If you’re heading down to Camden Yards tonight, you just might see the Orioles’ director of scouting Joe Jordan donning a purple Joe Flacco jersey.
No, the Ravens quarterback isn’t switching sports—though baseball was his second best game—but you might see his brother at the hot corner in a few years.
Earlier today, the Orioles used their 31st round selection to take third baseman Mike Flacco. The younger Flacco (22) had a great year at CCBC-Catonsville this season, hitting .399 with 14 home runs and 51 RBIs in 46 games. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, it’s clear that Joe is not the only athlete in the family blessed with size.
Realistically, this is little more than a good public relations move on the Orioles’ part, but why not take a shot on him in the 31st round? If he somehow makes it to the major leagues in a few years, it would be a marketing goldmine for both of Baltimore’s professional teams.
I briefly spoke to Joe after practice concluded in Owings Mills on Tuesday, and the Flacco family was very excited about Mike’s draft chances and mentioned the Orioles were interested.
If the Orioles are really on top of things, they will have an invitation waiting for the Flacco brothers to throw out the first pitch at Camden Yards as soon as Mike signs his first professional contract. It won’t fill up the ballpark, but it would be nice token of solidarity between the two franchises.
With Al Bumbry’s son Steve being selected in the 12th round and Flacco being grabbed in the 31st, it’s interesting to see the Orioles use some local ties with a couple selections.
Will Orioles fans be “Wacco for Flacco” in a few years?
It’s a long shot, but it will be a compelling story to monitor as he makes his way through the minor leagues in an effort to join his brother in the Charm City.
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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