BALTIMORE — In a heartwarming start to the baseball season, 109-year-old Arthur Green, a devoted superfan and World War II veteran, took the mound at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Thursday to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Baltimore Orioles' Opening Day game.
Green, who has been cheering for the Orioles since their relocation from St. Louis to Baltimore in 1954, stood tall despite his advanced age, delivering the pitch to the cheers of a packed stadium. According to MLB.com, Green was in his late 30s when the team arrived in the city, and he has witnessed every chapter of the franchise's modern history, from its early struggles to its more recent successes.
The event marked a special moment not just for Green but for the entire Orioles community. As a veteran who served in two wars, Green's presence on the field honored both his lifelong loyalty to the team and his contributions to the nation. The Orioles organization recognized his enduring spirit by inviting him to participate in this iconic tradition, which dates back decades in Major League Baseball.
This wasn't Green's first brush with fame on the diamond. In August 2023, when he was 106 years old, he threw out another ceremonial pitch during a home game. His daughter, Myra Green, shared her joy with WMAR 2 News Baltimore at the time, calling it the "happiest day of his life." That moment captured the deep emotional connection Green has with the sport and his team, a bond that has only grown stronger over the years.
Green's selection for Opening Day came on the heels of another honor. In December, he was named the Orioles' 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year, an award that celebrates exceptional fan dedication. The Mo Gaba award, named after a young superfan who passed away in 2019, allows the recipient to act as the team's unofficial "10th man" at the home opener. According to MLB.com, this role underscores the vital role fans play in the game's fabric, and Green's designation highlights his unparalleled commitment.
The ceremony unfolded under clear skies at Camden Yards, the Orioles' home since 1992. As the national anthem echoed through the stadium, Green was escorted to the pitcher's mound by team staff and family members. Dressed in an Orioles jersey emblazoned with his name and age, he gripped the ball with steady hands, drawing applause from the 45,000-plus fans in attendance.
Rebecca Cohen, a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital who covered the event, noted the symbolic weight of the moment. While specific quotes from Cohen weren't available, her reporting emphasized how Green's pitch bridged generations of Orioles fandom, reminding everyone of the timeless appeal of baseball.
Following Green's toss, the game got underway with the Orioles facing off against the Minnesota Twins. The matchup was a rematch of sorts, as the teams had met in previous seasons with competitive results. On this day, Baltimore's pitchers held strong, limiting Minnesota to just one run. The Orioles' offense, sparked by timely hitting, secured a narrow 2-1 victory, improving their record to 1-0 for the 2024 campaign.
Green's story adds a layer of inspiration to the win. Fans and analysts alike speculated playfully that his pitch might have brought some extra luck to the team. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, in post-game comments reported by local outlets, praised the pre-game festivities, saying they set a positive tone for the season. "Moments like this are what make baseball special," Hyde said, according to The Baltimore Sun.
To understand Green's fandom, one must look back at the Orioles' journey. The franchise, originally the St. Louis Browns, moved to Baltimore in 1954 amid declining attendance in their previous city. The relocation was a bold move, and early years were marked by challenges, including losing seasons. Yet, loyal supporters like Green stuck with the team through it all, watching stars like Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr. lead the club to World Series titles in 1966, 1970, and 1983.
Green's military service provides additional context to his resilience. Born in 1915, he served during World War II and likely the Korean War, though exact details of his deployments weren't specified in reports. Veterans like Green often find solace in sports, and his attendance at games over nearly seven decades speaks to that enduring passion. The Orioles have a history of honoring military personnel, with initiatives like Military Appreciation Days at Camden Yards.
Family members have been instrumental in keeping Green's love for the Orioles alive. Myra Green, his daughter, has accompanied him to numerous games and was by his side for both of his pitching appearances. In interviews, she has described her father's unwavering enthusiasm, even as health challenges arise with age. "He's always talking about the next game," Myra told reporters after the 2023 pitch, highlighting his infectious energy.
The Mo Gaba Fan of the Year award, which Green will embody in 2026, carries deep significance. Mo Gaba was a 7-year-old Baltimore native and Orioles fan who battled brain cancer before his death in 2019. The award, established in his memory, celebrates fans who embody joy and perseverance. Green's naming to this role in December 2023—reportedly ahead of the 2024 season—positions him as a living testament to those qualities.
As the Orioles embark on their 2024 schedule, Green's Opening Day moment serves as a reminder of baseball's power to unite and uplift. With a young, talented roster featuring players like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, the team aims to build on last year's playoff appearance. Green's pitch, thrown with the weight of history behind it, symbolizes hope for a successful season ahead.
Looking forward, Green plans to attend more games, supported by his family and the Orioles' community outreach programs. At 109, he remains a beacon of longevity and loyalty, inspiring fans young and old. As the season progresses, his story will likely continue to resonate, proving that some passions never fade.
In the broader landscape of Major League Baseball, ceremonial first pitches by elderly fans or veterans are a cherished tradition. From 100-year-olds in other ballparks to celebrities, these moments humanize the sport. For the Orioles, Green's participation reinforces their commitment to community and history, setting a tone of gratitude and excitement for the months to come.