Consider this your home, Adam Jones

I am so happy that Adam Jones is staying with the Orioles (“Orioles’ Adam Jones on nixing trade to Phillies: ‘I earned this and it’s my decision,’” July 31). I grew up going to games at Memorial Stadium and then Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The O’s won a World Series when I was too little to remember. They had good seasons and bad, but one thing never changed — I loved watching them play.

I can still name my favorites from over the years. I have a child named Cal, but I also loved plenty of players whose names weren’t as famous outside of Maryland. The reason I adored my Orioles was because they were fun to watch. There were great personalities. They were active in the community and they played their hearts out — maybe it’s the exaggeration of childhood memories, but I swear there were many games where we came from way behind to win it in the bottom of the ninth. It was pure magic.

The saddest thing for me about the Orioles having to make all of these trades is that I loved the chemistry of the team as it was. They were a joy to watch and the ringleader of the celebration with his panache, hard work and sense of community is No. 10. Every time he dives for an impossible ball and catches it, while blowing a huge bubble, I am transported back to my days as a kid, rally cap on, watching my Orioles do their thing.

I’m hoping that even with all the new blood, and whatever is going on with the organization itself, Adam Jones will remain the spirit of the home team. He’s obviously a gifted leader. Let’s make sure he wants to stay until he is ready to coach. Let’s bring back the days of the career-long Orioles — and start with Adam.