Sam Dingman, co-host of The Rumor podcast, visits “I Was There” to explore a different Cal Ripken Jr. narrative on Episode 3, Part 2: “A Single Tear.”
A discussion that begins with 2131 turns into an exploration of weightier topics as two lifelong Orioles fans chat about the power of collective experience, sports as a means of emotional expression for men, and the merits of cheering for a losing team. We also share embarrassing stories about our out-of-character public outbursts while watching live sports.
Sam discusses on the show how he sobbed in the stands during the final game at Memorial Stadium (1:52). If you watch the video below, you can understand why.
Manny Alexander caught a pop fly to make the 2131 game official. As we discuss on the podcast (10:02), another of Alexander’s Oriole notables is that he pitched two-thirds of an inning in a 26-7 loss to the Texas Rangers on April 19, 1996. His five runs allowed left the infielder with a 67.50 career ERA.
Sam shares a humorous anecdote about his public outburst in a New York bar when the Orioles defeated the Yankees 5-4 on Sept. 8, 2012 (32:50). A controversial game-ending double play featured Mark Teixeira being called out after diving into first base. Yankees manager Joe Girardi declared afterward: “He was safe. He was clearly safe.” Judge for yourself.
I followed that up with my own embarrassing public moment following the dramatic finish to Game 2 of the 1996 ALDS between the Yankees and the Texas Rangers on Oct. 2, 1996. See how that game ended below.
Sam shares some of his top Orioles moments at the ballpark to wrap up Episode 3, Part 2 (49:14). In addition to 2131 and the last game at Memorial Stadium, the 2012 ALDS ranks high on his list. See Jim Johnson strike out Alex Rodriguez to end Game 2 – a moment Sam describes as producing one of the loudest crowd roars he’s heard at Camden Yards – below.
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