Orioles Fans Leave in Protest

Nearly a thousand disgruntled Orioles fans walked out of Baltimore’s game against Detroit en masse on Thursday, culminating a demonstration aimed at team owner Peter Angelos.

A majority of the protesters wore black T-shirts that read “Free the Birds,” and many carried signs that had “For Pete’s Sake” on one side and “Free the Birds” on the other.

They filled parts of six sections in the upper deck, then walked out in the fourth inning at precisely 5:08 p.m. EDT -- in honor of former Orioles stars Brooks Robinson (No. 5) and Cal Ripken (No. 8).

The group walked in line through the lower deck before departing. Baltimore is in the midst of its club-record ninth consecutive losing season, all of them under the leadership of Angelos, who gained control of the franchise in 1993.

“We are here to show our dissatisfaction with his role, and some of the stupid decisions he has made,” said 43-year-old fan Eric Hunter. “We want someone in there who will spend the money to do the things that will bring the fans back.”

Angelos defended the fashion in which he runs the team, which last reached the playoffs in 1997.

“Whoever joins that protest has no comprehension of what it costs to run a baseball team,” Angelos said.

The rally was organized by Nestor Aparicio, the nephew of former Orioles shortstop Luis Aparicio.

“He is a very unimportant person who has delusions of grandeur,” Angelos said.

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The Atlanta Braves exercised the team’s $8-million option for 2007 on John Smoltz, ensuring that the right-handed pitcher will return for his 19th season with the team.

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Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ryan Freel will sit out the rest of the season because of a broken left thumb, the team said.

The Reds also said pitcher Eric Milton would have arthroscopic surgery today on his left elbow. He is expected to be ready for spring training.

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New York Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi has a small ligament tear in his left wrist and will sit out the weekend series against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

In other news, General Manager Brian Cashman said pitcher Carl Pavano wouldn’t throw anymore this season. “He’s still experiencing shoulder pain,” Cashman said.