To start off this week's edition of Out of the Park, I first want to give thanks to the Winter Meetings last week for taking on the majority of the social media buzz. Although it was mostly just rumors, they took up most of your attention on the Twittersphere, blogosphere or whatever sphere you prefer.
That being said, let's get to what some Orioles were doing this week with the holidays among us.
MASN's Jim Palmer was celebrating this week, but it was wife Susan's birthday instead of a holiday.
Happy birthday to the love of my life. Susan Palmer #oneofakind
-- Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) December 16, 2015
Adam Jones was getting his family and house in the holiday spirit with an Instagram of the Jones family's beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
A photo posted by 10 (@simplyaj10) on
Meanwhile, Caleb Joseph was preoccupied trying to figure out a new Twitter handle and had O's fans send in suggestions. The catcher appropriately settled on @EutawBackstop and was kind enough to send the fan who suggested it an autographed jersey!
I officially have a new Twitter handle, Thanks @Kopper35 for the suggestion. We've got an autographed jersey coming your way from @Orioles.
-- Caleb Joseph (@EutawBackstop) December 16, 2015
Thanks to all fans who sent in ideas. There were a lot of great choices. It was a tough decision! Thanks 4 your support Baltimore! @Orioles
-- Caleb Joseph (@EutawBackstop) December 16, 2015
While it seemed like everyone was staying busy, Tyler Wilson was looking for ways to stay awake this week.
#morningGoals pic.twitter.com/Vy07Jtvb9i
-- Tyler Wilson (@t_willy18) December 17, 2015
A good amount of coffee was probably consumed while at these different charity events over the course of the week. It started with Jones' #StayHungryPurpleTailgate, which raised $11,575 for the Boys & Girls Club of Baltimore.
The Oriole Bird made a stop at the University of Maryland Medical Center to visit some children for the holidays.
It warms my heart to bring a smile to the faces of the children at @UMMC @UMMCChildren. pic.twitter.com/qpS3wTmZsF
-- The Oriole Bird (@OrioleBird) December 17, 2015
Thank you so much for coming! The kids had a blast! https://t.co/TnXWTbvSnu
-- U. of MD Med. Center (@UMMC) December 18, 2015
And the week caps off with L.J. Hoes presenting the fourth annual "Gift of Joy" toy drive tomorrow at Arundel Mills Mall to benefit St. Anne's Center for Children, Youth and Families. Hoes will also be joined by MASN's Jim Hunter.
Come out and Help me spread some Holiday cheer this Saturday at Dave and Busters Arundel Mills from 4-6 pm. pic.twitter.com/doZAQyTX0v
-- L.J. Hoes (@MRLJHOES2U) December 14, 2015
Happy to be joining @MRLJHOES2U this Sat. for his 4th annual "Gift of Joy" toy drive at Dave & Busters at Arundel Mills Mall from 4-6 (1/2)
-- Jim Hunter (@JimOriolesTV) December 16, 2015
Bonus: With "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opening in theaters everywhere today, I thought I'd leave you with this Vine of the Oriole Bird sharpening his Jedi skills in preparation for the saga's newest installment.
The Force is strong with this one. May the Force be with you all.
We'll be taking a two-week break for the holidays, so see you in 2016, Birdland!