The 94th annual Midsummer Classic is set to take place next Tuesday, July 16th at 8 p.m. We already know the players that will be playing in the game, and we even know the athletic trainers (including Baltimore’s own, Brian Ebel). Earlier this week the fans learned that the Baltimore Orioles ball boy Tyler Smith will also make the trip to Arlington, selected as a part of the AL team.
Tyler Smith, 31, lives in Camp Hill, PA and works in an administrative role at East Pennsboro school district. Tyler is very dedicated, as he is an administrator by day, and then makes the hour-plus commute to Camden Yards at night as part of the O’s ball crew. I had the honor of talking with Tyler earlier this week and got to ask him a few questions.
Smith was introduced to the role by his brother. The two went to tryouts and 2019 and were then awarded the job shortly after. Tyler says his fandom was passed down through generations of his family. “I couldn’t miss the opportunity to step foot on the field,” Smith said. Tyler and his brother both advanced to the final round of tryouts, and he says being hired was “a childhood dream come true.”
Smith says that the Orioles have always been “the team” for him. He says he hopes one day he can continue the tradition with his own son, “My grandfather taught me all about Brooks Robinson, and my dad taught me all about Cal Ripken Jr.” Smith said. “I’m starting to imagine being able to tell my own son about Orioles I’ve watched growing up and how I was blessed to have a front row seat.”
Because of his very busy school schedule, the majority of Tyler’s games come in the summer or spring/fall weekends. Tyler is working on getting his administrative certification, so he’s currently interning as an assistant principal for the elementary schools in the East Pennsboro School District. Smith says that being a ball boy has much more of an impact than just catching baseballs, “I actually feel like this job has made me a better educator in terms of communication and creativity.” On top of being a ball boy during games, Smith also helps with ceremonies and pre-game events.
Being able to meet players becomes pretty difficult when they step in between the lines at first pitch. The current Baltimore Orioles do a great job of making sure the fans’ presence is felt, “I can’t speak highly enough of how great our current roster is in terms of making sure the fans know they’re appreciated,” Tyler said. Smith does recall interacting with Brooks Robinson on “Thanks Brooks” day in 2022. “To talk about that moment with my grandpa was one of my best memories from this job.”
Fans of the Baltimore Orioles have gotten to see Tyler Smith make some great plays as a ball boy since his tenure began in 2019. What they can see now is how great of a person and leader he is. The Maryland Sports Blog team wishes Tyler the best in his endeavors as an administrator in East Pennsboro school district, and I can’t thank him enough for letting me go behind the scenes.
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