At age 34, Dickerson opening some eyes

Veteran, unsigned most of last season, eager to prove he can ‘play at a high level’

SARASOTA, FLA. — Chris Dickerson is fighting for one of the few available outfield spots on the Orioles’ Opening Day roster this spring, hoping to extend his major league career at the age of 34.

He hasn’t played in a big league game since September 2014. And his recovery from left shoulder surgery in June 2015 left him without an organization through all of last season before the Orioles, in need of better outfield defense, signed him to a minor league deal in August.

Dickerson returned this season on a minor league deal and is one of 13 outfielders in camp. His play five games into the Grapefruit League schedule has raised some eyebrows.

The Orioles realize the kind of asset Dickerson can potentially be. He played 56 games with them in 2013, hitting .238/.266/.400, including his first career walk-off homer May 31 against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards. He also provided solid defense with the Orioles, with three defensive runs saved playing 28 games in the outfield.

“He’s a piece,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “He can defend at three positions. He’s made three or four plays down here not many people make already. He’s a plus runner. He’s not afraid to go. He still runs well. He’s another depth guy for us, and sometimes those guys work into more of the picture than that.”

But at this time last year, Dickerson realized he had to prepare for life after his playing career, which spanned seven organizations. In the summer, he pursued a future in broadcasting, but it didn’t feel right.

“I just remember when I sat down at MLB Network behind the desk for the first time, I’m watching these games and I’m thinking, ‘This isn’t me. Not yet. I’m 33, 34. This isn’t me. This is a dream of mine to broadcast and be behind the desk, but this isn’t me right now,’ ” Dickerson said. “And I’m just looking at all these games and I’m Notes: Bundy makes spring debut as a starter