A core player from a prior Orioles era got lost in the debate over whether Jackson Holliday should wear Cal Ripken Sr.'s uniform number. But that's typical for Mark Belanger.
I'm glad to see Belanger remembered. I never saw another shortstop play the position any better and I loved watching him go in the hole, somehow catch the ball and make that long throw to first to get the out. In 1969 he hit .287, a bonus on a team that needed his glove more than his bat.
The respect that he received from his manager and teammates just shines through in these interviews. Love what Earl said: "He was so good it didn't matter what he hit."
I remember Belanger making an error playing second base in the Steve Barber-Stu Miller combined no hitter in 1967 that allowed either the tying or winning run to score. I have always thought that the number 7 should have been retired in his honor. I believe he was head and shoulders above the other shortstops in Orioles history and that’s really saying something.
Two errors in that game and both led to runs. One by Belanger and one by Al Kaline. Arguably two of the all-time best at their positions. You gotta love baseball.
I'm glad to see Belanger remembered. I never saw another shortstop play the position any better and I loved watching him go in the hole, somehow catch the ball and make that long throw to first to get the out. In 1969 he hit .287, a bonus on a team that needed his glove more than his bat.
The respect that he received from his manager and teammates just shines through in these interviews. Love what Earl said: "He was so good it didn't matter what he hit."
I remember Belanger making an error playing second base in the Steve Barber-Stu Miller combined no hitter in 1967 that allowed either the tying or winning run to score. I have always thought that the number 7 should have been retired in his honor. I believe he was head and shoulders above the other shortstops in Orioles history and that’s really saying something.
Two errors in that game and both led to runs. One by Belanger and one by Al Kaline. Arguably two of the all-time best at their positions. You gotta love baseball.
I think I might need to write something about that game. So unique.
He was not at second for long.