Baltimore sports fans have often yelled O during the Star Spangled Banner at sporting events and many other events around Maryland. The Star Spangled Banner carries history in Baltimore and the fans are proud of the song.
Game after game in Baltimore Sports the O comes and on comes the game. The O was rumored to be started by legendary Oriole fan the late "Wild" Bill Hagey. Wild Bill was a Baltimore Taxi driver famous by Oriole fans for getting the upper deck as Baltimore's old Memorial Stadium back in the 1970's to stand up and follow his cheer, O-R-I-O-L-E-S, Orioles,O-R-I-O-L-E-S,Orioles.
It was rumored also that Wild Bill started yelling O during the national anthem and fans soon followed the following games. The cheer would be heard into the lower part of Memorial Stadium and soon those fans would yell O during the anthem.
Others claim it was started back in the 1960's. Those original Orioles fans know for sure. Will Bill is a legend in Baltimore sports even though he never stepped onto the field as a pro. The O is heard to this day at Orioles games as long as other sporting events for local colleges,the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team. Heck it even can be heard at NASCAR events in both Richmond and Dover.
The O is yelled the loudest in this day and age at Baltimore Ravens games. Naturally crowds of around 80,000 people can be heard. The Ravens sell out every game and of course cheering goes on. O can also be heard into Washington DC sporting events. DC is roughly 35 minutes away from Camden Yards so one can see a fan will venture into DC to watch a Washington Wizards game and a Washington Capitals game. The O has been yelled occasionally at Washington Nationals game but in due time that yell may depart when the Nationals slowly build up their tradition.
The Washington Redskins games are actually played in Maryland. Landover,Maryland right near Largo,Maryland. Does this yell upset some Redskins fans? I am sure but traditions is tradition in Maryland.
So here is to you Wild Bill. OOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!-
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