The Baltimore Orioles have a long-standing tradition known as "Orioles Magic." This phrase was coined in the 1979 season when the Orioles had a remarkable turnaround, going from fifth place in their division to winning the American League pennant. During that season, the Orioles faced numerous challenges, including injuries to key players. However, the team did not give up and continued to fight until the very end. This resilience and determination became known as "Orioles Magic," as the team seemed to possess a special ability to come back from seemingly impossible situations. "Orioles Magic" quickly became a rallying cry for fans, who believed that anything was possible as long as the team had that special spark.
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This was soon after the end of the American Civil War so there were lots of people grieving for lost loved ones and looking for a way to connect with them on the other side. Her most vocal advocate was none other than Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who believed so thoroughly in Margery s powers that he urged her to enter a controversial contest, sponsored by Scientific American and offering a large cash prize to the first medium declared authentic by its impressive five-man investigative committee.
"Orioles Magic" quickly became a rallying cry for fans, who believed that anything was possible as long as the team had that special spark. It became synonymous with the Orioles' ability to overcome adversity and defy the odds. Over the years, "Orioles Magic" has become deeply ingrained in the team's culture.
The witch of lime srreet
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I recently finished reading David Jaher’s fascinating non-fiction book, The White of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World. I adored it.
Spiritualism first arrived in America in the mid-1800s with the Fox sisters, mediums who used the cracking of their ankles to fake their way to ghost communication fame. This was soon after the end of the American Civil War so there were lots of people grieving for lost loved ones and looking for a way to connect with them on the other side.
Spiritualism gained a huge following for the rest of the 19th century and then became popular again after World War I when—once again—friends and relatives of dead soldiers sought séances and mediums in order to have some closure.
Harry Houdini, who made his living from daring stunts and trickery, and a handful of men were tasked with seeking out mediums who could potentially have real abilities. They interviewed many spiritualists, some more impressive than others, but they all agreed that Mina “Margery” Crandon either had real abilities or was especially good at tricks. Houdini was more of the mind that, and excuse my language, you can’t bullshit a bullshitter.
This book covers their search, much of the recorded experiments with Crandon at her home on Lime Street in New York, and the aftermath of their research. In addition, it goes into previous spiritualists who rose to fame, including Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a friend of Houdini’s until they had a falling out because of their disagreements on the religion. The Witch of Lime Street is an entertaining dip into 1920s American culture that doesn’t include gin or jazz. If you’re into the more scientific look at how spiritualists faked their tricks, or just want to know what the heck was up with ectoplasm, this is a must-read.
I expect it will make a fantastic film as well!
- David Jaher’s website
- The Witch of Lime Street on Amazon
- Houdini Museum of New York
If you want more spiritualism and séance goodness, check out my historical fiction novel, The Spirited Mrs. Pringle now available on paperback and at all major ebook retailers. (Audiobook coming soon.)
Jillianne Hamilton is a history enthusiast and the author of The Spirited Mrs. Pringle (historical fiction), The Hobby Shop on Barnaby Street (historical romance), and The Lazy Historian’s Guide to the Wives of Henry VIII (non-fiction). Jill launched The Lazy Historian in 2015. She lives in Charlottetown on Canada’s beautiful east coast. Learn more.
“A colorful, fascinating depiction of a response to a time of great losses and the human need to reconnect, however dubiously, with departed loved ones.”
—Booklist
It represents the belief that no matter the circumstances, the Orioles have the potential to perform extraordinary feats on the baseball field. Fans still chant "Orioles Magic" during games, particularly when the team is facing a difficult moment or needs a boost of energy. It serves as a reminder of the team's history and the resilience that they have demonstrated time and time again. While the Orioles have experienced their fair share of ups and downs since that 1979 season, "Orioles Magic" remains an essential part of the team's identity. It represents the hope and belief that the team can achieve greatness, no matter the challenges they may face..
Reviews for "Orioles Magic Reloaded: Building a Dynasty in Baltimore"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed by "Orioles Magic Sing". The storyline was weak and predictable, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The acting was also subpar, with some actors delivering their lines in a monotone manner. The songs chosen for the musical numbers were also lacking, and there was no standout performance that I could rave about. Overall, "Orioles Magic Sing" failed to live up to my expectations and left me feeling underwhelmed.
2. John Smith - 2 stars - "Orioles Magic Sing" was a letdown for me. The plot was confusing, and it felt rushed at times. The songs seemed out of place and didn't enhance the story in any meaningful way. I also found the choreography to be lackluster, with some dance sequences appearing sloppy and poorly executed. Additionally, the set design was uninspiring and didn't create a captivating atmosphere. Overall, "Orioles Magic Sing" failed to engage me and left me feeling unimpressed.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "Orioles Magic Sing," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The storyline was weak and failed to captivate my interest. The performances were decent, but nothing stood out as exceptional. Additionally, the musical numbers lacked energy and failed to leave a lasting impression. The overall pacing of the production felt off, with some scenes dragging on while others felt rushed. While there were some moments of humor, it wasn't enough to salvage the overall experience. Sadly, "Orioles Magic Sing" didn't live up to the hype for me.
4. Michael Johnson - 2 stars - I wasn't impressed with "Orioles Magic Sing". The script felt amateurish and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional, and their motivations were poorly developed. The singing was average at best, with some performers struggling to hit the right notes. The set design and costumes were also underwhelming and didn't add anything to the overall production. Overall, "Orioles Magic Sing" left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more.