A 109-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran, embodying true American grit, throws the ceremonial first pitch at Orioles Opening Day, reminding us of timeless patriotism amid today’s endless foreign entanglements.
Story Highlights
- Arthur Green, 109, lifelong Orioles fan and 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year, delivers Opening Day first pitch at Camden Yards on March 26, 2026.
- Crowd erupts in standing ovation as Green, escorted by daughter Myra, tosses pitch to superstar Gunnar Henderson before 2-1 Orioles win over Twins.
- Green’s 70+ years of fandom span the franchise’s entire Baltimore history since 1954 relocation; previously threw pitch at age 106 in 2023.
- Event honors military service and family legacy, offering wholesome inspiration as Americans question overseas wars draining resources from home.
Green’s Remarkable Journey as Orioles Fan
Born around 1917, Arthur Green served in World War II and the Korean War before becoming a dedicated Baltimore Orioles supporter. He witnessed the franchise’s 1954 move from St. Louis to Baltimore at age 37, rooting for the team over seven decades. Named the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year in late December 2025, Green earned this nod for embodying the “10th man” spirit, honoring late fan Mo Gaba. His selection capped a lifetime of loyalty through highs and lows of the sport.
Opening Day Moment Ignites Camden Yards
On March 26, 2026, at Orioles Park at Camden Yards, 109-year-old Arthur Green threw the ceremonial first pitch before the season opener against the Minnesota Twins. Escorted by daughter Myra, Green delivered the ball to catcher Gunnar Henderson. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation, celebrating his extraordinary age and service. This preceded the Orioles’ narrow 2-1 victory, tying the heartfelt moment to on-field success and fan passion.
Prior Honors and Family Legacy
In August 2023, at age 106, Green threw a first pitch at Camden Yards, which Myra called the happiest day of his life. That repeat honor underscores his enduring connection to the team. Escorted again by Myra for the 2026 event, the ceremony highlighted family bonds alongside military valor. Such traditions recognize veterans who built America strong, contrasting with modern distractions like government overreach and fiscal waste.
MLB’s choice of Green over celebrities or politicians reinforces baseball’s roots in community and real heroes. His story resonates with conservatives valuing service, family, and simple joys amid frustrations over high energy costs and unfulfilled promises to avoid new wars.
RED, WHITE AND BASEBALL: Crowd erupts as 109-year-old veteran Arthur Green kicks off Orioles' season with the first pitch on Opening Day. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xgG7vUg7YV
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 29, 2026
Lasting Impact on Fans and Veterans
The event generated national buzz through MLB video and ABC News coverage by March 27, 2026, boosting Opening Day excitement. It strengthens Orioles fan loyalty and Baltimore pride while uplifting veterans’ recognition. Long-term, it sets a high bar for honoring supercentenarians in sports, countering declining youth attendance with intergenerational tales. In tough times of war and inflation, Green’s pitch reminds us to cherish home front victories and constitutional freedoms.
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109-year-old veteran throws first pitch at Orioles Opening Day
109-Year-Old Veteran Arthur Green Proves Love of the Game Never Fades with Orioles First Pitch
Video 109-year-old Orioles fan throws first pitch on Opening Day
