a 8-6 win over the Pirates. From the start of the game, Roberts was trying hard to fight back tears. Many, including himself at times, never thought Roberts would don an Orioles uniform again. When Roberts walked to home plate for his first at-bat, the fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards rose to their feet and applauded the two-time All-Star.
"I actually got a little more emotional than I thought I was going to," he said. "It took me a second to gather myself for a minute. It was very special and much appreciated, that's for sure. The fans have been so great and supportive of me the whole time. That was special."
Manager Buck Showalter said he would pencil Roberts into the lineup at second base most nights now. Showalter said Roberts looked good physically and had strong at bats.
"It was fun to watch," Showalter said. "Guys kind of fed off it because they know what it meant to him. He looked very comfortable."
Posted June 13, 2012
