109-year-old veteran throws ceremonial first pitch at Orioles' season opener

Arthur Green, a WWII and Korean War veteran, was named the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year and got to throw out the first pitch.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:04pm

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Arthur Green, a 109-year-old Baltimore resident and longtime Orioles fan, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the team's season opener against the Minnesota Twins on March 26. Green, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was surprised with the honor of being named the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year, which allows one fan to act as the Orioles' '10th man' at the first home game every year.

Why it matters

The Orioles' decision to honor Green, a centenarian and lifelong fan, at their home opener highlights the team's commitment to engaging with its loyal fanbase and celebrating the community's history and passion for baseball.

The details

Following Green's ceremonial pitch, the Orioles went on to defeat the Twins 2-1 in a pitchers' duel. Orioles starter Trevor Rogers pitched seven shutout innings, while Twins starter Joe Ryan also had a strong outing. The Orioles broke through in the seventh inning with RBIs from Colton Cowser and Blaze Alexander to secure the victory.

  • Arthur Green threw out the ceremonial first pitch on March 26, 2026, at the Orioles' season opener.
  • The Orioles defeated the Twins 2-1 on March 26, 2026.

The players

Arthur Green

A 109-year-old Baltimore resident and veteran of World War II and the Korean War, who was named the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year by the Orioles.

Trevor Rogers

The Orioles' starting pitcher, who threw seven shutout innings to lead the team to a 2-1 victory over the Twins on opening day.

Joe Ryan

The Twins' starting pitcher, who had a strong outing but was outdueled by Rogers.

Colton Cowser

The Orioles' outfielder who drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.

Blaze Alexander

The Orioles' infielder who delivered a two-out RBI single in the seventh inning to give the team a 2-0 lead.

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What they’re saying

“Arthur Green throws out the first pitch at the Orioles' season opener against the Minnesota Twins on March 26. The 109-year-old veteran was named the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year, an honor that allows one fan to act as the Orioles' '10th man' at the first home game every year.”

— Orioles

What’s next

The Orioles and Twins will continue their series on March 28, with the Twins starting Taj Bradley and the Orioles countering with Kyle Bradish.

The takeaway

The Orioles' decision to honor a 109-year-old lifelong fan like Arthur Green at their home opener demonstrates the team's commitment to engaging with its loyal fanbase and celebrating the community's passion for baseball, even as the team looks to build on its success from the previous season.