What were the best quotes in the world of Baltimore sports in 2023? Here are a few, from Mike Elias to Roquan Smith to Cal Ripken Jr.
“I didn’t get a single carry. He should never have been in that situation. I believe I would have put it in the end zone, again.”
– Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins on QB Tyler Huntley’s decisive goal-line fumble during the Ravens’ 24-17 loss to the Bengals in the wild-card round on Jan. 15
“It’s a homer hose, not a dong bong.”
– Orioles RHP Kyle Gibson explaining the team’s home run celebration after his April 10 start against the Athletics
“We do feel that he’s the best quarterback in the NFL, and I think this contract reflects that.”
– Ravens GM Eric DeCosta after the team agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract with QB Lamar Jackson on April 27
“It’s easier when you’re just seeing one baseball instead of three at the plate.”
– Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle explaining why his production exploded when he returned from a bout with vertigo that sidelined him from major league action from June 9 to July 8
“Nobody gave us a chance at the start of this year — nobody. That’s 100 wins right there. That’s 100 wins and our first step. We just won the AL East!”
– Orioles manager Brandon Hyde kicking off the clubhouse celebration after beating the Red Sox, 2-0, to clinch the AL East on Sept. 28
“I will miss him. We will miss him. But he leaves us with so many great memories that will live on.”
– Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. while fighting back tears during Brooks Robinson’s memorial service at Camden Yards on Oct. 2
“This group of players, regardless of where else they go in their careers and their lives, I hope that the city of Baltimore remembers this group for kind of reminding the world that this is Baltimore and we do baseball here.”
– Orioles GM Mike Elias on Oct. 12, reflecting on the team’s 101-win season
“Sunday we’ll be ready, so we’ll be ready to welcome those guys here. They’re playing good ball, but hey, I’m from the show-me business. So you’ve got to show me.”
– Ravens LB Roquan Smith on Oct. 18 before the Lions came to Baltimore with a 5-1 record; the Ravens won the Week 7 matchup, 38-6
“That’s the guy who I entered the league with. We’ve been bread and butter, peanut butter and jelly — whatever you want to call it. It’s very tough, because that’s my boy.”
– Ravens QB Lamar Jackson after All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews suffered a serious ankle injury during the Ravens’ 34-20 win against the Bengals on Nov. 16
Photo Credits: Colin Murphy and Kenya Allen/PressBox
Issue 284: December 2023 / January 2024
Originally published Dec. 13, 2023