The UMBC Retrievers men's basketball team has jumped to celebrity status since beating No. 1 overall seed Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a first in the event's history.
. @UMBC_MBB enjoyed their newfound celebrity status, as they were greeted by a warm reception from the crowd when they participated in @Coachryanodom ceremonial first pitch pic.twitter.com/RArG3GFnQm
— WMAR-2 News (@WMAR2News) April 21, 2018
As part of their newfound fame, they have been the toast of the town, enjoying kudos and special opportunities across the state. Friday night was one more special experience for the team, as Coach Ryan Odom and his squad were able to take the field at Camden Yards as the coach threw out the first pitch prior to the Orioles' game against the Cleveland Indians.
. @Coachryanodom compared the nerves of playing the upsetting the No. 1 overall seed compared to throwing a pitch in a sport that's not his area of expertise @UMBC_MBB @UMBCAthletics pic.twitter.com/aEHhJ75DRl
— WMAR-2 News (@WMAR2News) April 21, 2018
"That was definitely nerve-wracking right there," said Odom after he threw out the first pitch, comparing it to postseason basketball tension. "I'm not a baseball game. I didn't graduate from tee-ball."
. @KJ_Maura24 has been enjoying all the love @UMBC_MBB has been getting since they made history. He is hoping to keep his basketball career going, with the first stop in Puerto Rico pic.twitter.com/7M8iRqrL66
— WMAR-2 News (@WMAR2News) April 21, 2018
. @_jlyles big smile gained notoriety as his team shocked the sports world. He is excited to see what @UMBC_MBB can do in the future. @UMBCAthletics pic.twitter.com/k5BFoomFAi
— WMAR-2 News (@WMAR2News) April 21, 2018
Click the picture below to view photos from the event:
Orioles celebrate UMBC basketball
The UMBC Retrievers men's basketball team has jumped to celebrity status since beating No. 1 overall seed Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a first in the event's history.
