Beyond the Orioles Score: Manager Craig Albernaz Plays it Safe After Near Miss

When baseball fans check the latest Orioles score, they are usually looking for home runs, strikeouts, or clutch hits. However, during the series finale against the A’s at Camden Yards, the most talked-about moment had nothing to do with the scoreboard and everything to do with dugout safety.

A Close Call at Camden Yards

In the second inning, the atmosphere shifted from routine to risky. Baltimore slugger Pete Alonso sliced a 67 mph foul liner that screamed directly into the first-base dugout. The ball zoomed dangerously close to where manager Craig Albernaz was standing by the steps.

For most, it would have been a momentary scare. For Albernaz, it was a reminder of a much darker day earlier this season. On April 13, Albernaz suffered a brutal hit from a ball off the bat of Jeremiah Jackson, resulting in a broken jaw and at least seven facial fractures. That incident forced him to miss the conclusion of a thrilling comeback win over the Diamondbacks while he received urgent medical care.

Humor in the Face of Danger

Known for his resilience and sense of humor, Albernaz didn’t let the near-miss rattle him—at least not in a way that stopped him from making a joke. After the ball passed, Albernaz decided that standard dugout positioning wasn’t enough protection.

In a series of comedic moves that delighted those watching, Albernaz:

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• Grabbed a catcher’s glove to pretend he was ready for the next fly ball.
• Walked to the end of the dugout to retrieve a full catcher’s mask.
• Topped it all off by placing his manager’s hat right on top of the helmet.

Standing by the steps fully geared up, “Alby” proved he was ready for any “foul ball pic” the media could capture.

A Return to His Roots

While the sight of a manager in full gear is unusual, it was a nostalgic nod to Albernaz’s professional history. Long before managing in the MLB, Albernaz spent years behind the plate. He served as a Minor League catcher for both the Rays and Tigers between 2006 and 2014, following his collegiate career at Eckerd College.

As Pete Alonso eventually grounded out to end the at-bat, Albernaz returned his gear to the bench. However, if the Orioles’ hitters continue to send foul balls into the dugout with such frequency, the manager might just make his catching gear a permanent part of his uniform.

Key Takeaways from the Incident:

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• Safety First: The unpredictability of foul balls remains a constant risk for dugout personnel.
• Resilience: Albernaz’s ability to joke about his previous severe injuries shows incredible mental toughness.
• Baseball Heritage: The transition from player (catcher) to manager often brings practical skills—and equipment—back into play.